SkillSoft to Reduce Content Administration through SAP(R) Enterprise Learning environment supported by Open Learning Services

New SkillSoft OLSA Integration with SAP Enterprise Learning Addresses Customer Concerns with Administrative Overhead and Improves Speed-to-Learning

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

SkillSoft PLC (Nasdaq: SKIL), a leading SaaS provider of on-demand e-learning and performance support solutions for global enterprises, government, education and small- to medium-sized businesses, today announced from the SAP HR 2008 show in Orlando Florida, that it is providing learning-services-based integration with the SAP(R) Enterprise Learning environment. SkillSoft's Open Learning Services Architecture (OLSA) makes it possible to more easily integrate SkillSoft's content with SAP Enterprise Learning. As a result, administrators spend less time maintaining content and learners get the benefits of a richer, dynamic learning experience by having access to SKIL content via a hosted OLSA solution.

With its introduction of OLSA nearly three years ago, SkillSoft became the first major provider in the corporate e-learning market to commit significant resources to delivering a comprehensive service-oriented architecture that leverages existing learning system standards, XML and emerging Web services standards. With OLSA, SkillSoft can now deliver advanced learning solutions in flexible and innovative ways to customers using a range of learning management systems, Web portals and additional enterprise applications. This announcement further validates the power of OLSA and its ability to satisfy learning demands from large-scale customers.

By taking advantage of the OLSA support, users are able to leverage SAP's learning solutions with increased ease. With this new offering, customers can now use an OLSA-hosted content server and have tracking data stored in SAP Enterprise Learning. The integration takes place via the SAP NetWeaver(R) Exchange Infrastructure (SAP NetWeaver XI) component of the SAP NetWeaver platform, which delivers open integration technologies that support process-centric collaboration across the extended value chain.

"With this integration, we have reached another milestone that enables SAP customers to get the most out of their SkillSoft investments," said John Ambrose, senior vice president of strategy, corporate development & emerging business for SkillSoft. "The method by which we provide such ease of integration shows the strength of OLSA and the need for this technology is in the marketplace."

OLSA allows customers using learning management systems to access innovative learning content and technologies from SkillSoft. The OLSA initiative is part of a technology leadership vision that SkillSoft continues to enhance. OLSA Web services provide a single WSDL file that specifies all of its services, and is based on SOAP 1.1 bindings, available using either HTTP or HTTPS.

About SkillSoft

SkillSoft PLC (Nasdaq: SKIL) is a leading SaaS provider of on-demand e-learning and performance support solutions for global enterprises, government, education and small to medium-sized businesses. SkillSoft enables business organizations to maximize business performance through a combination of comprehensive e-learning content, online information resources, flexible learning technologies and support services.

Content offerings include business, IT, desktop, compliance and consumer/SMB courseware collections, as well as complementary content assets such as Leadership Development Channel video products, KnowledgeCenter(TM) portals, virtual instructor-led training services and online mentoring services. SkillSoft's Books24x7(R) product offering includes access to more than 18,000 digitized IT and business books, as well as book summaries and executive reports. Technology offerings include the SkillPort(R) learning management system, Search-and-Learn(R), SkillSoft(R) Dialogue(TM) and virtual classroom.

SkillSoft courseware content described herein is for information purposes only and is subject to change without notice. SkillSoft has no obligation or commitment to develop or deliver any future release, upgrade, feature, enhancement or function described in this press release except as specifically set forth in a written agreement.

SkillSoft, the SkillSoft logo, SkillPort, Search-and-Learn, SkillChoice, Books24x7, ITPro, BusinessPro, OfficeEssentials, GovEssentials, EngineeringPro, FinancePro, AnalystPerspectives, ExecSummaries, ExecBlueprints, Express Guide and Dialogue are trademarks or registered trademarks of SkillSoft PLC in the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners, countries.

Source: SkillSoft

Released March 13, 2008