Thomson and IBM to Deliver e-learning Solutions to Fast Growing IT Training Market; Cisco...

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

NAPERVILLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 25, 2003

The Thomson Corporation and IBM today announced they have jointly developed a curriculum that offers IT professionals the flexibility to enhance their skill development while meeting the demands

According to IDC, although the IT sector continues to face challenging times, the demand for skilled network professionals - and those with Cisco skills in particular - will grow considerably over the next year, outstripping supply by more than 30 percent.

The 8-to-12 week Cisco Authorized Boot Camp, developed jointly with IBM, is an example of a comprehensive blended learning solution, providing students with a combination of traditional learning methodologies and technological advances. Blended learning leverages best practices in learning (i.e., learning strategies, methodologies, technologies, delivery and content) to quickly create, manage and deploy the optimum learning solutions that help solve real business needs -- developing the skills and competencies of the people doing the work. In addition to significant cost savings, the blended learning approach can cut by 50 percent the time required by traditional programs.

IBM has developed a blended learning approach to teach its own employees. "Approximately 48 percent of all IBM-employee training was done via e-learning in 2002, helping IBM avoid expenditures of $350 million," said Nancy DeViney, general manager of IBM Learning Solutions, IBM Global Services. "By working with Thomson, we're sharing those lessons learned to help train professionals in one of the largest segments: IT training. We've found that by having professionals study on-line in advance of classroom education, they get more out of the traditional classroom model."

Students who seek Cisco skills and certification can master fundamentals before they come to the classroom portion of the Boot Camp. The pre-class study, which consists of self-study, advice and technical guidance from subject matter experts, is required so participants join the classroom portion of the NETg Wave Boot Camp at a higher level, allowing the instructor-led classes to focus on complex technical concepts and practical skills. After intensive hands-on training, students are then ready for the final step - the certification exam.

"The new Cisco Authorized Boot Camp extends our ability to keep our customers and their learners current in a fast-moving environment, including certification in Cisco Systems core and high-growth technologies, such as wireless, IP telephony, security and storage," said Joe Dougherty, president of NETg. "Going forward, Thomson and IBM are building the next generation of blended Open Learning Solutions based on open industry standards that enable employees to participate in advanced, collaborative online classroom environments."

Students can now enroll in the Cisco Authorized Boot Camp, which starts with pre-class on-line study, at www.ibm.com/training/us/catalog/cisco. Classroom sessions will begin in September in the U.S. and the U.K., and will be available in other global markets in early 2004.

In July 2002, The Thomson Corporation and IBM announced an agreement to combine IBM's e-learning technologies and services and Thomson learning products and services, which includes the world's largest solution portfolio of professional and technical e-learning courses. The companies will co-market and resell their combined assets to corporate and government customers.

NETg, including its Wave Boot Camps for information technology professionals, is a Thomson business that specializes in IT training and development, and is a worldwide leader in corporate education and training.

About The Thomson Corporation

The Thomson Corporation (www.thomson.com), with 2002 revenues of $7.8 billion, is a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers. The Corporation's common shares are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges (TSX: TOC; NYSE: TOC). Its learning businesses and brands serve the needs of individuals, learning institutions, corporations and government agencies with products and services for both traditional and distributed learning. NETg (www.netg.com) is a global leader in Open Learning Solutions with a complete offering of integrated content, technology and services. The NETg solution is comprised of its award-winning e-learning courseware, books, online books and instructor-led training manuals, and accelerated Wave IT Boot Camps and self-study kits, as well as an online executive education and e-MBA program.

About IBM

IBM is the leading provider of learning solutions and IT training helping businesses improve workforce performance. IBM attends to the learning requirements of corporations, governments and educational institutions with an integrated portfolio of services, software, hardware, research and alliances with strategic business partners. IBM helps customers address their specific learning needs, ranging from learning infrastructure to broader transformation initiatives. With its global presence and extensive expertise, IBM draws on its world-class portfolio of e-learning software, hardware, custom content development capabilities, education and information technology services, research and award-winning experience to help customers realize the full potential of e-learning. For more information, visit www.ibm.com/learning.