PLS Global and SSSI Team to Address SCORM Issues

PLS Global and SSSI Join Forces to Address SCORM and Web Content Management -- Software tools automate processes, saving time and money--

Potomac, MD. November 17, 2002 -- PLS Global, creators of the idEa Product Suite for web-based education, today announced the signing of reseller agreements with Scientific Systems and Software International Corporation (SSSI), developers of WebZerve the innovative and affordable web page management system.
These mutual agreements allow each company to offer the others software solutions to existing and prospective customers and pave the way for bundling of WebZerve and idEa products. The idEa products have revolutionized web-based training and education by automating processes that are traditionally done manually. idEa allows clients to convert existing training or create new training which meets SCORM 1.2 conformance standards in half the time of manual methods.
SCORM stands for Sharable Courseware Object Reference, a set of specifications that, when applied to course content, produces small, reusable learning objects. A result of the Department of Defense's Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) initiative, SCORM-compliant courseware elements can be easily merged with other compliant elements to produce a highly modular repository of training materials. The idEa tools are in great demand due to the cost savings that can be realized and the fact that all federal government courses have been mandated to be SCORM conformant.
WebZerve (www.webzerve.com) is a highly effective web page management system designed to assist web professionals in managing the content of organizational web pages - ensuring accuracy and compliance with the clients publishing strategy. The system provides a more effective, efficient, and well-structured view of the organization's entire web presence. This web-based application is a powerful tool that can be utilized in any environment, through any browser or platform, and with any system. The WebZerve application is currently in use at the Department of Labor.
"We are pleased to offer our clients the outstanding tools in the idEa Suite and to allow PLS Global to represent WebZerve," stated Nayab Siddiqui, President of SSSI. As we observed that many knowledge management (KM) initiatives include web content tracking and review, we saw natural synergies between the two companies products as well as the value-added services we both offer surrounding SCORM conformance, Section 508 compliance and content conversion."
Michael Bass, President of PLS Global, added, Teaming with the right companies can significantly expand our reach in both the government and commercial sectors. SSSIs work in KM, combined with their excellent reputation in training and technology solutions makes them the ideal reseller of our products. We believe that their existing government contracts and the opportunity to do joint marketing under these agreements will prove beneficial to PLS."
About SSSI

Scientific Systems and Software International is a multifaceted organization offering a wide variety of products and services. Combining proprietary software packages with outstanding consulting capabilities allows SSSI to provide client organizations with systems solutions, knowledge management initiatives, performance enhancement tools, and unparalleled training services. Many of its products are web-based, leveraging the power of the Internet to simplify and document many business processes in a variety of environments. Designed to operate in a wide spectrum of private sector industries and public agencies, these software packages provide customers with capabilities such as timesheet and status reporting, total web site content management, professional Intranet deployment in 24-hours, and web-based training, among others. The application service provider model is risk-and maintenance-free.    

About PLS Global

PLS Global, formerly PLS Group, is a privately held company founded in 1971. As a pioneer in the field of educational technology, its early focus was on the interdisciplinary aspects of adult education and training. The methods have evolved over the years -- from pure classroom to print and blended solutions including audio, video, computer-assisted learning and various distance learning strategies -- but the mission to achieve peak performance with less effort and lower costs has remained constant. The company answers its clients needs by using a systematic design, development and delivery model that leverages advances in technology and knowledge engineering. The idEa Product Suite is a result of such design and development. Not only are the products SCORM 1.2 conformant, but they also offer a total open system approach, meaning that they work transparently with all LMS, LCMS and authoring tools.

For More Information Contact:

Cheryl Waldrup
Vice-President, SSSI Sales
410-715-5700
Cheryl.waldrup@sssi.net

Michael Bass
President, PLS Global
301-983-8508
mbass@plsglobal.com