Meridian's Latest Learning Management System Turns Training Inside Out

CHANTILLY, VA, Apr 07 (MARKET WIRE) --
Meridian Knowledge Solutions, LLC released the latest version of its
learning management system (LMS) software that includes features targeted
specifically at consumers. With enhanced functions for managing and
selling online and classroom training, Meridian Global LMS 2009 makes it
easy for businesses, such as retailers, banks and trade associations, to
train a wide array of customers, suppliers and distributors.

"Most employers look at a learning management system as a way to train an
internal audience of employees," said Bryan Chapman, chief learning
strategist for Chapman Alliance, a learning-technologies consultancy.
"But with a combination of consumer-friendly features and functions,
employers can market -- and charge for -- external training, including
teaching management strategies to franchisees; instructing customers how
to get more from products; or, providing members of trade associations
with certification training."

Meridian believes its latest software release offers customers just that
mix.

For example, Meridian Global LMS 2009 includes:

-- an easy-to-use interface for finding, evaluating and taking learning.
-- an enhanced e-commerce function to buy (and collect payment for)
instructional products or online training.
-- protocols (e.g., LDAP) and tools for simplifying the process by which
users of all kinds sign on to the LMS to take training.
-- a creative approach to "custom roles." Custom roles offer an employer
an easy way to build a complex menu of functions and content for different
users to tap into. For instance, if a manufacturer wants distributors of,
say, its hydraulic products to create and sell online training and
resellers of its electromechanical products to simply handle online
registration for classroom courses, then the custom roles function in the
LMS nimbly handles the job.
-- a one-step approach for importing courses from a server to the LMS, as
long as the courses meet one of two e-learning industry standards such as
SCORM or AICC.

"If a company, association or any type of employer wants to turn
training into a profit center, the new Meridian Global LMS warrants a
look," said Mike Brennan, product director for Meridian. "The e-commerce
and management tools in our newest LMS open a myriad of possibilities for
businesses that want to educate groups beyond employees."

Trade groups and industry publications alike gave the 2008 edition of
Meridian's LMS top marks for being easy to use. Meridian has built on its
straightforward, yet powerful, product and tailored the features of
Meridian Global LMS to appeal to a consumer audience.

Customers have begun ordering the latest edition of Meridian's LMS,
including a trade association that intends to use Meridian's new software
to sell training to its 150,000 members.

"A buyer can configure our latest learning management system to support
multiple networks, reseller organizations, distributors and customers,"
added Roy Haythorn, vice president of Meridian Operations. "When you
compare the number of people you can reach with an externally facing LMS
to one used solely for employee education, the numbers and financial
benefits grow exponentially."

About Meridian

Our flagship product, Meridian Global LMS, integrates learning content
management, workforce analytics, knowledge management, and competency
modeling in one learning management system (LMS). In addition to Meridian
Global LMS, we provide professional services, courseware development, and
hosting services.

We serve 5 million users at more than 250 public- and private-sector
employers. And our software is used by companies that range in size from
900,000 employees to less than 100 workers. Our clients include AutoZone,
Michigan LearnPort, Panera Bread, Specialty Equipment Market Association,
the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy, Whirlpool and more than 80 federal,
state and local governments.

We are the number one ranked learning-technology company for customer
loyalty. Our award-winning software aims to deliver learning, distribute
knowledge, and sharpen business skills, which will make you a leader in
your industry. Our Chantilly, Va.-based company is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Visionary Integration Professionals.

To learn more, visit http://www.meridianksi.com

To follow Meridian on Twitter, go to http://twitter.com/meridianksi

Media contact:
Bill Perry
Email Contact
Mobile: +1 614 975 7538

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