Welcome to WBT News
We have just completed a period of intense activity at WBT Systems which has culminated in WBT’s move into the Leader Quadrant in both Gartner's e-Learning Suite and LMS Magic Quadrant reports. We are very proud of this achievement which we believe is a testament to the superior functional capabilities of the TopClass product, our satisfied customer base and our ambitious plans for growth in Europe, North America and South Africa.
During this quarter, we also announced a number of new deals most notably Husqvarna in Sweden, Alexander Forbes in South Africa and Ryanair, Europe’s leading low-cost airline. We have also just completed several exciting new wins to be announced in the coming months.
TopClass Version 7.1 and TopClass Compliance were released at the beginning of April. We ran a series of briefings around this important release but if you would like to find out more, please let us know.
We hope you enjoy this edition of WBT NEWS and, as always, we welcome your comments, suggestions and ideas.
Susanne Ryan
Senior Marketing Consultant
susanne.ryan@wbtsystems.com
WBT Recognised in Leader Quadrants for e-Learning Suite and LMS Reports
WBT Systems is delighted to announce that it has been included in the Leader Quadrant of the latest Gartner Reports for its Learning Management System (LMS) and e-Learning Suite. WBT is one of only four vendors to make it into both leader quadrants.
Husqvarna Selects WBT Systems for Global Dealer Network
Husqvarna, the Swedish producer of high-quality outdoor power equipment has
selected TopClass to train its worldwide distribution
network. This follows a successful pilot in the US market where certified
dealers increased their sales by 21% over non-certified dealers.
WBT Systems Releases Total e-Learning solution for Regulated Industries
Version 7.1 of TopClass was launched at the beginning of April. As part of this important release, WBT also launched TopClass Compliance, a suite of products and services designed to lower costs, reduce risk and ensure compliance within regulated industries such as Financial Services, Manufacturing and Life Sciences. WBT Systems is unique in the marketplace as it is the only company to have invested specifically in such a focused solution. TopClass is already managing compliance training for major organisations such as Credit Suisse, Dow Chemical and Alexander Forbes.
WBT launches its Content Validation Partnership Programme
Content developers can now have their content validated through a new service offered by WBT. We will evaluate, test and document external content to run on TopClass. In this way, TopClass customers can be confident that the content they have purchased has the seal of approval from WBT. In turn, vendors know that they won’t jeopardise their relationship with their customers through delays and errors.
The Content Validation Partnership offers:
- Access to a dedicated website to upload content
- Service for up to 10 content modules per year (additional charge for
each module thereafter)
- Validation of uploaded content by WBT in the form of a standard content
report showing pass level on content together with WBT certification for the
course
- Limited access to online support resource to help identify compatibility
issues
According to Louella Morton, VP Global Strategic Alliances "Ultimately, this programme will accelerate the deployment of e-learning for customers and vendors alike. Companies can get going faster and at lower costs because they can be sure the content they use has been pre-approved." To find out more, contact
partner-program@wbtsystems.com.
Speaking Your Language
WBT Systems has selected Bowne Global Solutions (BGS) to translate and localise Version 7.1 of its TopClass e-Learning Suite for the French and German markets. BGS used the latest technology-aided translation tools, in tandem with skilled linguists, to create a cost-effective translation of WBT Systems' material. BGS provides quality translation and localisation services to every industry using its network of translators and linguists backed by experienced project managers and proven technology tools and processes.
"BGS has been our localisation partner for several years, helping us to successfully reach our expanding French and German markets," said Tim Madeley, Vice President Development. "Their attention to detail and professional analysis of the source material means that our TopClass e-Learning Suite will be effective for our end-users. By ensuring that new releases of the product get to market on time and are of the highest quality translation, BGS has helped us grow."
WBT Systems Shortlisted for Codie Award
In addition to the Gartner recognition, the TopClass e-Learning Suite has been selected as a finalist for the 19th Annual Codie Awards by the US Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA). WBT Systems was selected as one of five finalists in the category Best Corporate Learning Technology Solution. The award honours the best technology platform, service or provider that supports the continuing education of corporate employees via electronic means.
Ann joins our UK team as Director Financial Services. Ann had a distinguished
career in Financial Services as a senior manager and consultant for over ten years before moving into IT where she worked in business development. Ann can be contacted at 
Sheena Bailey has been appointed VP of Financial Services Solutions. Tasked with developing the Financial Services Group, this appointment builds on WBT's commitment to develop best practice solutions to empower our financial services partners and customers across the UK, US and Europe. Sheena joins us from EDS, where she had an outstanding track record delivering solutions to the UK insurance sector. Sheena can be contacted at