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Dublin, Ireland - July 6th, 2006 - WBT Systems, a leading provider in enterprise e-learning solutions, today announced that Openwork, the multi-tied distribution network backed by Zurich Group, has achieved a significant reduction in the cost of learning delivery since they implemented WBT’s TopClass. The initial e-learning pilot conducted at Openwork proved highly successful and as a result the company made the decision to roll out the initiative across their entire UK network of agents. Openwork is currently using the solution to train financial advisors on more than 30 insurance and mortgage products and to manage and track agent licensing.

In 2005, the distribution arm of the Zurich Group separated and formed a multi-tied distribution network called Openwork. This change resulted in a complete review of the business’ operational procedures and technology, including the use of e-learning. Openwork comprises 2,200 financial advisers and offers the products of over 30 insurance providers and mortgage lenders. With new advisors joining the company every year and with frequent product launches, Openwork needed a solution that could train agents quickly and efficiently. Openwork also operates in a highly regulated environment and they needed the ability to offer greater opportunity for compliance training management, delivery tracking and auditability.

The first phase of the learning initiative involved the implementation of the TopClass e-Learning Suite, enabling Openwork to deliver, manage and track their training programs. It also integrated with Openwork’s existing core applications. The second phase of the project was the integration of TopClass with SWIFT, the sales support and administration application.

Deb Parker, Training Technical Solutions Manager at Openwork comments, “The results to date have exceeded expectations. Induction training time has been reduced from three weeks to one which has meant that agents can spend more time focusing on what they do best. Our training processes have become more streamlined and efficient, which has had a positive impact on administration staff costs.”

“Providing solutions that demonstrate success and ROI are at the core of what we do at WBT”, said Des Noctor, VP Sales, WBT Systems. “We believe Openwork is an excellent example of how customers can apply our solutions to meet their business needs. Openwork has decreased training costs, increased speed to performance for new recruits, and made their training processes more efficient.”

About Openwork

Openwork is a UK-wide network of 850 financial advice firms backed by the worldwide Zurich group. They are a stand-alone, multi-tied, directly authorised distribution network. The concept was conceived by the Zurich Financial Services Group in response to the changes to the regulatory shape of the UK life industry. Openwork comprises 2,200 financial advisers, most of whom were formerly members of the Zurich Advice Network. They offer the products of over 30 product providers and mortgage lenders. For more information, see www.openwork.uk.com.

About WBT Systems

WBT Systems is one of the leading providers of intelligent learning solutions across the globe. Its solutions help organizations to address the business issues that are imperative to success in an increasingly competitive world. Best of breed solutions include mitigating risk and reducing costs by implementing advanced, robust compliance tracking solutions and driving top-line performance through enabling sales and customer services channels. WBT’s implementation experience spans a variety of industries, including financial services, healthcare, government, and pharmaceuticals in blue-chip companies such as ABB, AHIMA, Alexander Forbes, Basler Insurance, Belgacom, Clinphone, Credit Suisse, Danish Confederation of Trade Unions, Diageo, Dow Chemical, Eurocontrol, Husqvarna, Innovatia, Liberty Group, Ryanair, Smith & Nephew, Valero, Volvo CE and World Bank. WBT Systems is recognized as a leader in both the e-Learning Suite and LMS Magic Quadrant Reports by the Gartner Group. Established in 1995, WBT Systems is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with offices in the US, UK, and the Netherlands.

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