BT Selects OutStart to Deliver a Learning Content Management Platform to the Royal Navy.

BOSTON -- Contract represents a major Learning Content Management Solution deployment as part of the Defence Learning Portal (DLP) - Europe's largest learning system

BT Global Services has selected OutStart to provide the Learning Content Management System to support the Royal Navy's prestigious Type 45 training content development program.

Using OutStart Evolution LCMS, the Type 45 Training Unit will develop, roll out and track the progress of over 50 eLearning courses designed specifically for trainee operatives of the new Type 45 Destroyer. The tailored courses will bring together contributions from Royal Navy's subject matter experts, as well as information and media rich content in the form of simulations and emulations - all delivered via the Defence Learning Portal (DLP).

Hugh Macken, BT spokesperson said: "OutStart's pedigree in the defense sector is impressive and its LCMS solution was highly favoured by BT's customers. OutStart's software met the strict development standards and functionality requirements of the Royal Navy Type 45 training unit. It needed a learning content platform sophisticated enough to provide a true single source development environment allowing learning content to be deployed in multiple locations and in multiple formats. As such, greater value, use and portability of the content are ensured for the future of Type 45 and the Royal Navy. I found OutStart very easy to work with and they handled the commercial aspects of the deal with commitment and flexibility."

Simon Lees, Royal Navy Lt Commander, adds: "The Type 45 Training Unit is delighted to be the first Defence Learning Portal user to engage with OutStart's Learning Content management System. As the Maritime Warfare School embraces elearning and the synthetic training paradigm, I anticipate that the significant advantages OutStart brings will drive even greater efficiencies into both the development and delivery of training for the Royal Navy."

Peter Nicol, OutStart's EMEA VP says: "Our deep understanding of this sector, the proven success of our products and our effective relationship with BT ensured we were able to provide a solution that matched the needs of the Royal Navy precisely. OutStart is uniquely positioned to satisfy the learning content development and delivery needs of the defense sector and we are proud to be delivering an LCMS implementation of this scale through DLP."

About OutStart

OutStart eKnowledge software powers formal and on-demand learning, knowledge sharing and community/expert collaboration solutions that enable knowledge workers - employees, partners, and customers - to perform their roles far more efficiently and effectively. Customers like the U.S. Navy, AgustaWestland, ADO, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps Additional Government and Defence customers here - update from KR expected) Empire BlueCross BlueShield, Tweeter, ING, Sara Lee, Steelcase, Verizon, and Unilever rely on OutStart to increase individual and organisational performance, improve knowledge transfer and lower operating costs. Headquartered in Boston, Mass., OutStart has offices throughout the US and Europe and can be found on the Web at www.outstart.com.

About BT Global Services

BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions serving customers in Europe, the Americas and Asia Pacific. Its principal activities include IT and networking services, local, national and international telecommunications services, and higher-value broadband and internet products and services.

BT consists principally of three lines of business:

--BT Retail, providing a comprehensive range of communications and related services to more than 20m UK consumers and businesses.

--BT Wholesale, providing network services and solutions within the UK to more than 600 fixed and mobile operators and service providers including the provision of broadband, private circuits.

--BT Global Services, providing IT and networking services to meet the needs of multi-site organisations globally. BT Global Services operates in more than 130 countries and also offers international carrier services.

In the year ended 31 March 2004, BT Group's turnover was 18,519 million pounds Sterling with profit before goodwill amortisation, exceptional items and taxation of 2,013 million pounds.

BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York. British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. For more information, visit http://www.bt.com/aboutbt