Bersin & Associates Releases Update on Rapid e-Learning Market.

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Bersin & Associates:

--Study Shows 80% Growth over Last Year and Projects $410M Market in Products and Services by 2006

--Study Offers Guidance in Development Process, Use of Standards and Templates, Tool Selection, and Best Uses for Rapid e-Learning 

--Houghton Mifflin, Factiva, Thomson Financial, and SAP Developer Network among 10 Case Studies Included

Bersin & Associates, the only research and advisory firm solely focused on enterprise learning, today announced the availability of its newest report, "Rapid e-Learning: What Works(TM) 2005." Targeted to training executives, training professionals, and tool providers, the 100-page report offers a comprehensive look at this rapidly growing category, which accounts for more than one-third of all current training-related projects and is expected to be employed for nearly half of all e-learning initiatives within the next three years. This study, which expands on the first version published in August 2004, includes 10 case studies describing the use and results of rapid e-learning in major corporations and overviews of 17 products in the rapid e-learning category.

Bersin analysts define rapid e-learning as web-based training programs that can be created in a few weeks and are authored largely by subject-matter-experts. Often based on PowerPoint presentations or other in-house documents, this fast-growing category of online training is best suited for information broadcast and critical knowledge transfer. Typically, rapid e-learning initiatives have limited budgets, extreme turnaround deadlines, and short shelf lives. In addition to requiring a new set of tools, rapid e-learning also requires training professionals and instructional designers to assume facilitative and coaching roles and increase interaction with business units.

"The growth of this market niche is directly related to two primary drivers: the demand for faster deployment of tactical training and the need to more efficiently use subject matter experts in training initiatives," said Josh Bersin, president and founder. "We estimate that rapid e-learning grew 80% over the last year and will continue to grow at an annual compound rate of 40 to 50% over the next two years. Recent surveys show that a whopping 72% of all training challenges are time critical - the sweet spot for rapid e-learning."

In addition to the market analysis and case studies, the Bersin report includes:

--A description of the rapid e-learning development process, associated roles, and design tips.

--Checklists for live and self-paced tool selection.

--Overview of 17 rapid e-learning tools.

The report covers tools for live and self-paced learning, along with a section on simulations. Products covered in the report include: Brainshark Communications Platform, CourseAvenue, Articulate Presenter, Articulate Quizmaker, Trivantis Lectora, Learn.com Coursemaker Studio, Learn.com LearnCenter, Macromedia Breeze, Macromedia Breeze Live, Macromedia Captivate, Outstart Trainer (formerly TrainerSoft), Digitec Knowledge WEB, ReadyGo Web Course Builder, iLinc Communications, Centra, Interwise ECP Connect, and WebEx.

The rapid e-learning study is part of Bersin & Associates' What Works series, primary research that offers learning practitioners factual and practical insights that improve program effectiveness and results, reduce costs, and avoid time-consuming and costly mistakes. The entire study is available at no cost to enterprise subscribers of Bersin & Associates' e-Learning Research Center. Non-subscribers can purchase the report for $395 per copy by going tohttp://store.bersinassociates.com/relstudy-2005.html.

Bersin & Associates will conduct a free webinar highlighting results from the study on Wednesday, May 25 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. To register for the event, go to www.bersin.com.

About Bersin & Associates

Bersin & Associates is the only research and advisory firm solely focused on e-learning with a comprehensive research program targeted to the needs of learning professionals and executives. In 2001, Bersin & Associates introduced the What Works series, primary research that offers learning practitioners factual and practical insight that can improve program effectiveness and results, reduce costs, and avoid time-consuming and costly mistakes. The company specializes in five research areas: planning and strategy, blended learning, content development, learning management systems and infrastructure, and measurement and analytics. The company develops industry-leading research studies and provides advisory services to corporations and e-learning vendors. For more information on Bersin & Associates research library, visit http://www.elearningresearch.com or call [phone].