Capella University/Lawson Software Announce E-Learning Alliance.

Business Editors

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 21, 2000

Minnesota-based software company aligns with online university to

provide customized e-business and IT training to

employees, partners and customers

Lawson Software announced today that it has formed an educational alliance with Capella University, an accredited online university based in Minneapolis, that will enable Lawson to provide its employees, partners and customers with access to customized advanced training and higher education opportunities.

The alliance will provide qualifying employees of the Minnesota-based enterprise solution provider with direct access to Capella University's e-business and information technology offerings. Starting in February, Lawson will create a direct link from its Intranet site to the Capella University home page. Lawson employees who meet Capella University's enrollment requirements would, therefore, be able to access Capella University's courses, bookstore and libraries directly from the Lawson Software Intranet site.

Capella University offers advanced degrees and continuing education opportunities to more than 1,400 students around the world. Capella currently offers advanced degree programs in four subjects: business, human services, psychology and education, with an undergraduate program in information technology scheduled to begin this spring.

"As a provider of e-business solutions, we needed to find an educational institution that was in-touch with the changing face of the business world," said Jamie Jackson, director of Lawson Software University. "With its commitment to adult learning and its expertise in e-business, Capella University fit that bill. And as an accredited, degree-granting institution, it offers the kind of advanced educational opportunities that we want to make available to our employees and colleagues."

The alliance is part of Lawson Software University's newly launched E-Commerce Institute. Through partnerships with educational institutions, training providers, and technology vendors, Lawson will provide employees, partners and clients background information and training on a broad range of e-commerce topics.

"In our field, having well-trained employees is absolutely crucial to business success," Jackson said. "By offering this training through a centralized source, we can help ensure that our employees and customers receive the kind of quality and relevant education that will help them advance in their careers and help us, as a company, maintain our competitive advantage.

For Capella University, the alliance provides an opportunity to play a lead role in employee training and education at one of the world's top technology companies and strengthen its reputation as e-business and adult education experts.

"Capella is committed to making education relevant and accessible to working adults," said Steve Shank, president and CEO of Capella University. "Working with a world-class technology company is one great way to do that. Our alliance with Lawson Software not only gives us an opportunity to expand our customization and company-specific efforts, but also helps us better understand the challenges that today's companies are facing."

The alliance makes Lawson Software the third company to partner with Capella University on a continuing education project. Previously, Capella University has crafted deals with the State of Minnesota and Honeywell for customized distance learning programs. According to Capella, each program is designed to make business education practical and relevant to companies and their workers.

"One of our main goals is to narrow the gap between business and business education," said Dr. Susan Saxton, dean of Capella University's business school. "Part of doing that is understanding the training and education needs facing companies today. By customizing the programs, we can ensure that the courses are relevant to a company's needs."

Capella University

Capella University is affiliated with the for-profit Capella Education Company headquartered in Minneapolis. Founded in 1993, Capella Education Company has evolved to become the leader in online learning, distance education and professional development. For more information visit Capella University at http://www.capellauniversity.edu or call 888.879.6745.

Lawson Software

Lawson Software, a $270 million provider of Self-Evident Applications(TM) (SEA) for e-business, offers role-based Web solutions for financials, human resources, procurement, supply chain and performance management. With 2,800 mid- to large-sized corporate customers, Lawson has distinguished itself competitively through a unique blend of feature-rich customer solutions, technology innovation and user-friendly support. Lawson Software has been acclaimed by technology analysts for its innovative and unique use of leading-edge technologies, like Self-Evident Applications(TM) (SEA) on the Web, and Drill Around(TM) for integrated, cross-application data access.