Certifying compliance and product knowledge on the Information Superhighway; companies turn to "Learning Lane" to remedy tarnished images.

ISELIN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 16, 1994--At a time when allegations of deceptive sales practices are costing financial service companies millions of dollars in consumer lawsuits, one firm is providing the industry with a remedy using the "Learning Lane" of the Information Superhighway.

VMI Communication and Learning Systems, of Iselin, N.J., operates an interactive television and computer-based wide area network, called the Viewtel Network, covering the U.S. and Canada. Current subscribers to the network include corporations with large, geographically dispersed sales and service forces. These frontline workers can generate tremendous revenue and goodwill or potentially cost companies millions of dollars as a result of poor product knowledge and the misrepresentation of financial products to clients and prospects.

Subscribing companies are connected to VMI's host computer via standard telephone lines, a modem and a toll-free telephone number which downloads selected course materials and certification tests to employees in homes, central offices and remote field locations. Training materials and tests, including remedial feedback, can be accessed by PC or patented set-top interactive television technology developed by VMI. Upon completion, results are uploaded to a host computer and a relational database. Reports are created and distributed overnight detailing proficiency profiles on an individual, regional and national basis.

"Compliance and product knowledge problems can kill the reputation of a highly respected company overnight. Allegations of misconduct can not only cost tens of hundreds of millions in consumer lawsuits, but also additional millions of dollars as a result of lost confidence by present and potential customers," says Dr. William Healy, president of VMI Learning Systems. "By certifying the proficiency of their entire sales and service forces in new or existing products, sales and marketing compliance guidelines and industry regulations, companies can both avoid costly litigation and enhance their commitment to customer service."

One client company recently took a very proactive step by initiating a compliance certification process of nearly 20,000 sales and management personnel. Using VMI's Viewtel Network and interactive television technology, each employee completed a compliance training module and was tested for proficiency regarding the company's sales and marketing guidelines. Senior Management was then able to identify nationally, regionally, and individually who passed the test, who didn't and why. The company is also using Viewtel technology to provide training and demand, whenever and wherever it is convenient, on topics such as product knowledge, selling skills, and ethics. And the same "Learning Lane" technology can be used to instantly and continuously survey employees and customers concerning attitudes and opinions about company products, policies and services.

"These are very real and practical applications of emerging Information Superhighway technology being put to work today -- not talked about for tomorrow -- to deliver learning and communications to the home and the workplace. It benefits employees by providing training on demand when and where needed and helps companies by measuring and certifying proficiencies in critical and potentially costly areas such as compliance and product knowledge."

VMI Communication & Learning Systems designs, integrates and operates corporate distance learning, marketing research and employee communication networks throughout North America.

CONTACT: VMI Learning Systems, Iselin

Steven Haase, 908/603-5222