First-Ever Selection Guide to E-Learning Application Simulation Tools Available from Bersin & Associates; E-Learning Application Simulation Tools: What Works Released Today.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 16, 2003

The training and education industry's first-ever study and product selection guide to application simulation tools was released today. Application simulation tools are a category of software which simulate real-world software programs for training, demonstration, and customer support.

"Training in software applications is one of the fastest-growing markets in e-learning," said Chris Howard, Principal Consultant, Bersin & Associates. "As people become more connected to the internet, the challenges of learning and mastering PC software, enterprise software, and ERP software grows daily."

According to a recent Bersin & Associates study, the worldwide market size for e-learning tools is estimated at $235M in 2002, growing to $816M in 2006 -- an annual growth rate of 37%. Application Simulation tools are one of the fastest growing segments of this market.

The Problem: Learning Complex Software

Learning to master software is a challenging problem. Through case studies, the report surveys the market and identifies the five tools which are best-in-class for simulation and training. It identifies strengths, weaknesses, and feature sets for each tool.

The tools selected are Camtasia Studio from Techsmith, FireFly from Knowledge Impact, RoboDemo e-learning Edition from eHelp, ViewletBuilder from Qarbon, and SoftSim from Outstart.

"We found that software application training is complex and falls into clearly defined categories," said Josh Bersin, Principal. "There is no 'best tool' on the market -- rather the Selection Guide gives buyers the information and methodology to decide which tool to select for their particular needs."

Training Managers Now Have Information they Need

Selecting the wrong tool can make or break a project -- which may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. This Selection Guide helps training managers, consultants, and vendors assure they select the right tool for their problem -- and, through case studies, describes "best practices" for ensuring success.

This 77-page Selection Guide is available now for $195. For more information or to purchase, go to http://www.bersin.com/research/app_sim_overview.htm .

About Bersin & Associates

Bersin & Associates provides results-oriented research and consulting services to companies seeking to improve business effectiveness through e-learning. Bersin & Associates services include "What Works(TM)" research, corporate implementation plans, benchmarking, technology evaluation and strategy development. Further information is available at www.bersin.com or [phone].