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Chantilly, Va. - April 7, 2009 - Meridian Knowledge Solutions, LLC released the latest version of its learning management system (LMS) software that includes features targeted specifically at consumers. With enhanced functions for managing and selling online and classroom training, Meridian Global LMS 2009 makes it easy for businesses, such as retailers, banks and trade associations, to train a wide array of customers, suppliers and distributors.

"Most employers look at a learning management system as a way to train an internal audience of employees," said Bryan Chapman, chief learning strategist for Chapman Alliance, a learning-technologies consultancy. "But with a combination of consumer-friendly features and functions, employers can market - and charge for - external training, including teaching management strategies to franchisees; instructing customers how to get more from products; or, providing members of trade associations with certification training."

Meridian believes its latest software release offers customers just that mix.

For example, Meridian Global LMS 2009 includes:

• an easy-to-use interface for finding, evaluating and taking learning


• an enhanced e-commerce function to buy (and collect payment for) instructional products or online training


• protocols (e.g., LDAP) and tools for simplifying the process by which users of all kinds sign on to the LMS to take training


• a creative approach to "custom roles." Custom roles offer an employer an easy way to build a complex menu of functions and content for different users to tap into. For instance, if a manufacturer wants distributors of, say, its hydraulic products to create and sell online training and resellers of its electromechanical products to simply handle online registration for classroom courses, then the custom roles function in the LMS nimbly handles the job


• a one-step approach for importing courses from a server to the LMS, as long as the courses meet one of two e-learning industry standards such as SCORM or AICC.

"If a company, association or any type of employer wants to turn training into a profit center, the new Meridian Global LMS warrants a look," said Mike Brennan, product director for Meridian. "The e-commerce and management tools in our newest LMS open a myriad of possibilities for businesses that want to educate groups beyond employees."

Trade groups and industry publications alike gave the 2008 edition of Meridian's LMS top marks for being easy to use. Meridian has built on its straightforward, yet powerful, product and tailored the features of Meridian Global LMS to appeal to a consumer audience.

Customers have begun ordering the latest edition of Meridian's LMS, including a trade association that intends to use Meridian's new software to sell training to its 150,000 members.

"A buyer can configure our latest learning management system to support multiple networks, reseller organizations, distributors and customers," added Roy Haythorn, vice president of Meridian Operations. "When you compare the number of people you can reach with an externally facing LMS to one used solely for employee education, the numbers and financial benefits grow exponentially."

For more information about Meridian, visit www.meridianksi.com.

To follow Meridian on Twitter, visit http://twitter.com/meridianks.