NASHUA, N.H., March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- SkillSoft Corp. (Nasdaq: SKIL), a leading e-Learning solutions provider of critical business skills training, today made two major product announcements: the introduction of SkillSimulations(TM), a series of web-delivered business simulations designed to give learners an opportunity to practice business skills learned in associated SkillSoft courses; and integration of SkillPort(TM), SkillSoft's e- Learning management platform, with wireless, hand-held devices running the Palm operating system.

The Industry's First Large-Scale Commitment to Business Simulations

SkillSimulations are unique simulation tools designed to give SkillSoft learners an opportunity to practice new skills in an experience-rich environment. Each SkillSim(TM) allows learners to raise their level of learning for key business skills taught in a specific SkillSoft course series. Learners practice these skills by navigating through different scenarios in which they encounter a variety of business problems. As in real life, a learner has the opportunity to select different courses of action, and the scenario ``plays out'' according to the learner's responses. Events such as telephone calls, meetings, and interruptions add to the reality of each scenario.

Learners can choose to go through each SkillSim in one of two different modes. In score mode, learners are scored on actions taken. Learners receive an overall percentage score at the end of the simulation reflecting their progress against the simulation objectives. When learners choose the explore mode, they do not receive scores. However, they do receive feedback at each decision point, so they can identify which responses are good choices and which are poor.

Learners can back up, test the results of good, fair responses and see the consequences of their decisions. Learners also receive performance feedback at the end of each scenario, which documents each learning objective for the simulation and their performance on meeting these objectives.

SkillSoft plans to deliver approximately 20 SkillSimulations during 2001 to supplement its current library of 640-plus courses. The first SkillSimulations, to be delivered in March, include:

How to Excel at Customer Service Front-line Call Center Skills Managing Others Through Change SkillSimulations are managed and tracked through SkillPort, SkillSoft's e- Learning management platform. SkillSoft has designed SkillSims to be complaint with AICC open industry standards. SkillSoft offers an integration toolkit that can be used by third-party learning management systems vendors to integrate SkillSims with other learning platforms. Learners access SkillSimulations with 4.0 or higher versions of Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. No plug-ins are used. A state-of-the-art Java player is used to deliver images, audio and rapid-fire interactivity.

SkillPort Brings Integration with Handhelds to e-Learning Industry

SkillSoft is also announcing a major upgrade to SkillPort, its e-Learning management platform.

One of the major features of SkillPort 2.0 is its ability to integrate with any handheld device operating the 2.0 version of the Palm operating system.

Learners can now download SkillSoft SkillBriefs to handheld devices such as Palm Pilots or Visors. For instance, a sales representative could download a brief outlining positioning techniques for a new product before going out on a sales call. Or a manager could quickly reference a SkillBrief on effective interviewing techniques before interviewing a job candidate over lunch. SkillBriefs are concise one-page articles that summarize a relevant business skill or knowledge area. All SkillBrief articles are tied to courses within SkillSoft's Critical Skills Library.

Other new features of SkillPort 2.0, which can be used in a hosted environment or installed on a client's intranet, include: an expanded Search- and-Learn(TM) function, which gives learners the ability to do detailed searches through thousands of course topics, job aids, and SkillBriefs; new e- Learning management capabilities, including the creation of custom curricula; and the ability to create and track course evaluation forms.

New Firsts Strengthen SkillSoft's Leadership Role for Critical Business Skills Training in e-Learning Environments

``As a company, we've been very careful to continually reinvest money and resources into research and development,'' said Lee Ritze, senior director of marketing and professional services. ``Technology innovations bring constant change to the e-Learning industry. Our clients depend on us to study the technology, consider and advise them on the potential impact on corporate environments, and turn major advancements into increased value through enhancements and new product and service offerings.''

``The SkillSims and SkillPort announcements are two examples of how SkillSoft helps clients apply e-Learning to their business challenges. SkillSimulations let learners practice newly acquired skills in safe but realistic work environments - before using them on the job. SkillPort's handheld integration feature brings e-Learning to the day-to-day work world,'' said Dennis Brown, director of corporate communications.

About SkillSoft

With more than one million user seats, SkillSoft is one of the largest providers of e-Learning solutions for Global 2000 companies. SkillSoft courses cover a broad variety of critical professional and business skills; courses and support services are specifically designed to reap the benefits offered by the Internet and Web-based customer environments. This design enables SkillSoft users to access needed material, with the required specificity or breadth -- any time and from any location with access to the Internet. Customers receive comprehensive learning and performance support solutions for their workforce, comprised of a library of more than 640 courses and more than 7,500 learning objects and 1,700 job aids. The library encompasses a wide array of business skills, such as management, leadership, communication, project management and customer service, as well as business subjects such as e-commerce, finance, marketing, sales, and strategy. SkillSoft complements its course library with SkillPort, an e-Learning management platform that offers rapid implementation at a cost-efficient price point. SkillPort gives users control over their own learning environments and offers tracking and reporting capabilities. Additional information about SkillSoft is available by calling (603) 324-3000 or visiting www.skillsoft.com .

Safe harbor language: This release may include information that could constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any such forward-looking statements may involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results encompassed within the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those matters disclosed under the heading ``Risk Factors'' in the Company's most recent Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SkillSoft, SkillPort, RolePlay, SkillSimulations, SkillSims, and Search- and-Learn are trademarks of SkillSoft Corp. All brand names, trademarks, or registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.