George Washington University and Blackboard Inc. reach deal on Prometheus - Tech Briefs - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, Jan 31, 2002 by Ronald Roach

WASHINGTON

The George Washington University (GWU) and Blackboard Inc. announced earlier this month an agreement that would enable the Washington-based higher education e-learning solutions company to acquire GWU's Prometheus course management system. Developed and managed by GWU, Prometheus has been established as a leading course management system that has been adopted by 65 postsecondary institutions. Blackboard is considered a leading provider of e-education solutions for colleges, universities and schools worldwide.

As a result of this agreement, academic institutions will benefit from the assets of two leading technology organizations, according to Blackboard officials. The combined company will provide educators with expertise in ease-of-use, open systems, community developer relations, enterprise technology and expanded client services.

"We are very pleased to have found Prometheus a home within Blackboard, a Washington, D.C., neighbor and market leader that shares Prometheus' roots in higher education and open systems," says David G. Swartz, CIO of GWU.

Blackboard officials expect the acquisition of Prometheus to close by February. Neither GWU nor Blackboard has disclosed financial terms of the deal.