CBT Systems and Sybase, Inc. Extend Alliance to Include Availability of Web-based Training for Java, Web Application Development

Business Wire, Nov 17, 1998

REDWOOD CITY, Calif, and EMERYVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Nov. 17, 1998--

Personal-Use Versions of Popular CBT Systems Titles Now

Accessible Via Sybase Learning Connection

CBT Systems, a leading provider of interactive education software for information technology training and Sybase, Inc., one of the largest global independent software companies, today announced that they have extended their long-standing alliance with the availability of 22 web-based interactive courses for Java and web application development.

Developed by CBT Systems, these titles are accessible via Sybase Education's Sybase Learning Connection(tm), located on the World Wide Web at slc.sybase.com. Students purchase a personal-use password to access the courses, and material is delivered at the desktop using CBT Systems' LivePlay(tm) technology, which optimizes course functionality and maximizes speed of use over the Internet.

"We're very excited about working with an industry-leader like CBT Systems to make these innovative, interactive education software titles available to our customers," said Joe Pulichino, vice president of Sybase Education. "These titles are a vital part of our Next Generation Learning(sm) (NGL) strategy, a learner-led approach that provides students the opportunity to enhance and reinforce the classroom experience with a variety of pre- and post-learning objects.

"The `learning objects' are built using training content, and multimedia technologies such as Lotus ScreenCam , RealAudio, RealVideo, and ShockWave, enabling the student to prepare for a course, and for review after taking a course," Pulichino continued. "A wide variety of web-playable, self-study courses are also included. This combination allows students to fully maximize their classroom learning experience, without spending more time in the classroom, enabling a fully integrated, learner-led solution to IT training. We feel this strategy is the future of training and CBT Systems is helping us make this happen." Next Generation Learning is available through the Sybase Learning Connection website at slc.sybase.com.

The delivery of the Java and web-authoring courses from Sybase's website, which is enhanced by CBT Systems' advanced LivePlay capability, provides true just-in-time, web-based training. LivePlay gives students real-time, high-performance interaction with the courseware directly from the Sybase Learning Connection website, without the need to download content to a hard disk.

"We're pleased to be able to enter into another phase of our relationship with Sybase," said Barry Stockwell, CBT Systems vice president of Strategic Partners. "This has been a very successful alliance over the years. Our joint development relationship has resulted in the delivery of a number of interactive training products on PowerBuilder topics over the last several years, most recently culminating in the PowerBuilder 6.0 curriculum. We feel Sybase Education is a premier technical training organization, and we're happy to have our courses and web-based deployment technology play a major role in Sybase's NGL curriculum."

About CBT Systems

CBT Systems, a subsidiary of CBT Group PLC (Nasdaq:CBTSY), is a leading provider of interactive education software for information technology professionals in business, education and government markets worldwide. The company's comprehensive library, which covers a range of client/server, mainframe, and Internet and intranet technologies, is used by the world's leading corporations to train employees to develop and apply mission-critical technologies in the workplace. For information on CBT Systems products, call (800) 387-0932, fax (650) 614-5901, or send an email to salesinfo@cbtsys.com. CBT Systems is located on the World Wide Web at www.cbtsys.com.

About Sybase, Inc.

Headquartered in Emeryville, Calif, Sybase, Inc. (Nasdaq:SYBS) is one of the 10 largest global independent software companies. The company helps businesses manage and deliver applications, content, and data anywhere they are needed. Sybase's products, combined with its world-class professional services and partner technologies, provide comprehensive platform for delivering the integrated solutions that businesses need to be successful. Leveraging its existing strengths in enterprise data management and enterprise application development, Sybase, Inc. is focused on delivering end-to-end solutions for mobile and embedded computing, data warehousing, and Web computing environments. Sybase customers represent the industries leading the global economy, with strong concentrations in financial services, public sector, telecommunications, health care and media and entertainment. The company's web address is http://www.sybase.com.

CBT Systems, LivePlay and the CBT Systems logo are trademarks of CBT Group PLC. Sybase, Next Generation Learning, and Sybase Learning Connection are trademarks or service marks of Sybase, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.