Rbid.com To Market Online Self-Paced Training Of Microsoft Office 97 And Office 2000 Software, Plus Internet Explorer And Netscape Browser Programs

Business Wire, Sept 15, 2000

Business Editors and High-Tech Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 15, 2000

Rbid.com (Symbol:RBID), the Irvine-based Internet e-commerce company Friday announced the finalization of a new agreement with Learnability Inc. of Moraga, Calif. Under the terms of the agreement Rbid's marketing subsidiary, iReach Worldwide will market unique, self-paced and instructor-led online training of the world's most popular software for PCs, and the two most popular Internet browser programs.

Learnability will develop and establish an iReach Worldwide private branded e-campus with full e-commerce functionality. Through the company's Internet-based "permission marketing" messages, iReach prospects will be directed to an online sales presentation, through which the online services may be purchased.

iReach has elected to initially offer two levels of online training. Additional programs have already been developed and may be added at a later date. The first training program is a self-paced course that provides one-full year of user interaction to better understand the capabilities and improve their efficiency with Microsoft Office 97 or Office 2000 software, along with Internet Explorer and Netscape Internet browser programs. The Microsoft Office training includes such popular software as Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access programs.

The second option is to participate in an advanced online, live instructor led training and mentoring program for the same software programs. This is an optional upgrade available upon completion of the first program. The instructor-led program is also certified by the American Institute of Technology, which has added value for both employers and employees alike.

Unique user-friendly teaching software developed by Learnability allows dynamic instruction at both levels. It also includes VOIP voice over Internet to participate in the moderated sessions.

Also as part of the agreement, Learnability will develop iReach specific training programs for independent iReach marketing affiliates to learn more about the company, the products and services.

iReach Worldwide's President and COO, Marty Matthews stated: "While most people are familiar with the basics of these popular programs, most would appreciate having proper instruction to maximize their effectiveness and productivity. In addition, they will have access to online information and experts for any questions that may come up over the year, with service renewal options." Matthews added, "We see great potential in the home, student and commercial markets for this valuable online educational program."

Learnability is recognized by IBM as a quality service provider through their inclusion in the IBM "Partners in Learning" program, which they offer to their commercial clients. They host a scalable delivery platform for instructor-led and self-paced e-learning. Through state-of-the art tools they provide learning solutions that are better, cheaper and faster than conventional methods currently used. Robert Ramers, president of Learnability said: "We are delighted to move forward with Rbid and iReach on this project. While the instruction is primarily intended for English markets, we have already found great acceptance of these programs in international markets where English is a second language. This is due to the dominance of English as the international language for business, the Internet and the computer."

Rbid.com is an international e-commerce company that is focused on developing and acquiring synergistic Internet-based product developers and producers, linked with dynamic marketing and distribution networks. The company's global strategy includes products and services for the growing business-to-consumer, business-to-business, and business-to-government markets. Rbid currently markets its flagship Internet Portal Website products through iReach Worldwide Inc. in the United States, Mexico, Japan and the Philippines.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements made under the safe harbor provisions of the applicable securities acts and regulations, and as such are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could affect actual future results, including, but not limited to the uncertainty that any of the matters contained therein will happen and other risks as may be detailed from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Thus, the actual results may differ materially from those contained in this news release. The company disclaims any obligation to update any statements in this news release.