COGNICASE to Provide ASP-based e-Learning Platform With HP Canada for Hydro-Quebec

Business Wire, June 27, 2001

Business Editors

MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 27, 2001

COGNICASE Inc. (NASDAQ:COGI) (TSE:COG.), a leading e-business services provider specializing in secure and scalable real-time transactional solutions, today announced that it has been awarded a contract from Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Ltd. to jointly provide Hydro-Quebec with an ASP-based e-Learning platform.

The platform will be used on a pilot basis by Hydro-Quebec to train up to 5,000 employees on SAP application implementation. As part of the solution, DOCENT Inc., a well-known knowledge exchange solutions provider, will be providing a Learning Management and Content Delivery application.

According to a Merrill Lynch report, the e-Learning market is forecast to grow to more than US$25 billion by 2003. In order to intensively pursue this opportunity, COGNICASE intends to market this e-Learning platform, which capitalizes on its secure, highly available and flexible hosting ASP-based solutions.

"Providing this e-Learning platform with HP is a clear recognition of the quality and relevance of ASP-based offerings," said Carl Simard, executive vice-president, e-Business Solutions, COGNICASE. "This e-Learning application expands our already impressive suite of vertical ASP solutions including e-Pay, e-Procurement, e-HR, e-CRM, and e-Travel. We are looking forward to capturing a substantial part of this vast and growing ASP marketplace."

"We are pleased to be working with COGNICASE to offer Hydro-Quebec a cost-efficient e-Learning platform," said Sal Magnone, HP education services manager, Canada. "By combining our respective capabilities, we plan to provide Hydro-Quebec with quick and cost-effective access to a real ASP-based e-Learning environment."

About COGNICASE

COGNICASE is an innovative company specializing in the development and integration of real-time transactional solutions. Relying on its results-driven approach, software and technology, and its international Internet engineering and hosting centre, COGNICASE offers secure and scalable solutions that contribute to the success of its customers in the age of the new economy. The company is active in several countries, including Canada, the United States, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia.