Altova Launches New Online Training Program for XML Developers; New Series of Online, Instructor-Led Classes Offer Flexible, Cost-Effective Options for Advancing XML Development Skills

Business Wire, Jan 18, 2005

BEVERLY, Mass. -- Altova(R) (www.altova.com), creator of XMLSpy(R), MapForce(TM), and other leading software development tools, today announced the launch of a new education services program called Altova Online Training and the immediate availability of two series of focused classes on some of the most important topics in the XML development world: XML Schema and XSLT (Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations). Led by Altova's expert XML trainers, Altova Online Training features online, instructor-led class series designed to fit tight budgets and busy schedules.

"As XML becomes more strategic for enterprise development efforts, so does the importance of comprehensive yet cost-effective training for developers with various levels of knowledge," said David Kershaw, Manager of Professional and Educational Services for Altova. "With the new Altova Online Training program, our goal is to provide participants with a relevant and flexible program that helps them develop the comprehensive skills needed for implementing successful XML development projects."

The first two sets of classes being offered by Altova Online Training include the XML Schema Accelerated Series and the XSLT Accelerated Series. Each series is comprised of four classes, beginning with introductory topics and progressing to the advanced concepts of the subject matter. All classes are taught using Altova XMLSpy, the world's most popular XML development environment, and therefore help participants gain familiarity with the application. Specific classes within each series include:

The XML Schema Accelerated Series

--Visual XML Schema

--XML Schema Fundamentals

--XML Schema Advanced

--XML Schema Best Practices

The XSLT Accelerated Series

--Navigating XPath

--XSLT Fundamentals

--XSLT Advanced

--XSLT 2.0 Basics

Full descriptions of each class, upcoming class schedules, prerequisites, and technical requirements are available at: www.altova.com/wbt_class_descriptions.html

Altova Online Training also provides helpful resources for students to reference during class and afterwards in their daily work with XML. Each student is admitted to a dedicated Web site to download a softcopy Student's Edition of the courseware with extensive notes and in-depth explanations, as well as instructions and example files for use in the class' integral hands-on labs. Additionally, class participants may purchase high-quality, printed workbooks covering the entire training series, and bonus materials not covered in the classes. The hardcopy series workbooks also grant dedicated Web access to the complete set of labs for all classes, as well as PDF and compiled help versions of the courseware for quick look-ups.

Pricing and Registration

Registration is currently open for XML Schema Accelerated Series and XSLT Accelerated Series classes being held in February and March 2005. Students may purchase Altova Online Training classes individually at $249, or they may purchase a complete series of four classes for $747. Series pricing cuts $249 off the cost of purchasing the four classes separately, so one class is effectively free. Training coordinators and team managers can purchase blocks of seats for employee use as time permits, or contact Altova Online Training to schedule a customized series for their groups.

Contact Altova Online Training for information about registration, group rates, and special classes by e-mailing aot@altova.com, calling 978-816-1604, or filling out the Altova Online Training Request Form at: www.altova.com/wbt_form.asp

About Altova

Altova accelerates development and integration projects with software, services, and solutions that enhance productivity and maximize results. As an innovative, customer-focused company and the creator of XMLSpy, MapForce, and other leading software development and data integration tools, Altova is the choice of over 1.5 million clients worldwide and virtually every Fortune 500 company. With customers ranging from vast development teams in the world's largest organizations to progressive one-person shops, Altova's line of software applications and custom-tailored professional and educational services fulfills a broad spectrum of business needs. Altova is an active member of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and is committed to delivering standards-based platform-independent development solutions that are powerful, affordable, and easy to use. Altova was founded in 1992 and has headquarters in Beverly, Massachusetts and Vienna, Austria. Visit Altova on the Web at www.altova.com.

Altova, XMLSpy, MapForce, StyleVision, Authentic, and DiffDog are trademarks of Altova GmbH registered in numerous countries. The names of and reference to companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.