Blackboard Introduces Cloud Version of Flagship LMS

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackboard has introduced a cloud version of its flagship LMS, Blackboard Learn^™, the company announced today. With the addition of a Software-as-a-Service model (SaaS), Blackboard is now the only company to offer customers three different ways to host their system: locally on-site, through Blackboard's Managed Hosting offering, or with the new SaaS/public cloud option.

The SaaS deployment model provides an elastic, single-instance multi-tenant implementation of Blackboard Learn on top of the leading public cloud service infrastructure that can easily support heavy usage. It allows for quicker delivery of new features, automatic updates with no service interruptions or downtime, and requires less change management for users.

Today's news marks a bold step in the company's broader cloud approach. Schools now have an unmatched amount of choice among hosting environments to fit their unique needs. The announcement also follows the company's move towards a more solutions-based approach in offering its product portfolio, as the SaaS deployment model is primarily available via the integrated solutions.

A more comprehensive cloud strategy makes it easier for Blackboard to integrate workflows and features across its teaching and learning products and deliver a more streamlined and unified user experience. This will also help provide a view into learner behavior and activity that can be analyzed by schools for continuous improvement to programs and educational approaches.

"One size does not fit all and we are now providing an exceptional amount of choice and flexibility to schools," said Mark Strassman, senior vice president of product management for Blackboard. "Institutions have different needs and many will prefer the unique advantages of self-hosting or Managed Hosting. The fact that we will be able to support those modes of delivery alongside SaaS, makes Blackboard the only company to offer such a flexible range of deployment options for learning management technologies. It is also the latest step in our reinvigorated product strategy of delivering more value to our customers at a much faster pace."

For more information about Blackboard, please visit www.blackboard.com or follow @Blackboard on Twitter.

About Blackboard Inc.
Blackboard is the world's leading education technology company that is reimagining education by challenging conventional thinking and advancing new learning models. We rapidly deploy relevant and meaningful technologies and services to meet the needs of the modern day learner and the institutions that serve them, driving success and growth for both. In partnership with higher education, K-12, corporate organizations, and government agencies around the world, we help every learner achieve their full potential. For more information about Blackboard follow us on Twitter at @Blackboard.

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for Blackboard represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release. Actual results may differ materially as a result of various important factors. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the Company's views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.

CONTACT
Lauren Dyke, Blackboard Inc.
(202) 463-4860 ext. 2860 or [email protected]

SOURCE Blackboard Inc.