VERT Verticalnet (MM)

Verticalnet, Inc., (Nasdaq:VERT), a leading provider of On Demand supply management solutions, today announced the expansion of its Lifetime Sourcing Excellence Programs� to include two new Sourcing Professional classes. Lifetime Sourcing Excellence Programs drive adoption through an online community of sourcing professionals, tailored education offerings and certification programs. Verticalnet�s new XE Basics and XE Negotiation Manager online classes join Verticalnet's existing suite of online Sourcing classes covering topics such as Opportunity Identification, Total Cost Modeling and eSourcing. These new installments are the first in a series of functional classes covering each module of the Verticalnet� XE Supply Management Suite. Key highlights of the new online classes include: Comprehensive lectures, demonstrations and follow along exercises Content equivalent to Verticalnet�s 2.5 day classroom versions of the course Online forums for interacting with instructors and other professionals Self assessment tests designed to prepare a user for Verticalnet�s User Certification program. Corporate university compatible learning objects (Compatible with SCORM/AICC standards) enabling a seamless corporate training process. �These new online training modules reflect Verticalnet's commitment to maintaining a leading blended learning solution in our space.� said John Shaw, Verticalnet�s Manager of Education & Training. �Modern procurement organizations are increasingly complex and sourcing professionals are constantly being challenged to master new tools and skills. An effective training solution must understand what those tools and skills are and have the content, technology and capabilities to build those skills in a fast paced, global environment. Verticalnet excels at delivering focused training to develop those skills.� About Verticalnet�s Sourcing Excellence Programs: Verticalnet customers leverage the Foundations in Sourcing Excellence programs to provide the services and training new customers need to rapidly adopt Verticalnet solutions. This program focuses on driving rapid ROI for Verticalnet users by offering a tailored blend of classroom and online training, coupled with event support services. Customers using this core program have seen full return on their investment in as few as 2 months due to rapid adoption. Verticalnet�s Lifetime Sourcing Excellence Program focuses on capitalizing on the momentum generated by the Foundations in Sourcing Excellence Programs. The programs use that momentum to drive long term adoption and success within the sourcing organization. These programs represent a long term partnership with our customers and are made up of 3 major components: Education � A blended approach of traditional classroom and online training to build functional and sourcing skills across the organization. Certification � This step enables Verticalnet customers to assess skill levels and reward individual achievement while monitoring the overall effectiveness of training and adoption programs. Community � The core of Verticalnet�s Lifetime Sourcing Excellence Program, the online Verticalnet Learning Management system allows hundreds of Verticalnet users to interact with their peers to network, share resources, and discuss sourcing issues and challenges. To learn more, please visit the Verticalnet Learning Management System website at http://training.verticalnet.com/lms/ and watch our Guided Tour. About Verticalnet Verticalnet is a leading provider of supply management solutions that enable companies to identify and realize sustained value across the supply management lifecycle. Going beyond traditional spend management and sourcing approaches, Verticalnet�s solutions provide the visibility, insight and process control required to maximize the sustained value realization from supply management. Large enough to help customers attain supply management success worldwide, yet nimble enough to provide individual attention and remain focused on customer priorities, Verticalnet is helping leading Global 2000 companies and mid-market enterprises move their supply management efforts to the next level through an optimal blend of software, comprehensive services, and deep category knowledge and domain expertise. To learn more, please visit us at www.verticalnet.com Verticalnet is a registered trademark or a trademark in the United States and other countries of Vert Tech LLC