Blackboard Awarded Patent on e-Learning Technology
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 26, 2006--Blackboard Inc.
(NASDAQ:BBBB), a leading provider of enterprise software and services
to the education industry, announced that it has been issued a U.S.
patent for technology used for internet-based education support
systems and methods. The patent covers core technology relating to
certain systems and methods involved in offering online education,
including course management systems and enterprise e-Learning systems.
In addition, patents corresponding with the U.S. patent have been
issued in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore and are pending in the
European Union, China, Japan, Canada, India, Israel, Mexico, South
Korea, Hong Kong and Brazil.
The patented technology underpins Blackboard's e-Learning software
applications, including the Blackboard Learning System(TM), WebCT
Vista(TM) and WebCT Campus Edition(TM), and provides the advanced
functionality enjoyed by millions of Blackboard users worldwide.
"For nearly a decade, Blackboard has been a thought leader in the
e-Learning industry and has developed products that have helped to
fundamentally alter how educational institutions and their educators
teach and communicate with students," said Michael Chasen, CEO of
Blackboard. "Our leadership in technology gave rise to innovations in
our products which advanced e-Learning around the world and many of
those innovations are now also embodied in our patent. We are
committed to continuing the development of technologies which will
enable educators to fully harness the potential of the internet to
enhance the educational experience within their institutions."
Blackboard's patent portfolio also includes other patents pending
in the U.S. and in jurisdictions around the world. More information
about the issued U.S. patent is available at
www.blackboard.com/patent.
About Blackboard
Blackboard Inc. (NASDAQ: BBBB) is a leading provider of enterprise
software applications and related services to the education industry.
Founded in 1997, Blackboard enables educational innovations everywhere
by connecting people and technology. Blackboard solutions are used by
millions of people at academic institutions around the globe,
including colleges, universities, K-12 schools and other education
providers, as well as textbook publishers and student-focused
merchants that serve education providers and their students.
Blackboard is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in North
America, Europe, Australia and Asia. WebCT is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Blackboard Inc.
Blackboard
Educate. Innovate. Everywhere.(TM)
Any statements in this press release about future expectations,
plans and prospects for Blackboard and other statements containing the
words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," and
similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the
meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such
forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors,
including the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of our
Annual Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2006 with the SEC. In
addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press
release represent the Company's views as of July 26, 2006. 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 forward-looking statements at some point in the future,
the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These
forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing
the Company's views as of any date subsequent to July 26, 2006.
CONTACT: Blackboard Inc.
Public Relations:
Melissa Chotiner, 202-463-4860 Ext. 2404
mchotiner@blackboard.com
or
Investor Relations:
Michael J. Stanton, 202-463-4860 Ext. 2305
SOURCE: Blackboard Inc.