University of Pittsburgh Selects BbOne(SM) to Manage Off-Campus Merchant Network
University Transfers School-Run Program to Blackboard to Expand NetworkWASHINGTON, DC, Feb 20, 2007 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) -- The University of Pittsburgh has selected Blackboard Inc.'s (NASDAQ:
BBBB) BbOne(SM) program to expand its existing Panther Funds
off-campus merchant network. Through the Blackboard BbOne program,
students are able make safe, secure, cashless transactions at
university-approved, off-campus shops and restaurants with their
student identification (ID) cards. Since transferring their program to
Blackboard, the University of Pittsburgh's off-campus merchant network
has expanded significantly, with forty-seven area stores now
accepting Panther Funds, including Starbucks, Brueggers Bagels, Cold
Stone Creamery and Qdoba Mexican Grill, among others.
With the addition of the Blackboard BbOne program, the University of
Pittsburgh now licenses the complete Blackboard Commerce Suite(TM), a
package of three enterprise software applications supporting cashless
transactions on-campus, off-campus and online and allowing for
identification and security access.
A core part of the Blackboard BbOne program features an aggressive
outreach effort by Blackboard employees, in partnership with the
University, to potential merchants who might be interested in
participating. Through Blackboard BbOne, participating merchants
gain access to student funds, program marketing, and the convenience
of easy acceptance. Merchants receive support 24 hours a day, and
fund reimbursements daily by direct deposit.
"Our rich urban environment provides experiences for our students
that extend from nearby cultural and retail locations to locations
throughout the city of Pittsburgh. It's especially exciting to offer
students the convenience and flexibility to make purchases with
Panther Funds at such a variety of off-campus locations," said Joseph
Phillips, Assistant Vice Chancellor at the University of Pittsburgh.
"This is a great benefit to the members of our campus and business
community. We look forward to continuing to expand this program."
"We are delighted to help the University of Pittsburgh grow its
off-campus merchant program to provide greater choices for the members
of its campus community," said Michael Chasen, President and CEO of
Blackboard. "BbOne is really a win-win situation for the local
community and the school as it helps businesses attract customers and
it provides students with greater security and convenience."
Merchants interested in joining the BbOne network at University of
Pittsburgh may call 800-576-9279 for more information.
About Blackboard Inc.
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. Millions of people
use Blackboard everyday 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.
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
Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2006 with the SEC. In addition, the
forward-looking statements included in this press release represent
the Company's views as of February 20, 2007. 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 February 20, 2007.
Senior Manager Public Relations at Blackboard:
Melissa Chotiner
Blackboard Inc.
202-463-4860 ext. 2404
Media Contact, Fleishman-Hillard:
Amy Storey
Fleishman-Hillard Inc.
+1 202 828-8819
SOURCE: Blackboard Inc.