e-Learning Gains Momentum in the Middle East

Thirty Academic Institutions in Region Rely on Blackboard Technology for e-Learning InitiativesWASHINGTON, DC, May 07, 2007 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) -- Academic institutions across the Middle East are turning to technology to advance their educational missions and goals. Blackboard Inc. (NASDAQ: BBBB), a leading provider of enterprise software and related services to the education industry, announced today that more than thirty leading institutions spanning eight countries in the Middle East license Blackboard(R) technology to enhance teaching and learning.

Institutions using Blackboard technology, among many others in the region, include:

--  The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)
--  Abu Dhabi University
--  American University in Cairo
--  Hashmite University
--  King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals
--  Kuwait University
--  United Arab Emirates University
--  University of Bahrain

HCT, a 14-campus system spanning the United Arab Emirates (UAE), recently upgraded to the Blackboard Learning System(TM) -- Vista Enterprise License. Goals of the upgrade include integrating the campuses through technology, better sharing and distribution of knowledge resources and enhancing learning opportunities for the more than 18,000 students and faculty at the institution.

Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, Dr. Tayeb Kamali, says technology is enabling significant progress across campuses and the region as a whole.

"The Middle East is in the midst of an important transformation, expanding its investment into new educational resources, such as Blackboard technology to support the latest delivery methodologies for Education," said Dr. Kamali. "HCT is proud to be the first institution in the Middle East to implement the Blackboard Learning System -- Vista Enterprise License, enabling our campuses to continue in their leading roles as cutting edge providers of technology rich education and e-Learning."

Blackboard President and CEO Michael Chasen recently visited the HCT campus while attending the 2007 Education Without Borders Conference, where he delivered a keynote address on the challenges and opportunities related to e-Learning.

"The U.A.E. is making tremendous strides in its use of technology to enhance education," said Chasen. "We are excited about working with HCT and the many other institutions we partner with in the region to take teaching and learning to new levels in the Middle East."

As part of Blackboard's expanding international business, Blackboard is committed to supporting growth in the Middle East. Blackboard channel partners have played a critical role in expanding Blackboard's presence through successfully selling, servicing and supporting our educational technologies across the region. Our partners in the region include Integrated Solutions for Business (ISB), Edutech Middle East, and General Computers and Electronics Co. (in Jordan). They all have long standing and successful relationships with Blackboard and currently service over 38 institutions for Blackboard.

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

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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 May 4, 2007 with the SEC. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of May 7, 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 May 7, 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.