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26th March 2007

Thales International Training Centre opts for Giunti Labs' learn eXact LCMS

The Netherlands-based International Training Centre of Thales Naval (Thales) has chosen the learn eXact LCMS Platform from Giunti Labs, Europe's leading vendor of e-learning and mobile learning content management solutions, to produce, store and manage all its training material for its external clients and students.

Thales is currently restructuring its training programmes for its customers throughout the world. Moving from a more traditional instructor led training (ILT) approach, where students come to the Netherlands for their training, Thales is introducing different teaching methods including distant self-study and e-learning options.

According to Rinus Kostermans, Head of the International Training Centre at Thales Services Nederland: "As long ago as 2005, we began developing an LCMS/LMS environment in order to optimise the delivery of learning relating to knowledge of our systems. We did this principally to help those using our products to become increasingly effective and efficient in their use.

"After extensive evaluation against a range of solutions, we have now chosen the Giunti Labs' learn eXact platform - which is based on learning objects, XML and both SCORM and AICC specifications, all features very relevant to our industrial sector.

"We use it to create and manage the learning content related to our systems. In particular, the learn eXact platform allows our subject matter experts to create, share and to re-use material easily, collaboratively and remotely in a highly effective way.

"We also have found learn eXact to be a suitable, module-based learning management system (LMS) which allows us to deliver e-learning content easily, because it also provides an integrated management of user data, tracking and reports.

"At this point it is difficult to calculate the benefit in terms of the reduced costs of developing and delivering learning materials," said Kostermans. "However, among the results of using the learn eXact system are that attitude surveys and personal reviews completed by instructors, project managers and managers in general show that they are convinced about the need for change and that the LCMS/LMS plays a crucial part in this process.

"Working with the Giunti Labs' learn eXact LCMS is fostering our team spirit and the LCMS enables the standardisation of the development process, helping us to become more effective," he added.

"We've achieved more transparency in the teaching and learning process, along with a better view on achievements and results," Kostermans continued. "And, importantly, we've standardised the procedures concerning the organisation, the teaching and learning processes, use of content and so on."

Hans Kok, Manager of Giunti Labs' Dutch partner, edugolive, explained: "Working with the learn eXact platform, supplied via Giunti Labs, we were able to give Thales full control of their own learning content, empowering them to fully self-produce SCORM and XML based contents at a fraction of the costs they were used to."

End

Notes for Editors

About Thales

Employing some 3,000 people in the Netherlands, Thales operates in a large number of markets - both military and civil.

Thales Nederland is the global market leader in naval missile control systems designed to defend a naval ship against air threats. Its naval sensors - radar and infrared - rank among the world's best.

Thales Air Defence produces various types of ground-based systems, providing ground forces with the surveillance and weapon control capabilities they require.

Thales Communications has proven its innovative capabilities once again with the futuristic Digitised Soldier System. A contract with the Netherlands Government successfully concluded a long period of development.

Thales Optronics has over 40 years experience in high-tech optronic equipment for defence and industrial applications. With over 1,500 units sold, the LION uncooled handheld thermal imager is the global market leader in its segment.

With 30 years experience, Thales Cryogenics is a world leader in cryocooling with a wide range of cryocoolers, from Joule Thomson to Stirling, including rotary, linear and pulse tube coolers for all infrared applications, but also super-conductive technologies, X-ray, telecommunications or laser needs.

Thales Services Nederland provides comprehensive integrated support to customers in more than 40 countries around the globe who use Thales-NL systems and products.

Thales Navigation has a long history as market leader in the GPS/GNSS industry. The company offers a range of navigation and positioning systems for consumers and professional applications all over the world.

About Giunti Labs

Giunti is unique in the international publishing industry.

In 1497, Giunti publishers and typographers in Florence, together with others in Venice, began modern book manufacturing. Over the years Giunti has built a 'historical catalogue' of huge dimensions, through a gradual process of 'fusion' of different publishers, but also through the creation of new brands, including Giunti Labs. Giunti Editore now includes 20 companies in the publishing sector.

Giunti Labs, which has its EMEA headquarters in Italy and an office in Milton Keynes (UK), provides a wide range of services, in response to any content, learning and knowledge management need, covering:

• Content production

• Research and development

• Technological solutions for content, learning & knowledge management

• Architectural and technological solutions for mobile & wireless

• Training and consulting