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Industrial Distribution's Web news, June 21, 2001

YARDLEY, Pa. -- Prophet 21, a leader in developing enterprise software solutions for durable goods distributors, enhanced its supporting professional services with the addition of Web-based training to its Prophet 21 University offerings.

Prophet 21 University, a learner-focused training curriculum, offers an extensive array of computer-based training, instructor led courses, and videos designed to help customers fully realize the power of their Prophet 21 solution and ensure the highest possible return on their technology investment. Prophet 21 experts, each with extensive industry experience, develop all courses and materials, including Web-based training offerings.

Web-based training enables participants to engage in one- to two-hour classes delivered over the Internet. Students interact online in real-time with the instructor and other students without leaving their office. Using a browser window, students log on to a specified Web site to view class handouts, gain hands-on experience with Prophet 21 software, listen to the instructor, and verbally ask questions. Since everything takes place from the participants' own computers, travel expenses have been eliminated and students can apply what they've learned immediately.

Web-based training enables students to participate in real-time regardless of their Internet connection speed. Since everything takes place over the Internet, including voice and instruction, the software automatically adjusts to the user's computer capabilities so there is no lag time between what a student sees on their screen and what they're hearing from the instructor.

"I am now able to better utilize the software I already own, and I never had to leave my desk," says Pam Wachter, office manger for Erdmann Corp., a distributor of industrial valves, valve automation services, and related piping and steam specialties based in Louisville, KY. "It was easy to get started and the education will help me do my job better."

Designed to be time- and cost-effective, Web-based training courses eliminate the need to travel and require minimum advance preparation. After an initial software download, students need only log onto the appropriate Web site 15 minutes before class begins using their designated I.D. and password. Fitted with a headset and microphone, students sit at their computers and interact with the class just as if they were in the same room.

"Web-based training brings a whole new dimension to Prophet 21 University offerings," says Bill Patton, vice president of professional services at Prophet 21. "It is the perfect complement to our other Prophet 21 University offerings in that it adds greater flexibility for students, who can take a few hours out of their day to take a Web-based training class and then immediately apply what they've learned.

"Web-based training is not only for existing Prophet 21 customers, but it is also for new customers," continues Patton. "We see being able to significantly lower our implementation cost with this new offering.

"We also expect it to be especially helpful to both new and existing customers with branches," he adds. "Courses can be designed to meet their special needs and presented to all the branches at one time for enhanced collaboration."

In addition to Web-based training, Prophet 21 University includes a full range of educational medium designed to best meet the needs of students.

Computer-based training courses, delivered via CD-ROM, incorporate audio, video, and animation to instruct users in the operation of Prophet 21's enterprise software solutions.

Students work at their own pace and can share disks.

Instructor-led courses, held at Prophet 21 and learning centers around the country, provide intensive, classroom-style instruction. In addition to having an instructor present, these courses provide the advantage of removing students from the distractions of their work setting.

Videos, ideal for those customers who recently upgraded their Prophet 21 enterprise software solution, offer overviews of the capabilities of individual components of Prophet 21 software.

To date, nearly 20 classes are available through Web-based training, with more being developed every month. A free class, "The Magic is in the Mix: Training Options that Increase ROI," shows participants how the right blend of training tools and methodologies can improve employee productivity and increase the bottom line.

For more information on Prophet 21's Web-based training offerings or Prophet 21 University, please visit www.p21.com, call 1-800-776-7438, ext. 4555, or e-mail edservices@p21.com.

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