Merged: Blackboard & WebCT
This is big news. I suppose the merger makes sense. To be honest, I haven’t used either Blackboard or WebCT recently, but I used to be a huge fan of Blackboard. It’s worth noting that Blackboard is acquiring WebCT and that the two companies will operate under the Blackboard name.
Also worth noting:
Blackboard plans to enhance and support the existing products of both
WebCT and Blackboard. New releases and ongoing software maintenance for WebCT
and Blackboard will continue to be a key focus of the combined company. At
the same time, Blackboard will leverage the Blackboard Building Blocks(R)
architecture and WebCT’s PowerLinks framework as the joint foundation for
these enabling interfaces that will allow the existing product lines to
interoperate with one another and with other applications. Over time,
Blackboard will incorporate the best features and usability characteristics
from the two product lines into a new, standards-based product set that will
incorporate a scalable, architecture, the use of Web services, unparalleled
ease of use, and flexible customization features.
Here’s the article everyone’s quoting, from Blackboard’s site:
Blackboard and WebCT,
leading providers of enterprise software and services to the education
industry have announced plans to merge. The announcement was made at
October 12th at 4 pm EST in a news release posted on PR News wire.
"I have had experience with both companies and view this merger as
combining excellence with excellence to advance the e-Learning
industry, I also see this combination as a way to break down barriers
across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and to open the door to new
opportunities for collaboration among institutions using different
e-learning platforms." – Jack Wilson, President of The University of
Massachusetts and current WebCT Vista client.“This merger makes tremendous sense for our clients, shareholders,
and employees.” said Michael Chasen, Blackboard President and Chief
Executive Officer. “It represents an unparalleled opportunity for two
successful, mission-driven organizations to unify in a combined
platform singularly focused on being the premier partner for educators
on a global basis. Together with our clients, we have one of those rare
and special opportunities to truly improve the access, quality and
efficiency of education on a global scale.”“Today is a great day for WebCT’s and Blackboard’s clients,
partners, investors and employees,” said Carol Vallone, WebCT President
and Chief Executive Officer. “Both companies feel passionately about
academic pursuits, institutions of learning and, most importantly,
their various constituents, and have shared credit in jointly
pioneering the integration of technology and education. We’ve thought
a lot about the alignment of cultures, technologies and overall
strategies of the companies and these businesses belong together.”
