New Approach Ensures Consistency; PTS Focuses on IT Solutions
Computer Reseller News, January 15, 1996

Info For You

PTS Learning Systems Inc. a trainer and course developer, is expanding its product line to appeal to corporations seeking an integrated solution to IT training needs. Executives at PTS, King of Prussia, said new courseware authoring tools and training products will distinguish the company, especially at it heads toward an expected IPO this year.

A key to growth for PTS and other trainers/developers is the ability to solve corporate training variables, such as location, content and delivery format. A company capable of offering integrated tools and strategies should have greater appeal to customers.

Mike Levinson, PTS' chief executive, said a third of PTS' business already involves multiple media, or some combination of learning products. "A training company needs to think bigger. What's the best way to solve this problem, given all the tools we have?"

PTS' strategy includes its own line of computer-based training products, scheduled for release this quarter, created in large part because of a second new product, CustomDOC Composer, a compiling and storing engine for content. CustomDOC Composer creates a onetime format for building, customizing and storing curricula, whether for just-in-time desktop aids, instructor-led courseware or stand-alone or networked computer-based training products. The result is identical lessons, exercises and objectives across a family of learning tools, whether customized to teach mainstream apps or proprietary software.

"What we're saying is design the reference material, the learning materials, the skills assessment questions once," said Patricia Roberts, PTS president and co-owner. "The beauty of that is it's a consistent approach to how you want the application used or applied to a task."

This fall, PTS released another part of the strategy: "On-Demand Interactive Learning" series, a just-in-time learning tool blending text, sound and graphics to give users help while still working from within applications.

Copyright © 1996-1997 PTS Learning Systems. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without the expressed written permission of PTS Learning Systems is prohibited.