Atlanta -- Clearly, the greatest cost of training today is time off the job. In order to help companies minimize that time, Arthur Andersen's Virtual Learning Network (VLNSM), the most comprehensive and flexible learning solution for business and industry, has formed an agreement with SkillScape®, the leading provider of global competency-based solutions. By doing so, VLN has created a total learning model that includes competency-based analysis to link learners to very focused training interventions.

The alliance enables VLN to map SkillScape's competency dictionary to the offerings of VLN's content vendors. Since VLN offers over 2,500 course titles from its content partners, organizations will be able to use SkillScape's competency dictionary to point VLN users to specific learning events. Building upon the dictionary's 7000 skills, VLN will add thousands more.

"If we can minimize the time spent in training and focus someone specifically on just the skills they need, then there's a huge economic payback," said Steve Roden Director of VLN. "With this system, users can develop a competency map on a particular employee and identify skill gaps down to a granular level. Rather than that employee spending hundreds of hours in training, companies can now focus training in a very specific and time efficient way."

Virtual Learning Network will also distribute a customized version of SkillScape's Competence Manager(TM) software. The program helps companies identify the skill gaps of their employees in terms of the organization's specific business goals and strategies. Competence Manager(TM) provides employees with the ability to do an assessment of their own skills. The program then directs them to the appropriate skills based upon their current career, their core competencies, the strategic objectives of the organization, and the employee's personal career goals.

"Competency management is now recognized as a key process to ensure that individual and organizational training plans are tied to business goals," said Colin Houghton, president of SkillScape. "SkillScape's leadership in this arena ensures that VLN will not only provide a cost-effective solution to training, but will also help employees better manage their careers. Using Competence Manager(TM), VLN customers will now be able to analyze any skills shortfalls that may affect their ability to reach their strategic goals."

About SkillScape Skills Management Services, Ltd.

SkillScape Skills Management Services Ltd. is a global provider of solutions that address competence management, skills-based recruiting, and e-Learning. Through business relationships with both the world's leading providers of human resources solutions (e.g. PeopleSoft, Oracle), providers of learning management solutions (e.g., VLN, Pathlore), and learning providers (e.g., SmartForce, DigitalThink), SkillScape completes a solution set to meet the needs of the enterprise.

A privately held company with its head office located in Victoria, Canada, SkillScape® Skills Management Services Ltd. offers complete skills management solutions. SkillScape® offers Internet/Intranet-based software solutions such as Competence Manager(TM) which is a competency management software solution, and SkillScreener(TM) which acts as a company's competency-based web recruiting portal on the Internet. As well, SkillScape® offers the Starter Skills Dictionary(TM) which includes over 8,700 skill definitions and 150 job roles, business process consulting services, technical consulting services and hosting services. For more information please visit www.skillscape.com.

About VLN

Virtual Learning Network (VLN) provides business and industry with comprehensive, flexible Web-based learning solutions tailored to performance needs and goals. These solutions combine quality courseware, a leading-edge delivery and learning management system, development of competency frameworks, and support services focused on performance improvement. VLN offers an extensive library of interactive multimedia content from leading courseware developers in four critical areas: Finance and Accounting; IT Skills for Professionals and End Users; Management, Supervisory and Employee Development; and Sales and Marketing. VLN also provides support services to help clients integrate Web-based learning into their overall training objectives. Companies that want to learn more about Virtual Learning Network should visit the VLN website at http://www.aavln.com, call 800-278-4871, or e-mail aavlninfo@arthurandersen.com

About Arthur Andersen

Arthur Andersen's vision is to be the partner for success in the new economy. The firm helps clients find new ways to create, manage and measure value in the rapidly changing global economy. With world-class skills in assurance, tax, consulting and corporate finance, Arthur Andersen has more than 77,000 people in 84 countries who are united by a single worldwide operating structure that fosters inventiveness, knowledge sharing and a focus on client success. Since its beginning in 1913, Arthur Andersen has realized 86 years of uninterrupted growth, with 1999 revenues of more than $7 billion. Arthur Andersen is a business unit of Andersen Worldwide.