The SAP Learning Management Solution is now in pilot testing, and should be available by the second quarter of 2002. The product will integrate with the mySAP.com e-business platform, including mySAP Human Resources (mySAP HR) and other SAP solutions, or you can use it as a standalone e-learning solution.

The Learning Management Solution will provide role-based educational content tailored to individual learning styles. Companies can use it for training employees, customers, and partners. According to SAP, the product will help companies collaborate on training internally or with third-party companies, align corporate strategy with learning objectives, and cut the total costs of training.

There are tools for providing role-based information based on learner preferences, creating learning content, and designing tests and certifications to share and reuse globally. (Reusable learning tools are stored in a Web-based content repository for future reference.) Students/trainees can select courses, review training history, or transfer qualifications and test results to the appropriate people within the company. Learner accounts contain historical information about each learner.

In its announcement, SAP explained that "companies will leverage the Learning Management Solution to reduce administration and travel costs and optimize the use of valuable and limited HR resources." They can also extend the software to "roll out information and train and certify their business partners and customers across the globe, keeping all stakeholders informed at a reasonable expense."

In listing possible applications, SAP suggests universities expand their customer base by offering courses to off-site students. Creators and managers of marketplaces could offer learning as an extra service available directly from the marketplace. In addition, companies operating in the same market can use the Learning Management Solution as a common platform for sharing noncritical, noncompetitive learning content and courses to lower costs.

Pricing is not yet available, and will vary by company needs and setup.