E-learning Firm Blackboard Inc. Forms Government Group

Blackboard Inc., a Washington software infrastructure company for e-learning, has formed a Government Solutions Group to serve federal, state and local agencies in their efforts to train current employees and attract others, the company announced Nov. 19.

Blackboard has several government clients, including the U.S. Army, Department of Agriculture, Court System and Navy College Program for Afloat College Education.

Blackboard also announced a partnership between its new Government Solutions Group and Maximus Inc., a Reston, Va., provider of program management, information technology and consulting services to U.S. government agencies. Using the Blackboard 5.5 platform, Maximus will build e-learning into its "Ticket to Work" application for the Social Security Administration and welfare reform programs. The partnership will allow participants in these programs to access course materials, take quizzes and engage in online discussions.

James Watt leads Blackboard's government solutions program. He formerly worked in government sales at MicroStrategy Inc. of McLean, Va.