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SYNOPSIS: Standards-based approach will solidify compatibility and data exchange formats for content between publishers and Learning Management System platforms

Kitchener-Waterloo, ON, and Orlando, FL, October 30, 2008 – Desire2Learn Incorporated (Desire2Learn), a leading provider of mission-critical enterprise eLearning solutions, today announced its backing of the IMS Common Cartridge specification which provides a standard open format for producing digital learning content that can be interpreted by learning systems.

Common Cartridge supports incorporation of downloaded content such as test items, assessments, and initiation of collaborative discussions, along with protected access to web-based content and learning applications (based on the Learning Tools Interoperability protocol). Desire2Learn will be releasing its first Learning Environment version that achieves the IMS Common Cartridge conformance mark in early 2009, and is working with several major publishers to ensure interoperability with their content.

"Desire2Learn is an active participant in the specification working groups of IMS and has always been a strong supporter of IMS and a 'standards-based approach,' " said Jeremy Auger, COO, Desire2Learn and member of the Board of Directors for IMS. "IMS Common Cartridge will help to solidify compatibility and data exchange formats for content between publishers and Learning Management System (LMS) platforms. Common Cartridge can address packaging, authorization and learning tools interoperability of content, thus liberating content and giving users freedom to traverse systems more seamlessly."

New details of support for the Common Cartridge were revealed this week at EDUCAUSE 2008, the premier IT event in Higher Education, held this year in Orlando, Florida.

About Desire2Learn Incorporated

Desire2Learn Incorporated is a world-leading provider of enterprise eLearning solutions that enable institutions and other organizations to create teaching and learning environments that reflect their vision, values, goals, pedagogical approaches and branding. Desire2Learn and its subsidiaries support more than five million learners worldwide and clients include higher education, K-12, as well as associations, government and other leading organizations. For more information, visit: www.Desire2Learn.com, call 1.888.772.0325 or 1.519.772.0325.

About IMS Global Learning Consortium (IMS GLC)

IMS Global Learning is a global, nonprofit, member organization that strives to enable the growth and impact of learning technology in the education and corporate learning sectors worldwide. IMS GLC members provide leadership in shaping and growing the learning industry through community development of interoperability and adoption practice standards and recognition of the return on investment from learning and educational technology. For more information, including the world's most comprehensive set of learning technology interoperability standards, information on the annual Learning Impact conference and awards program, and free community resources for learning technology leaders, visit www.imsglobal.org.