Schools and Local Governments See More Satisfaction, Value Using Mass Notification for Community Engagement

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackboard Inc. (Nasdaq: BBBB) today announced the results of a customer survey that examined usage patterns of Blackboard's mass notification services, including applications beyond urgent notifications and alerts. Findings show that as organizations embrace mass notification technology for proactive messages to students, parents and community members, they report higher ratings of satisfaction and value.

A total of 1,469 K-12 schools, local governments and higher education institutions responded to the survey, which was conducted by Gomez Research. The majority of K-12 clients that use a mass notification system report improved and increased parental involvement. In fact, 95 percent of respondents who use the mass notification service to communicate with parents find it improves student attendance.

According to the survey, 90 percent of local governments who use their notification service for community outreach report increased public participation in community events. Cities and counties are also increasingly using the service to conduct targeted revenue campaigns for unpaid traffic tickets, utility payment collections and even dog licensing fees.

"Our community is highly connected, and they've come to expect relevant and immediate information from our leadership," said Kristi Wyatt, Public Information Officer for League City, Texas. "Whether by phone, email, text message or social media, Blackboard Connect helps League City keep our residents connected to community news and events – all in the channel they prefer."

In higher education, 99 percent of college and university respondents reported that Blackboard's notification technology is helpful in maintaining safety and security on campus. While the majority of these schools use their mass notification system to send urgent notifications, many are beginning to use the service to increase student involvement, reach out to alumni and communicate with prospective students.

"Both student achievement and community involvement can improve with the right leadership communication tools," said Ed Miller, President of Blackboard Connect. "We're encouraged to see an increasing number Blackboard clients engaged in regular, proactive contact with their communities using the technologies constituents prefer and respond to."

The survey also shows that 96 percent of all customers who use the Blackboard Connect^™ and AlertNow^™ services report overall satisfaction. Year over year, the Company also maintains high satisfaction results for customer service, innovative technology, seamless integration and best practices that help customers maximize the full range of functionality.

For more information about Blackboard's mass notification solutions, please visit http://blackboard.com/Alert-Notification/Overview.aspx.

About Blackboard Inc.

Blackboard Inc. (Nasdaq: BBBB) is a global leader in enterprise technology and innovative solutions that improve the experience of millions of students and learners around the world every day. Blackboard's solutions allow thousands of higher education, K-12, professional, corporate, and government organizations to extend teaching and learning online, facilitate campus commerce and security, and communicate more effectively with their communities. Founded in 1997, Blackboard is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for Blackboard and other statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of our Form 10-Q filed on November 5, 2010 with the SEC. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of November 18, 2010. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the Company's views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to November 18, 2010.

SOURCE Blackboard Inc.