A proposed buyout of WebCT by its longtime rival Blackboard Inc. should be a positive move in the industry and beneficial to the University of New Mexico, a user of Web CT’s products. On Wednesday, Blackboard Inc. announced plans to buy WebCT in a $180-million deal. Both companies offer products allowing students to do course work online as part of an on-campus class or through a distance-education program.
Both boards of directors have approved the deal, which still needs final approval by regulators. If approved, the companies would have more than 3,700 clients including nonprofit and for-profit colleges, elementary and secondary schools, corporations and government agencies.
“We believe this is a positive move that will keep the WebCT product on the same technological track as it is today,” said UNM Chief Information Officer Bill Adkins. “We do not expect the buyout to have an adverse effect on UNM's long term directions with WebCT's Vista product at this time. However, the CIO's office and Extended University are watching this development very closely.”
According to reports, Blackboard would not phase out WebCT's products or lay off its workers, at least in the short term. The WebCT technology will continue to be produced, supported and enhanced, all under the WebCT name.
Eventually, though, the company plans to create a common architecture for both products. That will make it easier for others to create add-ons to customize Blackboard's offerings. Education-technology analysts say the new Blackboard will be far and away the dominant player in the market. The companies plan to complete the merger, under the Blackboard name, by year-end.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821