ADP Dealer Services Introduces Virtual Classroom Training

ADP Dealer Services Introduces Virtual Classroom Training

- Dealers Save Money, Time With 'Live' Internet Instruction -

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a move to facilitate learning for the thousands of automobile dealership employees that attend ADP classes each month, the Dealer Services Group of Automatic Data Processing Inc. (NYSE:ADP), the training leader in the dealer management system (DMS) industry, now offers Virtual Classroom training. ADP's Virtual Classroom brings learning into the dealership by providing "hands-on" training with an instructor over the Internet.

ADP has continued to leverage the latest technology to bring the most effective training programs to the dealership and is the first supplier to offer the Virtual Classroom. Virtual Classroom simulates the traditional classroom environment but eliminates burdensome travel and expenses associated with traditional classroom training. And by training in-store, sales, parts and service personnel can train part-time and work part-time, continuing to help customers and generate revenue across departments.

"Virtual classroom is more cost effective for the dealer because it keeps employees in the dealership and working at least a half day," said Becky Hubble, director of training services for ADP Dealer Services. "We've responded to the market and moved classes to the Internet to accommodate our customers' business needs."

ADP will deliver its Virtual Classroom through collaboration solution software from Elluminate, a leading provider of e-learning solutions for real-time organizations. This Internet-based learning mimics the experience trainees receive in a traditional classroom setting. Students from multiple dealerships simply access the courses with an IP address. The class begins with slides and demonstrations and the instructor can monitor each participant individually or simultaneously.

When students need additional assistance they can enter "break-out" rooms and work individually with an instructor, who can review practice labs and address questions. Students also may choose to share their work and engage in discussions with fellow trainees.

ADP's Virtual Classroom will launch its first courses for dealer employees in March 2005. Courses will be limited to five attendees, each of whom will receive practice exercise materials in advance. More virtual classes will be offered throughout the rest of the year.

"Our goal with Virtual Classroom is to offer each ADP dealer-customer a choice of customized virtual courses in early 2006. These sessions will be created especially for individual client needs. The possibilities are unlimited and the result is that sales, parts and service personnel will have more time in the dealership to service customers," added Hubble.

About ADP Dealer Services

ADP Dealer Services provides integrated computing solutions to 19,500 auto, truck, motorcycle, marine and recreational vehicle dealers throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. ADP Dealer Services is the third largest business unit of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NYSE:ADP). ADP, with approximately $8 billion in revenues and 550,000 clients, is one of the largest providers of a broad range of premier mission-critical, cost effective transaction processing and information-based business solutions in selected markets on a global basis. More information on ADP Dealer Services is available on the Internet at http://www.dealersuite.com/ .

ADP is a registered trademark of ADP of North America, Inc.


Source: Automatic Data Processing Inc.

CONTACT: Doug Towle of ADP Dealer Services, +1-847-485-4374, or
doug_towle@adp.com ; or Gretchen Muller of RCG PR, +1-847-675-8100, ext. 110,
or Gretchen_Muller@rcgpr.com

Web site: http://www.dealersuite.com/


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