Another initiative, called Sales Compass, a Web-based application that gives IBM salespeople the latest information about their customers prior to making sales calls, helps salespeople make effective pitches, says Horton. Analysts and corporate leaders say electronic learning is mushrooming. Cost savings is one factor fueling this growth. There are also big savings in increased productivity and efficiency. Online training cuts time by letting users grab only the chunks of information they need from the convenience of their desks.
Some companies use it as a customer service tool.
Schwab's online learning center, which offers courses in the fundamentals of investing and will later offer material for more advanced investors, was set up so customers can go through an entire course sequentially or choose only topics of interest. They wanted to be in control. And IT trainees are more comfortable with online delivery methods than others might be, he adds. Most analysts and users say it won't replace classroom instruction altogether. Most studies, she explains, indicate that instructor-led training is still the best way to learn.