EDHEC wins 2nd Prize in the Rich Media Impact Awards

On April 28, 2009 EDHEC Business School won the 2nd prize in the Rich Media Impact Awards in the Education category. The Rich Media Impact Awards program was created in 2005 to recognise excellence in the practical and creative integration of Mediasite in education, health, business and government. The prize categories for the best integration of Mediasite were split into education, health, business and government.

"The work of EDHEC represents the continuous innovation that is happening among Mediasite customers worldwide," said Rimas Buinevicius, chairman and CEO of Sonic Foundry. "Sonic Foundry is thrilled to honour the success of the program at EDHEC Mediasite We thank you for the important role you play in setting the standard for achievement through rich media".

This is the recognition of a continuous innovation and creation of standards in the world of education for EDHEC Business School. Bernard Curzi, Development Manager at EDHEC Business School, introduced the e-learning laboratory put in place at EDHEC. The EDHEC e-learning lab is truly unique in France by the level of technology used. For example, a tactile carpet has been placed behind the speaker's desk enabling a numeric video camera in the back of the room to record the speaker with a close up shot or to follow him with a wide angle shot when moving. This is achieves by using a series of ceiling movement sensors that locate the speaker. Furthermore, all teaching supports can be synchronised with video (digital documents, paper documents with the use of a numeric projector, DVDs...). The interactive mode is possible thanks to a series of ceiling microphones. A participant who's asking a question or making a comment is automatically recorded and filmed via a third camera placed above the speaker's desk. This system creates an amazing interactivity between the speaker and its audience. It is user-friendly; the speaker doesn't have to consider all the technical issues.

EDHEC Business School was the first in France to develop the BlackBoard online platform. The school that is widely recognised in this field of expertise has been named BlackBoard Education Training Center. There are only six centres around the world and EDHEC Business School' role is to train on technical and methodological level universities in Africa and French speaking countries in Europe. EDHEC Business School is also one of the few schools to have a virtual trading room dedicated to students.

Further information on: www.sonicfoundry.com

Founded in 1991, Sonic Foundry is a recognised market leader for rich media webcasting and knowledge management, providing education and training solutions and services that link information-driven world. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, the company has received numerous awards including the 2007 Frost & Sullivan Global Market Leadership Award, Ziff Davis Media's Baseline Magazine's sixth fastest-growing software company with sales under $ 150 million and Deloitte's Technology Fast 500. Named a Bersin & Associates 2007 Learning Leader, Sonic Foundry's webcasting and knowledge management solutions are trusted by education institutions, Fortune 500 companies and government agencies for a variety of critical communication needs. Sonic Foundry is changing the way organisations communicate via the web and how people around the globe receive vital information needed for education, business, professional advancement and safety.