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{{For|the supplier of fundraising software|Blackbaud}}
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{{Infobox company
| name = Blackboard Inc
| logo = ]
| type = ]<ref name="blackboard.com">http://www.blackboard.com/About-Bb/Media-Center/Press-Releases.aspx?releaseid=1613617</ref>
| genre =
| foundation = Washington, D.C. 1997 <!-- this parameter modifies "Founded" -->
| founder =
| location_city = Washington, D.C.
| location_country = U.S.
| locations =
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = Michael L. Chasen <small><br>President, CEO, Director</small><br>Matthew L. Pittinsky <small><br>Chairman of the Board</small>
| industry = Educational Software
| products = Blackboard Learn<br>Blackboard Transact<br>Blackboard Connect<br>Blackboard Mobile<br>Blackboard Collaborate<br>Blackboard Analytics<br>Blackboard Engage (Edline)
| services = E-Learning Consulting
| revenue = ] US$ 447.32 million (2010)<ref name=BBBB10>{{cite web |url=http://moneycentral.msn.com/investor/invsub/results/statemnt.aspx?symbol=BBBB |title=Blackboard Financial Results |work=Moneycentral.msn.com |publisher=MSN |accessdate=March 30, 2011}}</ref>
| operating_income = ] US$ 34.02 million (2010)<ref name="BBBB10"/>
| net_income = ] US$ 16.64 million (2010)<ref name="BBBB10"/>
| owner =
| num_employees = 1,780 (Q1 2011)<ref name=CoReport>{{cite web |url=http://investing.money.msn.com/investments/company-report?symbol=US%3aBBBB |title=Blackboard Company Report |work=Moneycentral.msn.com |publisher=MSN |accessdate=March 30, 2011}}</ref>
| parent = ]<ref name="blackboard.com"/>
| divisions =
| subsid =
| slogan =
| homepage =
| footnotes =
| intl =
}}

'''Blackboard Inc.''' is an ] company with its corporate headquarters in Washington, D.C.<ref>"." Blackboard Inc. Retrieved on October 4, 2011. "Blackboard Inc. 650 Massachusetts Avenue N.W. 6th Floor Washington, DC 20001-3796 U.S.A."</ref> and is primarily known as a developer of education software, in particular ]s. Blackboard was founded by CEO Michael Chasen and chairman Matthew Pittinsky in 1997 and became a public company in 2004. The company provides education, mobile, communication, and commerce software and related services to clients including education providers, corporations and government organizations. Blackboard's seven platforms are: Learn, Transact, Engage, Connect, Mobile, Collaborate and Analytics. The company has been a leader in the development of Internet-based education software. {{As of|2010|12}}, Blackboard software and services are used by over 9,300 institutions in more than 60 countries.

==History==

===Early history===
Blackboard was founded in 1997 by Michael Chasen and Matthew Pittinsky and began as a consulting firm contracting to the non-profit IMS Global Learning Consortium.<ref name=LSE>{{cite news |title=GEO Interactive Re OEM Agreement |url= |newspaper=London Stock Exchange Aggregated Regulatory News Service |date=October 21, 1998}}</ref> Chasen and Pittinsky started Blackboard upon leaving ] where they both had worked as part of the company’s Higher Education practice.<ref name=Leibovich>{{cite news |title=Blackboard Chalks Up a Breakthrough; Its Educational Software Lets Colleges Put Classes on the Internet |first=Mark |last= Leibovich|url= |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 4, 1999 |page=F05}}</ref> In 1998, the company merged with ], a small course management software provider that originated at ] and was founded by Daniel Cane and ], creating the second{{Citation needed|date=November 2011|reason=Leibovich does not seem to say this.}} widely-used course management software on the market (preceded by ] which was developed starting in 1995 and in widespread use by the end of 1996).<ref name="Leibovich"/> The combined company became known as Blackboard Inc. The first line of e-learning products was branded Blackboard CourseInfo LLC,<ref name="BusinessWire" /> until the CourseInfo brand was dropped in 2000.<ref name="Educational" />

===Company growth===
In 2001, Blackboard acquired AT&T Campuswide and CEI Special Teams, developers of ID cards that can be used for security and commerce.<ref name=Irwin>{{cite news |title=Blackboard to Chalk Up 2 Acquisitions; Smart-Card Companies Augment Technology And Customer Base |first=Neil |last=Irwin |url= |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=November 29, 2000}}</ref> Blackboard began expansion overseas in the early 2000s, growing to include Asia, Australia and Europe in its service area.<ref name=Roger>{{cite news |title=Blackboard's success may erase bad feelings about dot-coms |first=Roger |last=Hughlett |url= |newspaper=Washington Business Journal |date=August 8, 2003 |volume=22 |issue=14 |page=3}}</ref> As of January 2001, the company was providing its software services to over 1,500 clients.<ref name=Techway>{{cite news |title=Big company on campus: Blackboard hopes an IPO will help it dominate the Internet education market |first=Alex |last=Daniels |url= |newspaper=Washington Techway |date=January 29, 2001 |page=26}}</ref> Through a partnership with a Chinese education company, Blackboard also began providing software services to many universities in China.<ref name=Knowlton>{{cite news |title=U.S. firm makes grade in China |first=Brian |last=Knowlton |url= |newspaper=The International Herald Tribune |date=September 1, 2003 |page=11}}</ref> By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Blackboard had become the leading ].<ref name=Burn>{{cite news |title=Michael Chasen: CEO of the Year |first=Timothy |last=Burn |url=http://library.blackboard.com/docs/Press_Center/CEO_of_the_Year_2006.pdf |magazine=Washington Smart CEO |date = May 2006|accessdate=May 15, 2011}}</ref> Blackboard went ] in June 2004 under the stock market ] BBBB.<ref name=WBJ04>{{cite news |title=Fastest Growing Companies 2004: Blackboard |newspaper=Washington Business Journal |date=October 1, 2004 |volume=23 |issue=22 |page=16}}</ref>

In October 2005, Blackboard announced that it was acquiring ] Inc., its largest rival in the education software industry.<ref name=EW05>{{cite news |title=Makers of Online Systems Merge; Blackboard buys up rival in course-handling market |magazine=Education Week |date=October 26, 2005 |volume=25 |issue=9 |page=8}}</ref> Through the acquisition, Blackboard gained over 1,400 institutional customers as well as 274 employees.<ref name=EW05/> In the two years leading to the merger, Blackboard's most significant growth was in the elementary and secondary education client sector.<ref name=EW05/> According to market research company Eduventures, the merger with WebCT increased Blackboard's share of the higher-education market to between 65 and 75 percent.<ref name=Carnevale>{{cite news |title=Justice Department Sees No Antitrust Concerns in Blackboard's Plan to Take Over WebCT |first=Dan |last=Carnevale |newspaper=The Chronicle of Higher Education |isbn= |issn= |oclc= |pmid= |pmd= |bibcode= |id= |date=February 17, 2006 |page=37 |volume=52 |issue=24}}</ref>

===Recent expansion===
Over the next five years, Blackboard invested in a series of new products and acquisitions, as well as organic growth, to expand the company's product and service portfolio beyond the learning management system market.<ref name=Kolowich>{{cite news |title=Blackboard's Next Phase |first=Steve |last=Kolowich |url=http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/02/22/blackboard_evolves_its_business_strategy_in_light_of_market_saturation_in_higher_ed |newspaper=Inside Higher Ed |date=February 22, 2011 |accessdate=April 10, 2011}}</ref> Among these: Blackboard Connect formed in 2008 from the acquisition of NTI Group<ref>{{cite press release |title=Blackboard announces acquisition of NTI Group |url=http://www.blackboard.com/About-Bb/Media-Center/Press-Releases/Archive.aspx?releaseid=1095608 |publisher=Blackboard Inc. |date=January 14, 2008 |accessdate=September 21, 2011}}</ref> and Saf-T-Net Inc.,<ref>{{cite press release |title=Blackboard to acquire Saf-T-Net, Inc. provider of Alertnow |url=http://www.blackboard.com/About-Bb/Media-Center/Press-Releases/Archive.aspx?releaseid=1399919 |publisher=Blackboard Inc. |date=March 8, 2010 |accessdate=September 21, 2011}}</ref> providers of text message alerts, in 2010; ], an education software developer whose acquisition expanded Blackboard's client base to nearly 6,000 educational institutions, companies and government agencies, in 2009;<ref>{{cite news |title=Blackboard Inc.Purchases Education Software Developer
|first=Kathleen |last=Kennedy |newspaper=Education Week |date=May 20, 2009 |page=4 |volume=28 |issue=32}}</ref> ] student-run TerribyClever Design, LLC, whose ] ] provided the basis for the Blackboard Mobile division to develop the service for other university campuses, in July 2009;<ref name=Harlin>{{cite news |title=Blackboard Inc. Washington, D.C. Educational Software Maker Binds Students And Faculty |first=Kevin |last=Harlin |newspaper=Investor's Business Daily |date=January 8, 2010 |page=A06}}</ref> Blackboard Collaborate brought together Wimba, Inc. and Elluminate, Inc., in July 2010; Blackboard Analytics formed when Blackboard acquired iStrategy, a data analysis firm, in December 2010;<ref name="Kolowich"/> Blackboard Student Services was developed from Presidium Inc., a provider of administrative and academic support services, in January 2011.<ref name=Pres>{{cite news |title=In Bid to Expand Into Student Services, Blackboard Buys Presidium |first=Jeff |last=Young |url=http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/in-bid-to-expand-into-student-services-blackboard-buys-presidium/28965 |newspaper=The Chronicle of Higher Education |date=January 12, 2011 |accessdate=August 30, 2011}}</ref> {{As of|2010|12}}, Blackboard software and services are used by over 9,300 institutions in more than 60 countries.<ref name=FY2010>{{cite press release |title=Blackboard Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2010 Results |url=http://www.blackboard.com/About-Bb/Media-Center/Press-Releases.aspx?releaseid=1524476 |publisher=Blackboard Inc. |date=February 3, 2011 |accessdate=April 1, 2011}}</ref>

===Buyout===
On July 1, 2011, Blackboard agreed to a $1.64 billion buyout by an investor group led by ], which was completed on October 4.<ref>{{cite news |title=Providence Equity Partners To Buy Blackboard For About $1.64B |first=Drew |last=Fitzgerald |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110701-705527.htm |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=July 1, 2011 |accessdate=August 26, 2011}}</ref><ref name="Blackboard buyout press release">{{cite web|title=Providence Equity Partners Completes Acquisition of Blackboard Inc.|url=http://www.blackboard.com/about-bb/media-center/Press-Releases.aspx?releaseid=1613617|work=Blackboard Inc.|accessdate=January 8, 2012}}</ref>

In March 2012 Blackboard acquired two companies based on ]'s software including Baltimore-based Moodlerooms Inc. and NetSpot of Adelaide, Australia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Blackboard makes Moodle acquisitions | url=http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2012/03/26/blackboard-makes-moodle-acquisitions.html |publisher=bizjournals.com}}</ref>

==Operations==
] NW, in Washington, D.C.]]
Blackboard Inc. is a provider of ] and mobile applications, communications and commerce services, primarily to the education industry.<ref name="Q1 2011">{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blackboard-inc-announces-first-quarter-of-2011-conference-call-120412419.html |title=Blackboard Inc. Announces First Quarter of 2011 Conference Call |date=April 21, 2011 |work=PR Newswire |accessdate=April 24, 2011}}</ref> It is best known as a developer of ] for higher education, ], and professional education institutions. It also offers its products and services to businesses and government organizations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/19/idUSL3E7FJ3FB20110419
|title=Blackboard says received buyout offers; shares jump |date=April 19, 2011 |work=Reuters |accessdate=April 24, 2011}}</ref> The firm provides its own products and services directly to clients, and also partners with other companies to offer software and services that extend and enhance the Blackboard Learn platform.<ref>{{cite press release |title=eXplorance Joins Blackboard Partnerships™ as a Signature Partner |url=http://www.explorance.com/news_n_views/20110330-152121.asp?lng=en |publisher=eXplorance |date=March 7, 2011 |accessdate=May 15, 2011}}</ref> Since the late 2000s, the company's strategy has been undergoing a change away from reliance on its learning management system, towards greater diversification. Blackboard launched four separately licensed products and complementary services between 2008 and 2011, including communications, mobile, collaboration and analytics tools through technologies gained in the acquisition of companies such as iStrategy, Wimba and ].<ref name="Kolowich" />

Blackboard operates as a public company, following its initial public offering in 2004.<ref name="WBJ04"/> The company is structured into six product platforms, each of which has its own president. Blackboard's leadership comprises president and CEO, Michael L. Chasen, COO, Matthew Small, CFO, John Kinzer, together with the platform presidents. The platform presidents are: Ray Henderson, president of Blackboard Learn; David Marr, president of Blackboard Transact; Edward Miller, president of Blackboard Connect; Maurice Heiblum, president of Blackboard Collaborate; and Kayvon Beykpour, vice president of Blackboard Mobile.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blackboard.com/About-Bb/Company/Leadership/Overview.aspx |title=Management Team |work=Blackboard.com |accessdate=May 15, 2011}}</ref> The company's headquarters are in Washington, D.C. and it has offices in Asia, Australia, Europe and in several locations in North America.<ref name="Q1 2011" />

===Financial results===
Early investment for the expansion of Blackboard was raised as venture funding from a number of investors, including ], ], ], ] and Novak Biddle Venture Partners.<ref name="Techway"/><ref name=Henry>{{cite news |title=Help for an Earning Curve |first=Shannon |last=Henry |url= |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=May 11, 2000 |page=E01}}</ref> Blackboard made a profit in its first year, and its sales in 1998 approached US$1 million.<ref name="Leibovich"/> Blackboard began reporting its financial results in 2002,<ref name=Glanz>{{cite news |title=Blackboard Inc. outlasts rivals, eyes stock sale by end of May |first=William |last=Glanz |url= |newspaper=The Washington Times |date=May 10, 2004 |page=C13}}</ref>
and its annual income for that year was $69.2 million,<ref name="Knowlton" /> an increase of over $50 million since 2000 when its income was $12.1 million.<ref name=Roger/>

In 2004, the company held an initial public offering;<ref name=Glanz/> sale of shares in the IPO raised an estimated $70 million for Blackboard.<ref name="Burn" /> Blackboard's end of year financial results for 2004 reported total revenue of $111.4 million and net income of $10 million.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Blackboard Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2004 Results |url=http://investor.blackboard.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=177018&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=671923&highlight= |publisher=Blackboard Inc. |date=February 8, 2005 |accessdate=May 15, 2011}}</ref> In March 2006, Blackboard announced that in 2005 its total revenue was $135.7 million, and net income was $41.9 million.<ref name="Burn" /> The following year, the company's revenue was $183.1 million, however it experienced a net loss of $10.7 million due to acquisitions during the year.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Blackboard Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2006 Results |url=http://investor.blackboard.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=177018&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=959494&highlight= |publisher=Blackboard Inc. |date=February 6, 2007 |accessdate=May 15, 2011}}</ref>

Over the late 2000s, revenue continued to rise, with a 31% increase in 2007 to $239.4 million total revenue,<ref>{{cite press release |title=Blackboard Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2007 Results |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/02/05/idUS235525+05-Feb-2008+PRN20080205
|publisher=Blackboard Inc. |date=February 5, 2008 |accessdate=May 15, 2011}}</ref> increasing to $312 million in 2008,<ref name="Harlin"/> and $377 million in 2009.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Blackboard Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2009 Results |url=http://www.blackboard.com/About-Bb/Media-Center/Press-Releases/Archive.aspx?releaseid=1382705 |publisher=Blackboard Inc. |date=February 3, 2010 |accessdate=May 15, 2011}}</ref> For the financial year 2010, Blackboard reported revenue of $447.32 million and net income of $16.6 million.<ref name="BBBB10" />

==Products and services==

===Product platforms===

====Blackboard Learning System====
The first product to be offered by Blackboard was its course management software, originally launched in 1998.<ref name=BusinessWire>{{cite news |title=Blackboard Announces Release Of Blackboard CourseInfo 2.0 |newspaper=Business Wire |date=November 2, 1998}}</ref><ref name="WBJ04" /> The latest version, Blackboard Learn 9.1, was released in April 2010.<ref name=Schaffhauser>{{cite news |title=Skidmore College Moves to Blackboard 9.1 |first=Dian |last=Schaffhauser
|url=http://campustechnology.com/articles/2011/03/02/skidmore-college-moves-to-blackboard-9.1.aspx |work=Campus Technology |date=March 2, 2011 |accessdate=May 9, 2011}}</ref> Blackboard Learn is a learning management system<ref>{{Cite web |title= Talk: Blackboard Next Generation |author= Melissa Anderson (Blackboard employee) |work= Annual Reach 2009 Meeting |url= https://blackboard.uic.edu/bbcswebdav/users/garay/talks/Reach2009/reach200910.html |postscript= <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref> that comprises four modules: a ] that provides online ] for institutions; a community and portal system for use in creating online campus communities; a ] for centralized control over course content; and a system to record and analyze student assessment results.<ref name="Harlin" /><ref name=ABN>{{cite news |title=Blackboard Inc. (BBBB) Upgraded by Zacks Investment Research to "Neutral" |url= |work=American Banking News |date=March 16, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://blackboard.com/Platforms/Learn/Products/Blackboard-Learn/Teaching-and-Learning/New-to-Learn.aspx |title=Getting to know Blackboard Learn |work=Blackboard.com |accessdate=May 9, 2011}}</ref> Blackboard Learn 9.1 combines features from legacy Blackboard versions, ] and ] platforms with social learning tools. WebCT's Vista and Campus Edition course management systems continued to be offered following Blackboard's merger with WebCT, however {{as of|2011|04|lc=yes}} Blackboard had begun phasing these products out.<ref>{{cite news |title=Blackboard to replace WebCT by summer 2012 |first=Emily |last=Banks |url=http://www.iowastatedaily.com/news/article_0dd1ca18-6a10-11e0-b2fd-001cc4c002e0.html |newspaper=Iowa State Daily |date=April 19, 2011 |accessdate=May 9, 2011}}</ref> {{as of|2011|09}}, Blackboard continues to support and provides updates to the ANGEL Learning course management product, ANGEL Learning Management Suite 8.0.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Blackboard Releases Angel 8.0 |url=http://www.blackboard.com/About-Bb/Media-Center/Press-Releases.aspx?releaseid=1606972 |publisher=Blackboard Inc. |date=September 14, 2011 |accessdate=September 21, 2011}}</ref>

Though Blackboard's Learn software is proprietary, developers are able to extend the functionality of the system, and create customized course management and delivery by developing software and applications known as Building Blocks.<ref name=Educational>{{cite news |title=Blackboard Aims For Standard With Building Blocks Initiative |magazine=Educational Marketer |date=November 20, 2000 |volume=31 |issue=33}}</ref> Building Blocks allows third-party developers to create customizations and extensions for Blackboard Learn through ] ] and web services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://campustechnology.com/Articles/2011/01/05/Not-Your-Grandfathers-Blackboard.aspx?Page=2 |title=Not Your Grandfather's Blackboard? My Recent Chat with Bb Learn President Ray Henderson |last1=Batson |first1=Trent |date=January 5, 2011 |work=Campus Technology |accessdate=May 9, 2011}}</ref> The Blackboard Vista and Campus Edition products are extensible through a technology called PowerLinks. In November 2010, Blackboard applications were certified by the IMS Global Learning Consortium to allow instructors and others to share education content and resources across different systems.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Blackboard Announces Full Support for Key Open Education Standards |publisher=Blackboard, Inc. |date=January 10, 2011 |url=http://www.blackboard.com/About-Bb/Media-Center/Press-Releases.aspx?releaseid=1514488 |accessdate=August 30, 2011}}</ref> In 2011, Blackboard launched CourseSites, a free version of its Blackboard Learn and Collaborate software, for which it provides hosting and support.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://softchalk.com/2011/05/put-your-courses-online-for-free-with-coursesites-by-blackboard |title=Put Your Courses Online for Free with CourseSites by Blackboard |date=May 12, 2011 |work=Soft Chalk |accessdate=August 31, 2011}}</ref>

====Blackboard Collaborate====
Blackboard Collaborate launched in July 2010,<ref name="Kolowich"/> providing users with web-based ].<ref>{{cite press release |title=Blackboard Launches Beta Program for New Collaboration Platform |url=http://www.blackboard.com/About-Bb/Media-Center/Press-Releases.aspx?releaseid=1556166 |publisher=Blackboard Inc. |date=April 28dfg dsfsdfgd, 2011 |accessdate=May 9, 2011}}</ref> It is used by K-12 schools and higher education institutions for professional development, and distance learning through virtual classroom settings where courses are held online and students are able to interact with each other and the course teacher in real time. The platform is also used by businesses for distance learning and for conferencing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://webconferencing.org/blackboard-predicts-strong-momentum-for-web-conferencing/ |title=Blackboard Predicts Strong Momentum for Web Conferencing |date=January 4, 2011 |work=Webconferencing.org |accessdate=May 9, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=Blackboard to Acquire Elluminate and Wimba |url=http://www.blackboard.com/About-Bb/Media-Center/Press-Releases.aspx?releaseid=1445362 |publisher=Blackboard Inc. |date=July 7, 2010 |accessdate=May 9, 2011}}</ref>

====Blackboard Mobile====
Blackboard launched Blackboard Mobile in 2009.<ref name="Kolowich"/> The Blackboard Mobile platform provides students with access to teaching and learning content and campus information through native ].<ref name=Sherif>{{cite news |title=When learning goes mobile for varsity students |first=Iman |last=Sherif |url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/education/when-learning-goes-mobile-for-varsity-students-1.768124 |work=Gulf News |date=February 27, 2011 |accessdate=April 10, 2011}}</ref> Only a few mobile operating systems have been catered for. There are two applications offered by Blackboard Mobile: Blackboard Mobile Learn, which allows students to access course materials, check grades, and participate in discussions,<ref name=Sherif>{{cite news |title=When learning goes mobile for varsity students |first=Iman=Sh |url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/education/when-learning-goes-mobile-for-varsity-students-1.768124 |work=Gulf News |date=February 27, 2011 |accessdate=April 10, 2011 |last=erif |unused_data=lasterif}}</ref><ref>Johnson, Henry M. Dialogue and the construction of knowledge in e-learning: Exploring students’ perceptions of their learning while using Blackboard’s asynchronous discussion board. European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning 05.01.2007 (2007) http://www.eurodl.org/index.php?tag=120&article=151&article=251</ref><ref name="iPhone" /> and Blackboard Mobile Central, which provides information about campus life and services.<ref>{{cite news |title=As the Web Goes Mobile, Colleges Fail to Keep Up |first=Josh |last=Keller |url=http://chronicle.com/article/Colleges-Search-for-Their/126016/ |newspaper=The Chronicle of Higher Education |date=January 23, 2011 |accessdate=May 9, 2011}}</ref>

====Blackboard Connect====
The company began providing its Blackboard Connect service in 2008,<ref name="Kolowich" /> for use by school districts and higher education institutions to send out mass phone, text and e-mail notifications.<ref name="Harlin" /> The service can be used for routine alerts and notifications, academic or instructor notifications, or by school districts and communities to share time-sensitive information, such as in the case of natural disasters and campus emergencies.<ref>{{cite news |title=Being Alert in Case of an Emergency |first=Nicole |last=Moreno |url=http://paloalto.patch.com/articles/being-alert-in-case-of-an-emergency-2
|newspaper=Palo Alto Patch |date=March 15, 2011 |accessdate=May 9, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Blackboard Connect emergency notification system launches |first=Robby |last=Short |url=http://www.news-star.com/features/x2011266565/Blackboard-Connect-launches |newspaper=News-Star |location=Shawnee, Oklahoma |date=March 14, 2011 |accessdate=May 9, 2011}}</ref>

====Blackboard Transact====
Blackboard Transact is used at higher education institutions and includes a ] tied to university ID cards, which can be used for meal plans, vending machines and laundry services, and an ] front end for the transaction system.<ref name=cr80/> The Transact system is ]-compatible and its ID cards use ] technology.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nfcworld.com/2010/03/08/32986/blackboard-adds-nfc-and-contactless-support-to-campus-card-system/ |title=Blackboard adds NFC and contactless support to campus card system |last1=Clark |first1=Sarah |date=March 8, 2010 |work=nfcworld.com |publisher=Near Field Communications World |accessdate=September 14, 2011}}</ref> Blackboard Transact also includes a program for off-campus vendors that allow students to pay for goods using their college's campus card.<ref name=cr80>{{cite web |url=http://www.cr80news.com/2011/06/29/with-off-campus-programs-more-can-be-better |title=With off-campus programs, more can be better |date=June 29, 2011 |work=CR80 News |accessdate=September 1, 2011}}</ref> The platform was originally named the Blackboard Commerce Suite.<ref name="Harlin"/><ref name="ABN" />

====Blackboard Analytics====
Blackboard Analytics was developed after Blackboard acquired iStrategy, a data analysis firm, in December 2010.<ref name="Kolowich"/> The Blackboard Analytics platform is a system for ] and analysis, with applications for educational institutions to analyze student numbers, class scheduling, and financial information. The platform was launched as a business intelligence tool specifically for higher education institutions and uses data from colleges' student information, human resources and financial information systems.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://campustechnology.com/articles/2011/02/08/blackboard-buys-into-data-analytics.aspx
|title=Blackboard Buys into Data Analytics |last1=Schaffhauser |first1=Dian |date=February 8, 2011 |work=Campus Technology |accessdate=May 9, 2011}}</ref>

===Services===
Blackboard's services include: managed hosting, consulting, strategic services, training and student services. Blackboard's managed hosting organization provides ] to support clients' IT infrastructure and online learning. Blackboard's first data center opened in August 1999 and {{as of|2011|08|lc=y}}, Blackboard operates eight data centers in the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands and Australia. In total, the data centers support about 8.5 million active users and approximately 950 education, corporate and government clients worldwide.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Blackboard to open new data center in Canada |publisher=Blackboard, Inc. |date=May 11, 2011 |url=http://www.blackboard.com/About-Bb/Media-Center/Press-Releases.aspx?releaseid=1562585 |accessdate=September 1, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.techworld.com.au/article/379960/unis_prepare_next_cloud_wave/#closeme |title=Unis prepare for next Cloud wave |last1=Hutchinson |first1=James |date=March 16, 2011 |work=TechWorld |accessdate=September 6, 2011}}</ref> The company also provides services through its strategic consulting group, which offers varying degrees of consulting and training. Its services include customized mobile services for clients, and training and consulting for Blackboard software implementation and use.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blackboard.com/Services/Strategic-Solutions.aspx |title=Strategic Solutions |work=Blackboard.com |publisher=Blackboard, Inc. |accessdate=September 1, 2011}}</ref>

In early 2010, Blackboard launched Blackboard Student Services, following the acquisition of Presidium Inc.<ref>{{cite news |title=Blackboard buys edu services co |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/01/12/blackboard-idUKSGE70BA9W20110112 |work=Reuters |date=January 12, 2011 |accessdate=September 6, 2011}}</ref> Student Services provides management services for student admissions and enrollment, financial aid, and student accounts and retention. It also provides IT and helpdesk support to students and faculty for learning management systems.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blackboard.com/Services/Student-Services.aspx |title=Student Services |work=Blackboard.com |publisher=Blackboard, Inc. |accessdate=September 1, 2011}}</ref>

==Development of education software==
Since Blackboard was founded in 1997, use of online learning management software by higher education institutions and other organizations has increased rapidly. The company's growth is closely linked with this development in education software.<ref name="Kolowich" />
<ref name="washingtonpost">{{cite news |title=Blackboard Set to Go Public Today |first=Ellen |last=McCarthy |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A51034-2004Jun17.html
|newspaper=The Washington Post |date=June 18, 2004 |page=E04}}</ref> In the late 1990s, Blackboard co-founders Pittinsky and Chasen noticed that there was a trend in higher education towards greater use of Internet-based education programs. According to Pittinsky, at that time, the Internet had not yet had a significant impact on teaching in higher education and Blackboard was founded to develop and market Internet-based learning management software.<ref name="Leibovich" /> The education software industry focused on the development of course management applications, particularly those based online. In 1998, Blackboard was a key participant in an ] project to develop standards in online education,<ref name="LSE" /> and its Blackboard CourseInfo software became the market leader in providing and managing online learning environments for distance learning and supplementing "traditional" courses.<ref name="BusinessWire" /> In 1999 Blackboard was the first company to offer a free online classroom, for teachers and professionals to create online courses.<ref>{{cite news |title=Blackboard Launches Free Course Web Site Service; Blackboard.com Becomes World's Largest Classroom |newspaper=PR Newswire |date=March 8, 1999}}</ref>

During the early 2000s Blackboard and rival company WebCT held the majority share of the education software market and were leaders in the move by colleges to wider use of online learning applications.<ref name="Techway" /><ref name="washingtonpost" /> The services and products offered by learning technology companies diversified, and Blackboard and WebCT began to offer technology packages that provided administrative functions, in addition to online courses.<ref name="Techway"/>

Since the late 2000s, the increasing use of mobile devices and the appeal of mobile applications to students have become driving factors in the development of mobile learning systems.<ref name="Sherif" /><ref name=iPhone>{{cite news |title=Blackboard introduces iPhone application |first=Darlene |last=Darcy |url= |newspaper=Washington Business Journal |date=March 26, 2009}}</ref> In 2009, Blackboard acquired a company which had developed an ] ] for students at ] University, and made the application available for other campuses and mobile devices.<ref name="Harlin" /><ref name=ABN>{{cite news |title=Blackboard Inc. (BBBB) Upgraded by Zacks Investment Research to "Neutral" |url=http://www.americanbankingnews.com/2011/03/16/blackboard-inc-bbbb-upgraded-by-zacks-investment-research-to-neutral/ |work=American Banking News |date=March 16, 2011 |accessdate=April 10, 2011}}</ref>

==Legal matters==
The ] granted Blackboard with {{US patent|6988138}} for "Internet-based education support system and methods" in January 2006. The patent established Blackboard's claims to {{clarify span|certain features|date=November 2012}} of course management systems.<ref name=Pope>{{cite news |title=E-Learning Firm Sparks Controversy With Software Patent |first=Justin |last=Pope |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=October 15, 2006 |page=A07}}</ref> The firm announced the patent on July 26, 2006, and on the same day it filed a patent infringement lawsuit against rival education software company ] Inc.<ref name=Pope/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.immagic.com/eLibrary/ARCHIVES/GENERAL/USCOURTS/T060726C.pdf |title=Case 9:06-cv-00155-RHC (Court documents) |date=July 26, 2006 |work=IMMagic e-library |accessdate=April 28, 2011}}</ref> According to news reports, the awarding of the patent and the lawsuit against Desire2Learn led to concerns about ] in the electronic learning community.

A website, BoycottBlackboard.org, was set up anonymously, calling for a boycott of Blackboard products and offering an online petition to be signed by those who opposed the patent. In addition, some critics of the patent and lawsuit created a Misplaced Pages entry for the ] to document existing examples of course management software.<ref name=Pope/> The ] filed a request with the U.S. Patent Office to re-examine Blackboard's patent in November 2006, and in January 2007 the request was approved on the basis of prior art cited by the Center raising "substantial" questions.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Patent Office Orders Re-Examination of Blackboard Patent |url=http://www.softwarefreedom.org/news/2007/jan/25/blackboard-reexam-ordered/ |publisher=Software Freedom Law Center |date=January 25, 2007 |accessdate=April 28, 2011}}</ref> To address the concerns raised within the education software and academic communities, in February 2007, Blackboard announced that it had made a pledge to not assert its patent rights against open-source and non-profit software developers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Blackboard: Patent won't be used against nonprofits |first=Ben |last=Hammer |url= |newspaper=Washington Business Journal |date=February 19, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blackboard.com/Company/Patents/Patent-Pledge.aspx |title=The Blackboard Patent Pledge |work=Blackboard.com |publisher=Blackboard Inc. |accessdate=April 28, 2011}}</ref>

In February 2008, a federal jury in Texas ruled in favor of Blackboard Inc. in its patent infringement suit against Desire2Learn, finding the rival company liable for infringing on Blackboard's patent.<ref>{{cite news |title=Blackboard wins patent lawsuit |first=Darlene |last=Darcy |url= |newspaper=Washington Business Journal |date=February 22, 2008}}</ref> One month later, in March 2008, the U.S. Patent Office issued a preliminary decision following its re-examination of Blackboard's patent application, which rejected the 44 claims made by the company. The Patent Office stated that it would give a final decision following a review of the patent.<ref name=Mangan>{{cite news |title=Patent Office Hands Blackboard a Setback |first=Katherine |last=Mangan |newspaper=The Chronicle of Higher Education |date=April 11, 2008 |page=4 |volume=54 |issue=31}}</ref>

Following the ruling by the federal jury in February 2008, later that year Desire2Learn lodged an appeal with the ]. A ruling was made by the Court of Appeals on July 27, 2009 that the 38 patent claims made by Blackboard in its suit against Desire2Learn were invalid.<ref name="WBJ July09">{{cite news |title= Court rules against Blackboard in patent case |first= Darlene |last=Darcy |newspaper=Washington Business Journal |date=July 27, 2009}}</ref> The dispute was resolved, when Blackboard and Desire2Learn announced on December 15, 2009 that each company was settling all ongoing litigation between them and had made a ] agreement.<ref>{{cite news |title=Blackboard settles legal brawl |first=Darlene |last=Darcy |url= |newspaper=Washington Business Journal |date=December 17, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2009/12/16/blackboard |title=Clean slate |last1=Kolowich |first1=Steve |date=December 16, 2009 |work=Inside Higher Ed |accessdate=April 28, 2011}}</ref> In April 2010, Blackboard abandoned patent 6,988,138, and in November that year the company's legal counsel announced the patent's "official termination" and stated that Blackboard had ended its appeals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/blackboard-drops-appeals-on-software-patent/28494 |title=Blackboard Drops Appeals on Software Patent |last1=Keller |first1=Josh |date=November 30, 2010 |work=Wired Campus |publisher=The Chronicle of Higher Education |accessdate=April 28, 2011}}</ref>

==See also==
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==References==
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==External links==
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