SumTotal Systems has signed a $13-million contract to deliver learning and business performance software and services to ExcellerateHRO, the jointly owned human resources (HR) outsourcing business of EDS and Towers Perrin. Under the agreement, ExcellerateHRO’s customers can access SumTotal’s Enterprise Suite 7.2 — consisting of a learning management system (LMS), learning content management system (LCMS), and performance management solution — by tapping into a web-based portal developed and administered by ExcellerateHRO. ExcellerateHRO will use the SumTotal suite to prescribe learning plans and training, track certification and compliance related activities, and boost employee productivity and performance.
The partnership between SumTotal and ExcellerateHRO means the Mountain View, Calif.-based company’s solution will serve as the learning- and performance-management platform for ExcellerateHRO’s offering to Global 2000 and mid-size enterprises.
According to an October 5, 2005, research report from Forrester, “Increasing customer demand and increased sophistication of human resources outsourcing (HRO) services have all contributed to recent growth” for HRO providers. Forrester goes on to say that “workforce management” and “learning administration” are processes that companies are increasingly asking for when they choose an HRO solution. In a 2003 report, Forrester estimated the HRO market to be worth $7.3 billion by 2008.
“Today’s HR outsourcing customers are looking for a full-service provider with market-leading solutions, global reach and HR industry expertise,” said Jim Sciano, vice president, product development at ExcellerateHRO.
ExcellerateHRO manages the people, processes and technology that drive traditional HR functions in organizations, including payroll, benefits, workforce development, recruiting and staffing, relocation and assignment, compensation management, absence management and workforce administration.
