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IBM > Case Studies > Odin: Creating an agile approach to learning for employees and service provider partners

Odin: Creating an agile approach to learning for employees and service provider partners

Technology Category

Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Application Development Platforms
Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Data Management Platforms

Applicable Industries

Software
Telecommunications

Applicable Functions

Business Operation
Human Resources

Use Cases

Remote Collaboration

Services

Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services
Training

The Challenge

Odin, a leading provider of cloud software solutions, needed a way to train its thousands of partners and employees quickly, thoroughly and cost-effectively. The company wanted to reduce the cost of training services through blended learning, which allows learners to find the right information exactly when they need it. Odin also needed a learning system that would cater to an audience that prefers do-it-yourself methods rather than sitting through formal trainer-led courses in a classroom. The company needed a solution that could be up and running quickly, could track classroom training and tie it with online learning, had a social element and could automate the certification program.

About The Customer

Odin is a leading provider of cloud software solutions. The company opened for business in 2000 and now has offices on six continents and employs more than 800 people. Odin Cloud University (OCU) is the learning tool Odin uses to train its employees and partners as quickly and efficiently as possible. This allows employees and more than 10,000 service provider partners to take full advantage of the solutions Odin delivers. Odin provides software that powers the cloud ecosystem, from small and local hosters to some of the world’s largest telecommunication providers. By partnering with Odin, service providers gain access to industry expertise, a catalog of in-demand cloud applications, and the most comprehensive selection of software, including web server management, server virtualization, provisioning, and billing automation.

The Solution

Odin implemented a system that could store all of its certification tests, randomize question pools, and insert a simulated environment so people could apply what they had learned. The company also targeted the ability to integrate with a remote proctor service, and provide robust reporting – all on an automated basis, without requiring manual work from training personnel. After looking at several providers and several different learning management systems (LMS) and learning content management systems (LCMS), one solution rose to the top – the combination of the IBM Kenexa LMS on Cloud and IBM Kenexa LCMS Premier on Cloud. The IBM learning solutions also allow Odin to stay connected with learners who have already earned certification in specific areas. This is important because the company can track when these learners need to be recertified and which courses they need to take to maintain their certification.

Operational Impact

Odin was able to reduce the cost of training services through blended learning.
The company was able to implement a system that could store all of its certification tests, randomize question pools, and insert a simulated environment so people could apply what they had learned.
Odin was able to integrate with a remote proctor service, and provide robust reporting – all on an automated basis, without requiring manual work from training personnel.

Quantitative Benefit

In just four months, the number of users who are taking advantage of the learning platform at Odin has more than doubled to 800 employees and even more service providers.