Vantage Learning and 8e6 Technologies Partner to Deliver Safest, Most Comprehensive Web Search for K-12

Vantage iSEEK™ Targeted Discovery Search Engine Includes 8e6 Web Filtering and Reporting Appliances to Block Access to Sites Deemed Inappropriate for K-12 Students

Vantage Learning (www.vantagelearning.com), the world's leading provider of online assessment and automated essay scoring tools, and 8e6 Technologies (www.8e6.com), the leading provider of Internet filtering and reporting for K-12, are pleased to announce a new partnership to deliver the world's most secure Internet search engine for K-12 school districts. By combining Vantage Learning's innovative natural language search engine, iSEEK Targeted Discovery, and 8e6 Technologies' leading Web filtering and reporting tools, users will be assured that they are engaging in the most comprehensive, satisfying and safe Web search experience in the world.

"It's a full-time job for many school district technology departments to stay ahead of Web-based threats, yet educators also want to encourage the use of general and authoritative Web resources for student learning," noted Harry Barfoot, vice president of marketing for Vantage Learning. "As we launch iSEEK to the education community, we wanted to be sure that the districts were afforded the highest level of safety possible in an ever-changing online world. We're delighted to team with 8e6, which is the recognized leader in K-12 Internet safety, so we can now provide users with what may be the world's safest, secure and advanced search experience."

As digital content replaces traditional textbooks, more students will use the Internet to access tools to assist in their learning. iSEEK allows a search experience to be much more effective than using traditional, popular search engines. Rather than be consumed by trying to find relevant information, teachers and students can quickly and easily find appropriate resources to assist in teaching and learning. Using 21st century search technology such as iSEEK allows educators to feel 100 percent confident that students will only access content that is safe, secure, appropriate and non-threatening with the software filtering done by iSEEK itself.

"We're pleased Vantage has selected 8e6 to secure their new iSEEK Targeted Discovery search engine," stated Paul Myer, president and COO at 8e6 Technologies. "When 8e6 started in the Internet filtering business more than a decade ago, student access to inappropriate content was a top concern. Today, educators still grapple with that same issue, but also have to deal with the ramifications of dangerous and often illegal online behavior, from both staff and students - significantly upping the ante in legal liability and student safety. We're proud to be the leader in this effort to assist districts and guard against Internet threats and to partner with such an industry pioneer as Vantage Learning in this effort."

Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), which mandates that schools use Internet filtering technology to block access to certain material on the Internet, are among the many laws and standards that have prompted schools to implement e-mail and Internet filtering into their networks. 8e6 Technologies' Internet filtering, reporting and monitoring technology provides districts with the most comprehensive protection for online learning, while allowing each district to develop, implement and maintain their own Internet Acceptable Use Policies.

Delivering more than 193 million online test transactions last year, Vantage Learning (www.vantagelearning.com) is recognized as the leader in cost-effective, high volume, secure, scalable online assessment and instructional programs for K-12 and higher education. Leveraging technology such as artificial intelligence, natural language understanding, and Web-based learning objects, Vantage provides educators with high-quality tools and resources that motivate students to learn and that create meaningful interaction between students, parents and teachers.

Acknowledged by industry leaders as the gold standard for scoring quality, consistency, reliability, and scalability of automated essay scoring using the patented IntelliMetric® engine, Vantage Learning has received accolades ranging from the prestigious CODIE Award for best instructional technology to recognition by Eduventures as one of the eight most innovative educational technology companies.

8e6 Technologies is the leading provider of appliance-based Internet filtering, monitoring and reporting solutions for education, and has played a significant role in filtering the Web for over 10 years. 8e6 directly addresses the challenges of online child safety by giving network administrators and educators the tools to view, understand and react to Web-based threats arising from online learning. As a single-source vendor, 8e6 provides all of the hardware, software and support to ensure a secure learning environment while maintaining CIPA compliance. The company maintains headquarters in Orange, California, and has a network of channel partners worldwide. For more information, including free resources and best practices for ensuring effective enforcement of Acceptable Use Policies, please visit www.8e6.com/education or call 888.768.7999.