Avaya Upgrades Virtual Learning Environment for Partners, Customers

Last December, Avaya launched a new 3D, avatar-based, multimedia virtual learning environment, the Avaya Learning Virtual Campus, where channel partners and customers can train, learn and earn solutions credentials online. Now, the business collaboration, communications and networking specialist has added a number of features to the framework to bring more flavor to the virtual learning experience.

New features include unlimited access to mentoring and practice lab sessions with virtual instructors, and a streamlined curriculum showcasing Avaya’s solution concentrations in unified communications (UC), contact centers, small and midsized enterprise (SME) and networking. Users can access these concentrations by visiting one of the five solution-level buildings in the Avaya Learning Virtual Campus.

In addition, Avaya is rolling out fee-based Collaborative Learning Licenses, with which enrolled partners gain access to all learning materials located on the Avaya Learning Virtual Campus on demand for a 12-month term. Avaya is making available the first such license for Avaya IP Office, its flagship UC solution for business of 1,000 users or less. More Collaborative Learning Licenses for UC, networking and contact center products will be available sometime in 2013.

“Today’s learner is very familiar with virtual environments—whether through gaming or social media—making this an attractive option for users when compared to physical classrooms,” said Tom Mitchell, Avaya global sales senior vice president. “People are extremely busy, so we brought Avaya innovation to the process in which we train and accredit partners and customers to accommodate today’s hectic lives. The Avaya Learning Virtual Campus makes it easy to access all of the resources necessary when gaining solution expertise, and enables Avaya to increase the speed in which we deliver courses to market.”

The Avaya Learning Virtual Campus is powered by AvayaLive Engage, enabling users to interact with others in a virtual environment using avatars, spatial audio, and unique collaboration tools. Learning in this virtual environment offers a more immersive experience than traditional Web-based training, according to Avaya, and saves partner organizations time and money. Additional features include virtual drop boxes for reference materials, news and announcements, instructor offices for private consultations, “collaboration circles” to engage in private conversations, a virtual lobby and help desk with schedules and appointments, and a 150-avatar capacity auditorium for large presentations, events and seminars.