Sydney, Nova Scotia – October 4, 2006 - Nexient Learning Inc. (TSX:NXN), Canada’s largest corporate training company, today announced that it has been selected as a finalist for the Learning Solutions Partner of the Year at the 2006 Microsoft Partner Program IMPACT Awards in recognition of its GEAR pilot program. The fourth annual Microsoft Partner Program IMPACT Awards acknowledge the exceptional work technology partners in Canada are doing with Microsoft-based technologies and software to deliver innovative solutions and unmatched value to their customers.

“Each year, technology partners continue to raise the bar in technology innovation and reaffirm their ability to deliver specific solutions that help meet customer demand,” said Lora Gernon, Director, Partner Group, Microsoft Canada Co. “The 2006 finalists demonstrated strong expertise in a diversity of markets and the Microsoft Partner Program IMPACT Awards celebrate the innovative solutions they developed to help drive real business growth.”

Traditionally, the training industry has been centred around in-classroom sessions, but in today’s business environment, learning needs to be continuous, flexible and delivered through innovative formats. Building on its proven track record for creating top calibre learning programs, Nexient partnered with Microsoft Learning to develop a Synchronous Distance Learning Program for Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC), codenamed, GEAR. Integrating the highest professional education standards for distance learning with leading edge technology such as Live Meeting, the GEAR pilot program offers students a hands-on learning experience and real-time interaction with the instructor and other participants, without having to leave their office.

“We are extremely honoured to receive this recognition from Microsoft – it is a testament to the quality of our GEAR program,” said Brian Pennington, Vice President of Brand and Product Management at Nexient. “As Microsoft’s largest certified training partner in Canada and fourth largest worldwide, we are committed to finding new and innovative ways to ensure people have the most rewarding learning experience possible.”

Winners will be announced at a gala event in Toronto on November 2, 2006.

In 2003, Microsoft Canada replaced all of its previous technology partner awards with a unified program that also recognizes customer service, marketing, and contribution to the community. Microsoft Canada has outlined 30 categories to highlight the Partner Program competencies to honour the achievements of top technology partners.

The Microsoft Partner Program IMPACT Awards were open to Systems Integrators, Large Account Resellers, Direct Market Resellers, Value Added Resellers, Distributors, Systems Builders, Authorized Education Resellers, Certified Partners for Learning Solutions, Microsoft Certified Partners, Independent Software Vendors, Channel Suppliers, Microsoft Business Solutions (MBS) Partners and Original Equipment Manufacturers.

For a list of all 2006 finalists, and more information on the Microsoft Partner Program IMPACT Awards, please visit http://www.microsoft.ca/awards.