The new program feature, called Connected University (CU) WebGroups, allows CU learners to securely access, share and automatically update any project file using their Web browser. CU WebGroups will enhance the CU learning experience by increasing peer discussion and collaboration and helping facilitate the project submission process, which in turn enables easier learner-to-learner collaboration.

"At Classroom Connect, we're dedicated to bringing cutting-edge and easy-to-use technologies to our educator community. With WebGroups, we're able to offer that, as well as enhance the overall learner experience," said Scott Noon, vice president of Connected University for Classroom Connect.

The CU WebGroups feature is based on Punch WebGroups, one of the first true Web-based file collaboration services. A single user or a collection of users creates a shared folder, called a WebGroup, where they can securely store, distribute and update files using just their Web browser. Punch WebGroups uploads and downloads only the information that changes between versions of a document, so updates occur quickly. The site is password-protected, and files are encrypted on the server. Additionally, users can access their files from any Internet-enabled computer.

The CU WebGroups feature will be available throughout the site, and will be an integral aspect of the course project submission process. A CU WebGroups account has already been generated for more than 11,000 registered CU users via Punch's API (application programming interface), giving CU learners one-click access to the feature without having to create a separate account or profile.

"Classroom Connect is an innovative approach to facilitating community and collaboration amongst educators," said Punch Networks' president and CEO. "They share our belief that smart file collaboration leads to increased communication and productivity. We're looking forward to expanding our partnership in the coming months."

About Punch Networks Corporation
Founded by David Campbell in 1995, Punch Networks develops software and services that help people effectively manage changing digital information. The company's flagship product, Punch WebGroups, lets anyone securely store, share and automatically update their files with just a Web browser. Punch Networks offers the Punch WebGroups service from its own site as well as co-branded versions of the service from more than a dozen vertical portal sites, including, building and construction (e-architect.com, plandepot.com), education (powerstudents.com, pureadvice.com), legal (casecentral.com, e-attorney.com, justicelink.com, serengetiUS.com), business research (intellifact.com), small business services (centerbeam.com, epanacea.com) and mechanical engineering (alibre.com). It also offers the service direct to companies as a hosted service or as a product for intranet and extranet use.

For more information, visit the Punch Networks website at www.punchnetworks.com, email info@punchnetworks.com, or call (206) 343-7661.

About Classroom Connect
Classroom Connect, Inc. is a privately held Internet company that develops and markets original, Web-based curriculum products and teacher professional development programs for the K-12 education community. Its partners include some of the nation's most respected organizations, including the American Museum of Natural History, the Library of Congress and NASA. Classroom Connect has more than 150 employees in five offices nationwide, with headquarters in Brisbane, CA. More information is available from Classroom Connect's Web site at www.classroom.com or via phone at (650) 351-5100.