CourseSmart and Naseej Sign Exclusive Agreement Bringing eTextbooks to the Arab World

-- New Partnership Reflects Increased Adoption of Digital Course Materials Worldwide and Validates CourseSmart's Growing International Footprint

LONDON, Jan. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- CourseSmart®, a leading digital content services company and the world's largest provider of digital course materials, today announced a strategic partnership with Naseej, the leading knowledge solutions provider in the Arab World.  This agreement will provide Higher Education Institutions in the region with access to the largest library of eTextbook resources from over 50 publishers.

According to the agreement, Naseej will provide hundreds of higher education institutions across the region with access to CourseSmart's expansive catalogue of textbook titles in digital format.  Through CourseSmart's platform, students, faculty, and institutions in the Arab world will now have access to eTextbooks and digital tools that will enhance their learning experience and encourage further engagement. These benefits include:

• Access to the world's largest selection of eTextbooks and other digital course materials
• eTextbooks that are accessible online and offline to all students, including those with print related disabilities
• Easy navigation with note taking, search, copy/paste and highlight features
• Access to recent CourseSmart product enhancements including the availability of CourseSmart Analytics and interactive content, both of which increase student engagement and cost-savings
• CourseSmart eTextbooks are device agnostic, supported by any web-enabled device including laptops, iPad and Android mobile devices.

"We are delighted to join with Naseej in the common goal of increasing educational access and improving learning outcomes for students in the Arab world," said Sean Devine, CEO of CourseSmart.  "Together we are responding to the strong market demand and potential in this region, and we are providing eTextbooks already to twelve universities in the region.  Naseej's strong local presence and technical expertise are integral to our international growth strategy overall, and our ability to provide excellent service to current and future customers throughout the Arab world." 

"As we continue our mission to spread knowledge and information throughout the Arab World we are pleased to join with CourseSmart to provide digital course materials to students and institutions throughout this region," said Eng. Abdullah Al Turaifi, VP of Naseej.  "The combination of CourseSmart's large catalog of digital course materials, strong technical and process expertise, and flexible business models meet our rigorous standards for providing world-class digital solutions to customers in this region."

About CourseSmart®
CourseSmart is a leading digital content services company and the only provider of digital course materials able to combine curriculum, content and delivery into a single solution. Founded in 2007, the San Mateo, Calif.–based company provides services to four business segments: online direct retail for students; indirect distribution of course materials to students through bookstores; online faculty textbook evaluation services; and institutional solutions for faculty and students that are integrated within campus technology ecosystems. CourseSmart improves the educational experience by offering all users, including those with print-related disabilities, anytime, anywhere access to the course content they need. With more than 90% of the same core titles offered by major print publishers, the company's eTextbooks can be purchased for up to 60% less than the cost of new print textbooks. For more information about CourseSmart, visit the company's Web site at www.coursesmart.com or www.coursesmart.co.uk.

About Naseej 
Naseej is the leading knowledge solutions provider in the Arab World serving the region's top Academic institutes, cultural centers, and government organizations since 1989. Naseej provides Academic and Higher Education institutes in the region with comprehensive and integrated solutions and services designed to enable Academic institutions to actively contribute to the success of their students. Naseej employs over 350 highly skilled professionals throughout the region, with expertise in the fields of Knowledge Management, Information Technology and Business Development. Naseej provides e-learning solutions and services, Campus Management Systems, Knowledge Management Solutions, and much more. To learn more about Naseej please visit http://www.naseej.com

Media Contact:
Danae Mercer
kwittken + company
+44 (0) 207 401 8001
CourseSmart@kwitco.com