Nov. 3, 2009 (Business Wire) -- BTS, the world leader in customized business simulations and other discovery learning solutions, today announced that Sun Microsystems recently received the American Society of Training and Development’s (ASTD) top ranking in the organization’s 2009 BEST award competition. The award recognized Sun for setting a standard of excellence for exceptional learning practices and demonstrating that a skilled workforce is vital to achieving results. Additionally, ASTD honored Sun for making a strong investment in learning, creating a safe and engaging learning environment, and using new and innovative technologies to design and deliver the learning.

“We’re extremely excited about the highly developed and effective leadership talent initiative we’ve cultivated through programs designed to support our overall business strategy, core values and company culture,” said Dr. Karie Willyerd, vice president and chief learning officer for Sun. “A critical component to our success is the 'Leadership Connections' business simulation learning program we’ve built with BTS.”

This program presents real-life business cases to senior-level executives, who work in teams to run a fictional company similar to Sun. Leadership Connections is one of several leadership development programs executed under Sun’s Leadership Academy. Since the program’s inception, Sun has rapidly engaged its managers and leaders, trained them, and developed a team of individuals who are intimately familiar with the company, their individual leadership strengths and weaknesses, and Sun’s future. Ultimately, Leadership Connections helps to best position Sun for a sustainable and prosperous future.

ASTD received entries from 93 organizations in 10 countries. These companies submitted quantitative and qualitative information about their learning and development practices and programs. The submissions were judged by members of the BEST Awards advisory committee which included experts in the learning and development field.

“BTS is proud of Sun’s accomplishments and that it continues to look to us as a trusted partner in helping to develop and integrate the best learning solutions designed to solve specific business challenges,” said Jonas Akerman, CEO, BTS USA. “We’re happy to see that this important program that focuses on building engagement and capability to execute Sun’s strategy was rewarded with this fantastic award from ASTD.”

About BTS

BTS is the world leader in customized business simulations and other discovery learning solutions that enable leading corporations to change, grow and succeed. We partner with our clients to develop the mindset and capabilities that their people need to accelerate change and improve business results.

BTS has more than 300 professionals serving over 400 clients, including 44 of the US Fortune 100 companies and more than 25 of the Global Fortune 100 largest corporations in the world. Select BTS clients include AT&T, Ericsson, Kimberly-Clark, Nokia, Sony, Toyota, Unilever and Xerox.

BTS adds value to its clients through three practice areas: Strategic Alignment & Business Acumen, Leadership & Management, and Sales. BTS also has strong capabilities in Operational Excellence & Project Leadership and offers an innovative Engage for Change process.

BTS serves its clients from offices in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Scottsdale, Stamford, Bangkok, Beijing, Bilbao, Brussels, Helsinki, Johannesburg, London, Madrid, Melbourne, Mexico City, Oslo, Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney, and Tokyo.

For more information please visit www.bts.com.