Ultimate Software (Nasdaq: ULTI), a leading cloud provider of people management solutions, announced today that it launched a new HCM Online Academy, a virtual learning environment available for 24-7 on-demand HR and payroll professional development, on January 29, 2013.

This new distance-learning program, designed to educate HR professionals on a wide range of strategic and operational human capital management topics, is provided free of charge and offers valuable industry-related recertification credits to attendees.

As a service to the HR industry, the HCM Online Academy is available to HR and payroll professionals at any organization, whether or not they are a customer of Ultimate. Courses accessible through Ultimate’s HCM Online Academy will be online through April 30, 2013.

The new program offers 10 video sessions on topical issues such as:

• how recruitment and onboarding impact strategic goals
• top reasons why you should align your corporate culture and business strategy
• tips to understanding employees’ emotional intelligence
• ways employers will be affected by recent changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act

The pre-recorded sessions include presentations by HR leaders from Blackboard Inc.; Burr & Forman LLP; Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.; Omni Hotels and Resorts; United Nations Federal Credit Union; Westminster Communities of Florida; and other industry-leading organizations. More details on speakers and courses can be found at http://hcmacademy.events27.com/UltimateSoftware/Home.

Once logged into the HCM Online Academy, HR professionals have access to a library of useful resources, such as presentations, supporting materials, videos, and other relevant industry information that can be downloaded at no charge.

“We realize that HR professionals serve a variety of groups — employees, executives, and managers — and wear many hats in their organizations, so they are extremely busy and their time is at a premium,” said Scott Scherr, president, founder, and CEO at Ultimate Software.

"Ultimate’s HCM Online Academy will allow HR professionals to learn about the latest developments in the HR domain from leading speakers, download free white papers on issues that impact their work, and network with their peers — all without worrying about schedules or expenses. We believe that a company’s people are what create competitive advantages for any business. As part of our exclusive commitment to the HCM industry, this program will give HR professionals a new level of convenience in accessing the best resources to help them hone their craft."

Attendees of the HCM Online Academy have the opportunity to earn a total of 11 credit hours toward PHR, SPHR, and GPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute. After viewing each session in its entirety, participants will receive the appropriate number of HRCI credit hours.

For more information on this free educational program for HR professionals, visit http://hcmacademy.events27.com/UltimateSoftware/Home.

About Ultimate Software

Ultimate is a leading cloud-based provider of people management solutions, with more than 10 million people records in the cloud. Built on the belief that people are the most important ingredient of any business, Ultimate's award-winning UltiPro delivers HR, payroll, and talent management solutions that seamlessly connect people with the information and resources they need to work more effectively. Founded in 1990, the company is headquartered in Weston, Florida, and has more than 1,600 professionals focused on developing the highest quality solutions and services. In 2013, Ultimate was ranked #9 on FORTUNE'S list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For.” Ultimate has more than 2,500 customers with employees in 136 countries, including Adobe Systems Incorporated, Culligan International, Major League Baseball, The New York Yankees Baseball Team, Pep Boys, and Texas Roadhouse. More information on Ultimate's products and services for people management can be found at www.ultimatesoftware.com.

UltiPro is a registered trademark of The Ultimate Software Group, Inc. All other trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners.

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