News
Horizon Software Systems Now Called Global Education Technologies (GET)
February 7, 2007- Horizon Software Systems, a market leader since 1992 in developing state-of-the-art document and case management solutions for special educators, announces that as of February 7, 2007 it is now operating under its parent company's name: Global Education Technologies, Inc. (GET). The Horizon team, now called GET, will continue to provide their customers with the same excellent support and exceptional products that serve over 375,000 special education students.
"We are enthusiastic about the name change and are proud of the document management products and services we've developed over the decades as Horizon Software Systems", says Karen Martin, Co-founder and Vice President of Sales and Marketing for GET. "The opportunities created by working as one company are exciting. We will be able to offer better and more extensive solutions for the teachers and administrators responsible for the education of a very special population of students."
In spring of 1987, Carol Beck, a special education teacher in Anderson, South Carolina, prompted an end to hand-written individualized education plans (IEPs). Frustrated with the tedious process of three-part carbon copy paper forms, Carol suggested to her husband, Don, that perhaps IEPs could be completed on the computer. As the district's computer services director, Don developed EXCENT®, the first in a line of products that Horizon would soon offer. In 1992, he and Bob Read founded Horizon Software Systems, Inc.
Meanwhile, in Burlington, Vermont, Dan Herman began focusing his attention on creating cost-effective, people-oriented special education solutions. In 1986, Dan founded Tera Systems, Inc. An experienced software developer, Dan worked closely with the State of Vermont to develop MasterTrack Student Manager. By 1995, MasterTrack Student Master had received an exclusive endorsement from the National Council of Administrators of Special Education. As MasterTrack developed, it later became Tera Systems Student Manager.
Recognizing the potential to provide a comprehensive, end-to-end special education solution, GET, an education technology company launched in 2001, acquired Horizon Software Systems in 2002 and Tera Systems in 2003. "Working as one company under the GET name allows us to offer a wide array of integrated products all the while still supporting educators with resources that will improve communication and engage parents in their child's education. As one cohesive company, we are working together to provide the best possible document management solutions in the market and filling the needs of our valued clients" says Scott Shickler, CEO of Atlanta based GET.
About Horizon Software Systems
Founded in 1992, Horizon Software Systems is a proven market leader in developing state-of-the-art solutions for special educators. Horizon's products provide end-to-end automation of all critical IEP processes. Horizon's combined EXCENT product suite currently serves over 375,000 special education students. Over the past 19 years, EXCENT has been implemented in 25 states and is also used worldwide with the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). More importantly, EXCENT products and services have always evolved according to the requests and needs of our primary users—special educators. Because our team is composed of former special education professionals, we are passionately committed to your success. As team members of Global Education Technologies, we continuously innovate to provide integrated solutions and exceptional services that empower, guide and support educators and administrators in their pursuit of positively influencing the lives of all children. For more information, visit www.excent.com.
About Global Education Technologies
Global Education Technologies (GET) is an education technology company launched in April 2001 after identifying a significant market need in the $6 billion education software applications industry. GET is strategically positioned to be a leader in this market with high quality, proprietary technologies that make up the critical part of the end-to-end solution. A combination of integrated products, combined with a great platform of revenue, market penetration, and a well-executed sales and marketing plan, creates a significant competitive advantage for GET as well as a formidable barrier to entry for other companies. Simply stated, GET tools will support teachers and administrators with resources that improve teaching, communication, record keeping, and state reporting while improving children's education.