Merrill Lynch is very positive on the prospects for SmartForce (formerly CBT). It mentions SmartForce as a long-term buy for investors. In its latest global equity report, the brokers state that the shares are attractively priced at the moment and have the potential to perform strongly in the future.

Merrill Lynch says it is optimistic about SmartForce's e-learning initiative and believes that with its experienced management team, relationships with over 2,000 customers worldwide and comprehensive library of over 1,000 titles, the company is well positioned to take advantage of this opportunity.

SmartForce has recently announced an agreement with Dell computers for the creation and launch of EducateU, an online e-learning university for Dell customers.

SmartForce will develop and host EducateU while Dell will promote its courses offering customers the option to configure and bundle them with the PC unit.