Distance Training as part of a Distance Consulting solution

"Distance Training" models, when integrated in a more complex framework, such as a "Distance Consulting" model, present specific features and impose a revision of the strategies commonly adopted in distance training experiences. This paper reports on the distance training strategies adopted in a European funded project aimed at defining and developing distance consulting services for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) located in inland areas of Sicily. The definition of distance consulting in this paper focuses on the systematic use of information and communications technology (ICT) based solutions aimed at supporting enterprises; specifically, the systematic approach foresees the integration of ICT based information, training and communication services, which--in the whole--allow consulting companies to give a continuous support to their customers with cost effective solutions, activating new kinds of consulting based on specific ICT features. A distance consulting environment has been developed by integrating telematic tools which allow the consulting center and the enterprises to, respectively, develop and access both "Synchronous" and "Asynchronous" consulting and training activities.