IBM announced new centers designed to address the growing demand for skills needed to solve customer business problems using service oriented architectures. IBM customers, Business Partners and university students are expected to benefit from the up to eight of these <A HREF="http://www.ibm.com/soa">new SOA Leadership Centers</A> planned around the world. The SLC will serve as a focal point to harness the SOA skills and expertise from IBM product and services teams, IBM Business Partners as well as universities to address the skills and knowledge customers in key markets need to reach business goals using an SOA. Each center will be staffed by IBM SOA experts and will focus on three key areas: SOA education and training, SOA implementation support, and SOA exhibitions and demonstrations. Initial centers will be located in Dubai, UAE and La Gaude, France with additional centers expected to open in Asia, North America, South America and Northern Europe.