HP bags biggest e-learning project contract

HP has bagged a $100 million contract to provide and manage the technology
infrastructure for the Classroom 2000 (C2K) education project in Northern
Ireland. The 10-year government initiative, designed to connect the largest
number of pupils, teachers and administrators in the world, will enable every
child from primary school through university throughout Northern Ireland to have
an Internet address and to access virtual classrooms.

HP plans to provide a single adaptive infrastructure connecting up to
3,50,000 users from the 1,200 schools across Northern Ireland. C2K’s contract
with HP is for the next five years with an option to extend for a further two
years.

"C2K is not just about the best use of technology for our schools, it’s
about the future of the education process," said Jimmy Stewart, Director,
C2K. "We chose HP for their innovative approach to developing and
leveraging our technology infrastructure, their understanding of how our needs
may evolve over time and their ability to leverage relationships with strategic
partners to ensure smooth integration of tools."

"C2K is a pioneering initiative and can act as a global example of
e-learning best practice," said Jim Kent, VP and GM, HP Services UK and
Ireland.

HP Services has selected Amaze and Hyperwave as strategic partners to work on
the C2K project.

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