Ufi/learndirect extends tried and tested EpiCentre relationship

For the third consecutive year Ufi Limited, the organisation behind the learndirect e-learning network, has awarded EpiCentre, Europe's leading testing facility for e-learning and localisation, a major contract for the Quality Assurance testing of their learning products and associated software.

Through learndirect, Ufi Limited is putting in place the government's concept of a 'university for industry'. The learndirect e-learning network is the largest publicly funded online learning service in the UK, with over 600,000 learners registered since April 2000. The scope of the current contract with EpiCentre includes functionality, navigation, response, quality of playback and conformance with technical standards and specifications including content interaction with Ufi's learner support environment - which further deepens the organisation's ongoing relationship with EpiCentre.

Over the past three years, EpiCentre has built a dedicated team specialising in all aspects of the Ufi/learndirect test process from the initial acceptance test through to the final retest. During this time, EpiCentre has proved invaluable to Ufi/learndirect in forming its interoperability test processes, providing in-depth research as to the origin of bugs and advising on the latest software technologies.

EpiCentre is a part of Epic, the UK's leading e-learning company.

Colin Buckley, Operations Manager, Learning Team for UfI learndirect, said: 'The award of this latest contract to EpiCentre is a mark of how we have valued their work over the last three years. During this time they have been one of our main test houses. We have been delighted with their performance and look forward to working with them in the future.'

Sarah Poynton, Business Development Manager of EpiCentre, said: 'EpiCentre is delighted to continue the relationship with Ufi/learndirect, supporting the high quality delivery of learndirect courses. The three-year history EpiCentre has of working with Ufi has afforded invaluable experience and knowledge of learndirect products and the testing of e-learning for government sectors.'