XplanaZine

Updates on: BitLeap, OpSource, Meebo, Desire2Learn, chat software, Orion, and Cognos

Managed data backup solution provider, BitLeap, LLC, has completed a major refresh of its core backup technology and online customer control panel interface. This update to BitLeap’s existing technology and customer interface lays the groundwork for future releases of several data backup and recovery product extensions currently in development. This article outlines the upgrades. — PR Web

OpSource™, the SaaS delivery experts, today announced that it has been named to Deloitte’s prestigious Technology Fast 50 Program for Silicon Valley, a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, and life sciences companies in the region by Deloitte & Touche USA LLP, one of the nation’s leading professional services organizations. Rankings are based on the percentage revenue growth over five years from 2002 to 2006. — PR Web

IM aggregator/client Meebo has announced the launch of its own developer platform, allowing third-parties to create applications for its service much the same as Facebook Applications. One important distinction however, is that Meebo reserves the right to approve all new programs before they are added. — Meebo

The University of Akron is replacing its previous learning management system with Desire2Learn’s Enterprise eLearning Suite. The move is designed to facilitate both online and Web-enhanced delivery of courses. — Campus Technology

Chat software (text or media-based) provides an excellent tool in supporting academic dialog (exchange), critical thinking, and knowledge building. The immediacy of the technology provides students with a direct connection with the instructor as well as other students. While chat software is usually used for “chatting,” and, therefore, it has a relaxed and colloquial protocol, with a little thought and planning, it can also be used well to support instruction. — Campus Technology

Education technology provider Intelliworks reported recently that nine colleges and universities are deploying its flagship constituent relationship management platform, Orion, for recruiting, outreach, and communications. Orion, which launched back in July, is designed to help administrators manage campus events, promote course offerings, and track communications with prospective students. It’s also designed for inter-departmental collaboration on marketing programs. — Campus Technology

Business Intelligence and performance management provider Cognos has launched a new higher ed performance management solution called Enrollment and Tuition Planning Blueprint. Cognos Enrollment and Tuition Planning Blueprint is based around the Cognos 8 Planning and Cognos 8 Business Intelligence solutions and is designed to provide a framework for performance management on a single platform to analyze tuition revenues, forecast enrollment, and plan for future growth. It’s also designed to help evaluate the effectiveness of recruiting efforts and meet regulatory requirements. — Campus Technology