JISC

Since its launch in 1996, Biz/ed has established itself as the primary provider of web based learning materials in business education and related subject areas, and now receives over 3 million hits a month.  Originally based at the Institute of Learning and Research Technology (ILRT) at the University of Bristol and funded by JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee), Biz/ed is targeted at students and teachers in the post-16 education sector, covering schools, FE colleges, universities and beyond. 

A new agreement between the University of Bristol, Thomson Learning and JISC will see Thomson acquire all assets and intellectual property rights for Biz/ed, while the core resource, funded through JISC, will remain openly available to further education and higher education in perpetuity, ensuring the ongoing success of the popular service.

Thomson Learning EMEA is planning to continue to offer Biz/ed as a free service and generate revenue through on-site advertising. In the future, Thomson Learning EMEA will explore the possibility of extending the Biz/ed platform to other subjects such as health, social care and law.

Andrew Ashwin, content developer for Biz/ed said: 'We are very pleased to be joining the Thomson Corporation. Thomson Learning EMEA’s quality content, complementary markets and offerings combined with Thomson’s financial resources will help us better service the thousands of business and economics students and instructors who visit our site every day.'

CEO of JISC Collections, Lorraine Estelle said: 'JISC has invested in Biz/ed and supported its development for many years.  It has grown to become a key resource in its subject areas and we are delighted that the core resource will remain open access and sustainable into the future.'

For further information please go to: Biz/ed