From the Minister for Education

FIVE VYING FOR VICTORIAN SCHOOLS ULTRANET TENDER

Friday, 14 November 2008
Five software companies are vying for the $60.5 million Ultranet project as part of a selective tender process announced today by Education Minister Bronwyn Pike.
It follows an announcement earlier this year that the project would be re-tendered with revised specifications to ensure value for money and the best long-term outcomes for Victorian government schools.

“The Ultranet project provides an exciting glimpse of what education will look like when teachers, students and parents have a single information point and access to vital information 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Ms Pike said.

“The Ultranet will enhance student learning, support the work of teachers and allow parents to become even more involved with their child’s education at the click of a button.

“Education is the Brumby Government’s number one priority and we are investing in all aspects of the system including technology and great resources and programs so that Victorian children have the best possible opportunities to get the best start in life.

“Of course, education is a three-way partnership between schools, parents and students so ensuring Victorian parents are better informed than ever before about their child’s schooling is vital.

“We know that children perform better at school when their parents are involved and interested in their education, so in line with the directions of our recently released Education Blueprint, the Ultranet will help facilitate a greater engagement of parents with their child’s education.

“The Ultranet will become a key asset in further strengthening and shaping our already robust education system, helping provide 21st Century learning environment for students who will need 21st Century skills when they leave school and obtain employment.”
 
The shortlisted companies are Blackboard Australia Pty Ltd, Desire2Learn Incorporated, Microsoft Australia, Oracle and RM Asia-Pacific.

They were selected in accordance with strict probity requirements, based on their individual merits and following a global search for companies to meet the needs of such a large-scale IT project.

Ms Pike said the project would still be delivered within the original budget of $60.5 million and the original timeframe of the third quarter of 2010.