New player

An American distance-learning company is to open its first European office in the Netherlands later this year. Texas-based Ed-X.com offers degree courses over the internet from colleges and universities around the world. The company hopes to make inroads into the European education market and to expand its portfolio of participating institutions.

President Mark S. Hall said the company wants to "get closer to providers and learners in this market to meet their educational and business needs". Ed-X.com intends to act as an e-commerce marketplace and web community for distance learners on the continent, offering course listings and degree programmes from top institutions worldwide.

Details: www.ed-x.com