Epicentre testing and support assures |
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Issue number: 6
Welcome to the Epicentre newsletter
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Welcome to the sixth edition of the Epicentre newsletter, bringing you a round-up of the latest from the world of software testing, IT support and tech news. In this edition:
Please take a few minutes of your time to provide us with your thoughts about the newsletter, your candid responses will be much appreciated and will help us to identify areas for improvement. To participate, simply click here. Tech newsThis month has been quiet compared to previous months in the world of tech news, with the most exciting news coming from Google in the form of their new Wave system and the strangely similar Unite coming from Opera. Both are online tools which promise to enhance collaborative working methods and bring with them great innovations in working technologies. Ready for SevenEpicentre has readied itself for the Windows 7 release, investing in six new 7-capable machines and also upgrading 22 further machines to prepare for Windows 7. Epicentre has also purchased the latest version of Symantec Ghost, which allows us to save and load operating systems in the shortest possible time, reducing the impact that preparing machines has on testing. With any new operating system release compatibility comes to the forefront with developers and users alike having to adapt to new ways of working. Epicentre is committed to staying ahead of operating system developments and compatibility concerns. Epicentre's 28 7-capable machines ensure we are well placed to test your software on all available operating systems and we intend to purchase further hardware to keep ahead of the ever-growing compatibility minefield. Top ten accessibility tipsAccessibility is becoming more and more important for developers to be aware of when creating content and new guidelines and techniques for employing them seem to surface by the day. User requirements are constantly increasing, so with that in mind we give you the top ten Accessibility tips to be mindful of when making your content accessible. |
HotWindows 7 - It's finally here! Windows 7 should wipe the memory of Vista from your mind with its many new features, improved interface and the reliability that was lacking in Microsoft's last OS release. Google Wave - No one really knows exactly what it is, but it's set to revolutionise the way you and your colleagues share viral videos and non-work related chat. The Epic E-learning Debate - Whether you're for or against the motion, the debate was a huge success, sparking discussion across the e-learning industry. Thanks to all who attended! |
NotBig bugs - Apple's 'guest account' bug has been wiping data since Leopard and a fix is only just reaching users. Apple's unspoken awareness of the issue is far from reassuring. Test releases - Are they betas? Are they safe to use? The growing trend of vendors releasing pre-beta builds to the public just doesn't feel right. Can we have full releases, please? |
The E-Learning Debate
Many of you will be aware that September 30th saw the first ever E-learning Debate held at the Oxford Union. In fact, many of you attended!
Hailed a huge success, the motion, "This house believes that the e-learning of today is essential for the important skills of tomorrow" was lost 144 to 90. Chaired by the BBC's technology correspondent, Rory Cellan-Jones, speakers included Professor Diana Laurillard, Dr Mark Rosenberg Major General Tim Inshaw and Kirstie Donnelly.
Register your vote while visiting the site and comment either for or against the motion. You can also view the comments of the attendees. Follow the debate on Twitter, view pictures of the event on Flickr and find out about the next e-learning debate as it's announced. You can also view a selection of videos filmed at the debate on YouTube.
If you would like to attend the next live E-learning Debate, please register your interest now.
Epic Service Desk stamina
Epic Service Desk (ESD) will be undergoing some big changes in the coming weeks. Encouraged by our global clients, it is now possible to extend support hours into the evening to better suit needs.
As clients of ours will know, ESD supports software delivered from web portals, e-commerce sites, intranets, hosted platforms, LMSs, Epic's own Arena learning portal and on DVD/CD-ROM. Audiences range from a few hundred UK-based users right up to major global roll-outs with over 250,000 users and administrators worldwide.
If you would like to discuss your current support or the possibility of extending support hours, please contact epicservicedesk@epic.co.uk.
Get ready for Bett
January 2010 sees the annual BETT (British Education and Training Technology) conference kick off on the 10th, at London Olympia's Grand Hall for four days of seminars, demonstrations and discussion. The annual BETT awards will also take place during the four days, on the 13th.
Of key interest this year is the Playful Learning area, which highlights the importance of play in learning, even beyond the primary years. Play activities will be on display, with guests invited to try out new hardware and software and consider new ideas in the Playful Learning area.
Client relations
Ufi and Epicentre are continuing their long standing working relationship, with Epicentre having recently won the tender to test Ufi's upcoming e-learning courses. The Epicentre and Ufi business relationship has now been in place for nine years and Epicentre has tested over 1500 courses for Ufi, with an average of 35 bugs reported per course. Epicentre estimates approximately 50,000 bugs have been found and fixed in nine years of testing Ufi materials.
Epicentre and Ufi have worked closely in this time and have made many changes in the approach to delivery and testing to ensure that the high standard Ufi are renowned for is upheld. Both Ufi and Epicentre have been extremely adaptable in bringing these changes in, with Epicentre working out-of-hours at short notice to provide the best possible service to Ufi. Epicentre looks forward to testing the new courses and continuing to work closely with Ufi.
"We often require testing to tight deadlines that can shift at short notice, but Epicentre handle this in an efficient, professional and friendly manner and provide us with a testing service that is both thorough and cost-effective. I would not hesitate to recommend their services." Adam Russell, Ufi.
And finally...
A quick look ahead to next month's newsletter, where we'll be looking at Apple's new range of iMacs, Macbooks and the MagicMouse, the first multi-touch gesture mouse. We'll also be giving our evaluation of Windows 7 and a look at the most useful new features we've uncovered in the huge range available (can you tell we're excited about 7?)
We'll also be looking at Cloud computing and the impact it's having on computing as a whole, Online collaborative tools and a round up of the latest tech news.
Join us!
www.epicentre.co.uk | +44 (0)1273 728 686 | marketing@epic.co.uk