Almost a year ago, Digital-Word announced that they had been short-listed for the prestigious position of web-based technology partner to the E21 Project. One year on, and after much hard work, we can finally announce the launch of Virtual Schools powered by Shapeshifter.

Evolution of the E21 Project has resulted in the formulation of 2 major new resource initiatives developed specifically for the education sector: Versatile Solutions 4 Education (VS4E) and Virtual Schools. VS4E provides access to the technology (hardware and software) needed to maintain and improve teaching standards in the UK, in the 21st century. Operated by Versatile Solutions Limited, in partnership with Siemens, Volvo, NEC, Microsoft and many others, VS4E offers an affordable and sustainable solution for the education sector especially when combined with their "Total Cost of Ownership" (TCO) package.

Virtual Schools powered by Shapeshifter has been designed and developed by 8th Day Studios to provide eductional organisations with access to a unique web-based environment providing a fully interactive website, integrated e-commerce platform and remote learning facility. Shapeshifter was selected, ahead of all the competition, as the perfect tool to power the Virtual Schools platform, providing a stable and secure environment into which 8th Day Studios could graft the unique features required by schools.

Digital-Word are also delighted to have formed a strategic alliance with Firstserv Limited to provide a dedicated hosting environment for the Virtual Schools platform based in Exchange House, London. Digital-Word Limited has entered into an exclusive arrangement with 8th Day Studios for the use of Shapeshifter within the education sector and we firmly believe that working with 8th Day Studios and Firstserv on the Virtual Schools project will offer us a unique opportunity to "showcase" the abilities of Shapeshifter CMS.