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 Benesse Corporation (hereafter referred to as Benesse) and Fujitsu Limited (hereafter referred to as Fujitsu) have formed an alliance under which they will start a new educational IT support business in April 2001. Computer and Internet facilities are currently being installed at elementary, junior high and senior high schools across Japan in line with governmental policy which seeks to extend the information revolution throughout the educational system. The formation of a joint support structure by an IT company and a company operating in the field of education marks a new response to these changes taking place in the classroom.

Benesse has long supported teachers in schools through the provision of educational software and through businesses helping teachers guide high school students along their educational and career paths. The company also plans to make a full-fledged entry into businesses relating to elementary and junior high schools.

Fujitsu has many years of experience in the development of educational computer systems for schools. Mobilizing this technical expertise, Fujitsu offers systems support with a view to solving various educational problems at schools. In addition to installing networks in schools, Fujitsu also extends these networks to the surrounding regions.

Combining the two companies' unique strengths, the new alliance will result in the joint development of unprecedented educational computer systems for elementary and junior high schools. Appropriate content will also be provided. Moreover, plans also call for the construction of a comprehensive support system to boost the IT know-how of teachers.

[Alliance Details]

1. Joint development of educational computer systems and content

- Educational computer systems:
A digital communication package geared to supporting students' curiosity and creativity in their studies. A full range of systems will be available, including message boards, online meeting rooms and databases.

- Content:
Content will be designed to enliven classes and spur on students' understanding of the issues covered using computers.


2.Onsite IT support for elementary and junior high schools

- Benesse:
"Plans exist to construct a joint IT support system through enlisting partner companies in each prefecture. Benesse will provide these partners with know-how on educational support activities. The company will also train "IT Supporters " capable of making the best use of this know-how and dispatch them to schools.
The business is slated to take off from the spring of next year. Initially, it will be available in Hokkaido, Miyagi, Fukushima, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Tochigi, Saitama, Tokyo, Shizuoka, Gifu, Okayama and Kagawa. Nationwide expansion will follow.

- Fujitsu:
Cooperating with Fujitsu partners throughout the country, Fujitsu will back up Benesse's IT Supporters from a systems point-of-view.