Desire2Learn Forms Alliance with Microsoft To Extend Cloud-Based Products

Desire2Learn, a provider of enterprise teaching and learning platforms for K-12 and higher education institutions, has signed a four-year Windows Azure global alliance agreement with Microsoft.

Desire2Learn was already a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, and this new agreement takes the relationship between the two companies to the next level. As a result of the agreement, Desire2Learn's cloud-based technology will be promoted through the Windows Azure platform. It will also add flexibility to Desire2Learn's cloud-based products and services. Desire2Learn will integrate its products and services with the Windows Azure platform and will offer a wider range of hosting and accessibility options to the educational institutions it serves.

The Desire2Learn suite of educational software products and services includes:

  • Learning Environment, a learning management system that includes course building, reporting, assessment, and collaboration tools;
  • ePortfolio, a social learning tool that enables students to store, organize, reflect on, and share their learning portfolios;
  • Analytics, a statistical analysis tool for educators and administrators;
  • Learning Repository, a digital library for course resources;
  • Mobile, which provides access to courses, services, and resources on tablets and smartphones; and
  • Capture, a webcasting tool.

Desire2Learn also provides a number of services to support and customize its products for its customers.

"Institutional leaders are faced with a rapidly changing educational landscape. Securing this alliance with Microsoft allows us greater flexibility in delivering world-class solutions to our clients," said Jeremy Auger, chief technology officer and executive vice president of Desire2Learn. "This integration is a great showcase of our commitment to building an open platform for education and a strong partner ecosystem to support our clients as they strive to achieve their vision for teaching and learning."

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • laptop displaying cybersecurity and financial charts, next to a locked safe and stacked gold coins

    Majority of Districts Lack Dedicated Cybersecurity Funding

    According to a recent CoSN survey, most school districts (61%) do not have dedicated funding to keep networks and data secure, instead relying on general funds to pay for cybersecurity efforts.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • smartphone with a glowing lock and shield icon at its center, surrounded by floating security symbols like a fingerprint, key, and authentication checkmark

    Jamf to Acquire Identity Automation, Pairing Identity and Device Management in One Platform

    Apple mobile device management company Jamf has announced it will acquire Identity Automation, a provider of identity and access management (IAM) solutions for K-12 and higher education.

  • digital illustration of Estonia with glowing neural network-like connections spreading across the map

    Estonia to Roll Out ChatGPT Edu for all Secondary Schools

    In a nationwide artificial intelligence program dubbed "AI Leap 2025," the country of Estonia plans to provide free access to leading AI applications for all secondary school students and teachers. The initiative will launch with a rollout of ChatGPT Edu to 20,000 high school students in grades 10-11 and their 3,000 teachers, beginning Sept. 1.