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The rise of network computing will further drive demand for e-learning, a senior Sun Microsystems executive has predicted.

Kim Jones, vice-president of academic and research computing for the Palo Alto-based company, said the computer paradigm was beginning to shift from a PC-based model to one in which applications and services are contained on central servers that are professionally managed.

"People won't have to be technical experts to access learning services, so it makes it easier for those who are not that adept. You won't have to know how to load software, reboot the system or solve problems as it's all being managed centrally," she said at a recent round-table debate in London.

This shift would make using a computer as simple as making a phone call and allow learning to be offered to anyone, anywhere, anytime, increasing the number of people taking online courses, Jones said.

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