Michael Dell, the driving force behind one of the world's most successful computer companies, is to become a key advisor to a start-up enterprise specialising in student communication.

Campus Pipeline, an American venture, has set out to capture the lead in university intranets. It plans to centralise services through a single Web interface, enabling students to enrol for courses, order and pay for books securely, consult tutors and do their research from any internet-enabled computer.

The company claims its system will save students hours each day, as it enables them to meet many of their responsibilities from a desktop PC. Following pilot tests at nine universities, Campus Pipeline has been adopted by over 500 across the US.

Dell joins as an advisor to help in continued development of the technology.

Elliott Chase