The heart of the partnership is in fact the differences of the institutions and what they bring to the program. These differences build a unique synergy that contributes to the quality of the program at several levels. The UMUC being the gateway for students, the larger institution which provides the complete infrastructure for all support services helps the streamlining of the program and the program although small can count on high-quality technology-based services. It is also the institution that carries the history and the intensive experience as a online provider. OL brings its culture of intensive research, craftsman based course development, and the in-depth knowledge of the foundations of distance education, together with the European experience in DE.