Can you still upload content to iTunesU?

Question

We are getting ready to start a small iTunesU evaluation site for password-protected course material.
One of the main advantages, for us, is being able to upload content to a hosted server.
Is this still possible with iTunesU? We don't have an account yet.
I hear rumors uploading is no longer possible unless you signed an agreement before Jan 1 or so.
In that case, it appears in the case of protected material, there may not be much advantage to using iTunesU over the new Podcast Library in Snow Leopard Server.
Appreciate any feedback.

Answer 1

Frank, somehow your name seems familiar to me…dunno why…
Anywho, I don't want to say that it's impossible…that's for Duncan & Co. (i.e., Apple) to decide…but yes, the general rule is that sites created after January 2009 are no longer Apple hosted. Sites created before January 2009 have this option. But while the option exists for some of us, and while Apple has made no public or private statement regarding what it would like us old timers to do, it's my impression that Apple's intention is that we move away from hosting content at Apple if we can do so.
However, before you rule it out, consider that iTunes U's main strength…the main reason for adopting it…is not where your content will be hosted…rather, it's the way in which you'll be leveraging the synergy that exists between iTunes/iPods/iPhones/and the iTunes Store for educational ends. It's certainly possible to get content to an iPod in a bunch of different ways, but the iTunes Store has become such a focus for users, that using the store can make a lot of sense. It need not be used to the exclusion of other solutions…what's important is that you're taking the complexity of grabbing and publicizing an academic podcast onto yourself…and you're relieving your audience from the hassle of working it through. In effect, you're using a system that your students know and use every day.