Utrecht, June 10, 2003 - Macromedia (Nasdaq: MACR) today announced Macromedia Authorware 7, the dedicated solution for creating highly interactive rich media e-learning content. Macromedia Authorware 7 enables e-learning developers to import Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, play back content on Mac OS X, use industry standard JavaScript scripting, and easily integrate content with learning management systems (LMS). Macromedia Authorware 7 is expected to ship later this month. For more information, visit
http://www.macromedia.com/go/aw7/.
"Macromedia Authorware is the only tool of its kind that empowers non-programmers to visually create interactive, rich media e-learning applications that are accessible and standards-compatible," said Kevin M. Lynch, vice president, Macromedia. "Authorware 7 enables learning developers and instructional designers to deliver highly effective content that can be deployed online or on fixed media more easily than ever."
Macromedia Authorware integrates graphics, sound, animation, text, and video into compelling e-learning experiences. Macromedia Authorware 7 uses the same intuitive user interface that is featured across the Macromedia MX product line while retaining the product's visual flowline authoring metaphor and drag-and-drop functionality. The product also enables developers to leverage existing Microsoft PowerPoint presentations to create rich e-learning content. Macromedia Authorware 7 now supports the import of DVD video so that this popular video format can be used in Authorware interactive applications.
"As a long-time Authorware shop, United Airlines is always interested in seeing what new advances the product makes, and how we can leverage those advances to create and deploy e-learning content across our enterprise," said Will Schart, flight training program specialist, United Airlines. "With Authorware 7, we can use our existing expertise in JavaScript to easily stitch together courseware, package our applications automatically for our learning management system, and easily reuse existing global content assets by importing Microsoft PowerPoint presentations into courseware. The new user interface lets us build on the familiarity we already have with the MX product family."
Authorware already enables developers to deliver AICC/ADL-SCORM compatible courseware, and the latest version adds learning management system Knowledge Objects that make it easier to communicate between the application and the LMS. In addition, a Learning Object Content Packager helps developers organize and upload content to the LMS. The packager compiles the metadata, Authorware files and resources, and an XML manifest into an ADL SCORM-compatible zip file.
The product imports and exports XML to create data-driven applications, supports JavaScript to enable additional programming depth, and enables all product properties to be scripted, allowing developers to create commands, Knowledge Objects, and extensible content.
Macromedia Authorware 7 is available as both a standalone product or as part of the Macromedia eLearning Suite, which also includes Macromedia Flash MX and Macromedia Dreamweaver MX.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Macromedia Authorware 7 is expected to ship later this month for Windows 98, SE, Me, NT 4, 2000, and XP. The product is priced at $2,999 for new users, $399 to upgrade from Authorware 6.5, and $899 to upgrade from Authorware 5.x and 6.0, with educational pricing at $499. Macromedia eLearning Suite is priced at $3,499 for new users, with educational pricing at $599. Macromedia Authorware 7 and Macromedia eLearning Suite will be available in English only. Volume licensing is also available.
ABOUT MACROMEDIA
Experience matters. Macromedia is motivated by the belief that great experiences build great businesses. Our software empowers millions of business users, developers, and designers to create and deliver effective, compelling, and memorable experiences - on the Internet, on fixed media, on wireless, and on digital devices.
Copyright 2003 Macromedia, Inc. All rights reserved. Macromedia, the Macromedia logo, Macromedia Flash, Dreamweaver, and Authorware are trademarks or registered trademarks of Macromedia, Inc., which may be registered in the United States and internationally. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.
More information on Macromedia: http://www.macromedia.com