Google Groups no longer supports new Usenet posts or subscriptions. Historical content remains viewable.

Dismiss

Multimedia Authoring Systems FAQ 2/3

0 views

Skip to first unread message

Jamie Siglar

unread,

Apr 5, 1999, 3:00:00 AM4/5/99

Archive-name: multimedia/authoring-systems/part2
Posting-Frequency: monthly (first Sunday)
Expires: 1999/05/02
Version: 2.23
URL: http://www.tiac.net/users/jasiglar/MMASFAQ.HTML
http://www.tiac.net/users/jasiglar/MMASFAQ.TXT

Windows Authoring Systems:

Astound <http://www.astound.com/products2/astound/astound.html> :
Astound <http://www.astound.com/> ; Windows95/98, NT
Astound is a venerable frame paradigm authoring system, which has added
extensive interactivity to it's presentation authoring origin. It is
currently in
version 6.0.

AuraLine <http://www.auraline.com/about/about.htm> : NEC Systems Laboratory
<http://www.auraline.com/> ; Java, Windows, WWW
AuraLine is a cast/score/scripting authoring system, oriented to producing
interactive presentations. It is one of the first generation of Java authoring
tools.

Authorware Attain <http://www.macromedia.com/software/authorware/> : Macromedia
<http://www.macromedia.com/> ; Windows, NT, WWW (via WebPlayer)
Currently in version 5.0, this follows the iconic/flow control paradigm with a
limit per individual file of 32,000 icons. Authorware supports jumping between
files (the maintainer has worked on projects greater than 100 MB in content),
jumping out to apps and even printing from them. This has unparalleled external
media support, and can encapsulate all non-motion media content into apps and
content libraries, or leave media files external for dynamic access. Authorware
supports character-styled text and extensive navigation structures including
hypertext. This tool is optimal for CBT and rapid prototyping.

BigEZ <http://www.mockingbird.com/products/bigez/index.htm> :
Warren-Forthought, Inc. <http://www.mockingbird.com/>
BigEZ is an iconic/flow control tool for interactive multimedia presentation
construction, including instructional design templates for CBT programs.

CBIquick Authoring System <http://www.amtcorp.com/cbiquick.html> : AMT
International, Inc. <http://www.amtcorp.com/> ; Windows, NT, WWW (via Stargate)

ClickWorks <http://www.pitango.com/mn-cw.html> : Pitango
<http://www.pitango.com/> ; Mac, Windows player
Clickworks is a card/scripting system that has a high amount of
object-orientation. There are now two versions: Delight and Pro. The Pro
version provides the most complete handling of text available, comparable to
a desktop-publishing tool.

Cocktail98 <http://www.cocktail98.com/> : Samsung <http://www.samsung.com/"> ;
Windows, NT, WWW
Cocktail98 is a frame paradigm authoring system with support for multiple
languages, including double-byte languages such as Korean and Japanese.

CourseBuilder <http://www.discoverysystems.com/Pages/CB-Soft.HTML> : Discovery
Systems Int'l. <http://www.discoverysystems.com/> ; Mac, Windows Player
CourseBuilder 5.0 is an iconic/flow control paradigm authoring system optimized
for CBT delivery. Allows scriptless interactive courseware construction.

Courseworks <http://www.iprax.com/cworks/index.htm> : Iprax Training Solutions
<http://www.iprax.com/>

Dazzler <http://www.dazzlersoft.com/visitors_index.htm> : Intela Media Ltd.
<http://www.dazzlersoft.com/> ; Java, Windows, NT, WWW
Dazzler is a Hierarchical Object paradigm authoring system. It is descended
from MasterClass by ISC Media Systems, and is now in version 5.0. There
is also a Deluxe version.

Desktop Support Factory
<http://www.usabilitysciences.com/products/dsf/dsfindex.html> : Usability
Sciences Corporation <http://www.usabilitysciences.com/>
Desktop Support Factory is optimized for Electronic Performance Support System
(EPSS) development.

Digital Chisel
<http://www2.pierian.com/products/authoring_tools/digital_chisel3/dc3.htm> :
Pierian Spring <http://www.pierian.com/> ; Windows95/98, NT, Solaris, WWW
Digital Chisel has been rewritten in Java for delivery to most platforms. It
has moved from its card roots to a frame paradigm.

Director <http://www.macromedia.com/software/director/> : Macromedia
<http://www.macromedia.com/> ; Mac, Windows95/98, NT, WWW (via Shockwave)
Currently in version 7.0, this popular general market product follows the
cast/score/scripting paradigm, which makes it the tool of choice for animation
content. Its roots as a cel- and sprite-animation program are unmistakable; its
inclusion of Lingo, its object-based scripting language, has made it the
animation-capable program to beat. The AfterBurner compression Xtra creates
Shockwave files, allowing Web playback.

Docent <http://www.docent.com/solutions/products/index.htm> : Docent
<http://www.docent.com/> ; Windows95, NT, WWW
Docent is a HTML Enterprise Training authoring tool, now in version 3.0; the
tool uses both an outliner metaphor and a tool palette; it can be considered a
cross between an iconic/flow control tool and a Hierarchical Object system.

Emblaze Creator <http://www.emblaze.com/creator.htm> : Geo International
<http://www.emblaze.com/> ; JavaScript, Mac, Win95, WWW
Emblaze Creator 2.5 is a cast/score/scripting tool which is designed for
Web-based playback of interactive multimedia.

Everest Authoring System <http://www.insystem.com/everest.htm> : Intersystem
Concepts, Inc. <http://www.insystem.com/>
Everest is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system; it uses a hierarchical
Book/Page/Object metaphor, with multiple palettes and windows for Attributes,
Variables, Layout, etc. The A-pex scripting language has extensive online help
via the A-pex3 Assistant (wizard); standard Windows API calls (such as MCI,
WinHelp, VBX and ActiveX) are supported. DOS-created Summit files can be
imported to leverage existing courseware.

Flash <http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/> : Macromedia
<http://www.macromedia.com/> ; Mac, Windows95, NT, WWW (via Flash Player)
Flash 3.0 is a cast/score/scripting tool, which primarily uses vector graphics
(and can create vector graphics from imported bitmaps). It is optimized for Web
delivery, and is especially common for banner adds and small interactive web
deliverables.

Formula Graphics Multimedia System <http://www.FormulaGraphics.com/> : Harrow
Software <http://www.FormulaGraphics.com/> ; Windows, NT, WWW(via FG),
Java (via
FGX)
This is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system, whose interface is more than
vaguely reminiscent of Visual Basic; has a relatively powerful scripting
language. Formula Graphics is available as shareware, with only the packaging
functions disabled.

Gain Momentum <http://www.gainsoft.com/gm/> : Gain Software, Inc.
<http://www.gainsoft.com/> ; Windows 95, NT, Solaris, UNIX
Gain Momentum 3.5 is a hypermedia linkage authoring tool. Its GEL scripting
language and multiple views (including timeline and an object browser) provide
a large amount of development power.

GLpro <http://www.gmedia.net/gmedia/glpro/winspec.html> : G-media
<http://www.gmedia.net/index.html>
GLpro is a scripting paradigm authoring system.

HyperMethod <http://www.eltech.ru/hyper/> : Prog. Systems AI Lab
<http://www.eltech.ru/hyper/> ; Windows95, NT
HyperMethod is a hypermedia linkage authoring system now in version 3.0;
distinctive in its support for Russian language content.

HyperStudio <http://www.hyperstudio.com/> : Roger Wagner Publishing
<http://www.hyperstudio.com/> ; Mac, Windows
HyperStudio is acard/scripting paradigm authoring system, optimized for and
focussed on the educational market.

IconAuthor <http://www.asymetrix.com/products/iconauthor/> : Asymetrix
<http://www.asymetrix.com/> ; Windows, NT, Solaris, UNIX, WWW (via Windows)
IconAuthor follows the iconic/flow control paradigm. It is notable for
its SmartObject editor, which tags content files (still graphics, RTF text,
etc.) for interactivity. It has the option to either embed content files or
leave them external in specified directories. The biggest strength of this
program is its included data handling, which makes it unparalleled for CBT data
tracking. The latest version should also provide WWW porting of existing
content. Avoid its internal "Move Object" path animation feature due to jerky
response -- use a .FLC or .AVI instead.

Illuminatus < http://www.digitalworkshop.co.uk/illumindes.html> : Digital
Workshop <http://www.digitalworkshop.co.uk/>
Illuminatus 4.1 is a frame paradigm authoring system optimized for electronic
book production.

The Instructor <http://www.bcdokc.com/inst1.html> : BCD Associates, Inc.
<http://www.bcdokc.com/index.html>

iShell <http://www.tribeworks.com/Public/Content/Technology.html> :
Tribeworks <http://www.tribeworks.com/> ; PowerMac, Windows 95/98
iShell is a frame tool, derived in largest part from Apple Media Tool.
It's most
prominent feature is unparalleled interactive QuickTime support. IShell is
freeware, with licensing available for commercial applications.

Katabounga <http://www.abvent.com/intl/katabounga.html> :
Abvent <http://www.abvent.com/> ; PowerMac, Mac Player, Windows95/98 Player
Katabounga is a Hierarchical Object authoring system, currently in version
2.0.

Magenta II<http://www.magentammt.com/magenta2/magenta2/index.html"> :
Magenta MultiMedia Tools B.V. <http://www.magentammt.com/"> ; Windows 95/8, NT

Manager's Edge <http://www.allencomm.com/software/manager/> : Allen
Communications <http://www.allencomm.com/> ; Java, Windows95, NT
In its 2.0 version Manager's Edge has expanded from its CMI roots to being a
full authoring suite, while remaining CBT-optimized and compliant with AICC
standards. It includes HTML/Java export capabilities for browser-delivered
courses.

mBed Interactor <http://www.mbed.com/html/mbdframe1.html> : mBed
<http://www.mbed.com/> ; Java, Mac, Windows95, WWW
mBed Interactor is a cast/score/scripting authoring system optimized for WWW
delivery; it comes in Lite, Standard and Professional Editions.

MediaForge <http://www.clearsand.com/webpages/prod/mf/index.htm> : Clearsand
Corporation <http://www.clearsand.com/> ; Windows95, NT, WWW (via Mirage)
MediaForge is a frame paradign authoring system, with a scripting language
(MediaBasic) similar to Visual Basic. The current version features multiframe
sprites and enchanced transparency (including .AVI files), plus it allows the
creation of templates for runtime editing -- read "engine creation".

MetaCard <http://www.metacard.com/pi.html> : MetaCard
<http://www.metacard.com/>
; Mac, Windows95/98, NT, Solaris, UNIX
MetaCard is a card/scripting authoring system, currently in version 2.2. This
is one of the more powerful tools of its paradigm; the scripting language is
especially robust.

Microcosm <http://www.multicosm.com/microcosm/index.html> : Multicosm, Ltd.
<http://www.webcosm.com/> ; DOS, Windows
Microcosm is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system.

MMD <http://www.capella-mm.com/home/body_mmd.htm> : Capella Computers Ltd.
<http://www.capella-mm.com/> ; Windows, NT
Capella/MMD is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system, where all content is
derived from its proprietary multimedia database; optimized for kiosk/POS
applications.

MocKingbird(R)CBT <http://www.mockingbird.com/products/cbt/index.htm> :
Warren-Forthought, Inc. <http://www.mockingbird.com/> ; Mac, Windows, NT
MocKingbird is a Performance Support System following the scripting paradigm.

Motivate <http://www.motion-factory.com/products/frameset_products.html> :
Motion Factory <http://www.motion-factory.com/> ; Windows, NT
Billed as an "Intelligent Character" authoring tool, this is a fantastic 3-D
Hierarchical Object authoring system, optimized for character generation.

Multimedia Fusion <http://www.imsisoft.com/mmfusion/> : IMSI
<http://www.imsisoft.com/> ; Windows95, NT, WWW (via Vitalize!)
Formerly Corel's Click-and-Create, this frame paradigm authoring tool is one of
the easiest to learn.

Neobook Professional <http://www.neosoftware.com/nbw.html> : Neosoft
<http://www.neosoftware.com/> ; DOS, Windows95/98, NT
Neobook is a frame paradigm authoring tool currently in version 3.2.

Presenter! <http://www.eloquent.com/products/presenter.html> : Eloquent
<http://www.eloquent.com/> ; Windows, NT, WWW
Presenter! is a frame paradigm authoring tool.

QuarkImmedia <http://www.quark.com/quarkimmedia/> : Quark
<http://www.quark.com/> ; Mac, Windows Player
QuarkImmedia is a frame paradigm authoring system, designed for re-purposing
print (QuarkXPress) documents.

Quest <http://www.allencomm.com/p&s/software/quest/> : Allen
Communications <http://www.allencomm.com/> ; Windows, NT, WWW (via QuestNet)
Quest 6 for Windows is a frame paradigm authoring system. Its most notable
feature is its scripting language, which is ANSI C.

Question Mark <http://www.questionmark.com/qmwindows/index.htm> : Question
Mark Computing Ltd <http://www.questionmark.com/> ; WWW (via Perception), DOS,
Mac, Windows
Question Mark is optimized for Electronic Assessment production.

Rapid Simulation <http://www.emultek.com/prodrst.htm> : Emultek
<http://www.emultek.com/> ; Windows95, NT

Realimation STE <http://www.realimation.com/overview/ste.htm> : Realimation
<http://www.realimation.com> ; Windows95, NT, WWW
The Realimation Space-Time-Editor is a 3-D Virtual Reality authoring tool.

Scala MM200 <http://www.scala.com/mm/index.html> : Scala
<http://www.scala.com/> ; Windows95, NT
MM200 is a frame paradigm authoring tool with an emphasis on interactive
presentation authoring. It includes support for most Windows-based
multimedia content formats and has a large bank of available transitions.

Slim Show <http://www.pcww.com/web_mat/slimshow.html> : PC Wholeware
<http://www.pcww.com/> ; Windows, NT
Slim Show follows the iconic/flow control paradigm. It is notable for its
compact runtime engine; the overhead can be as low as 60K. Slim Show also
includes a built-in text-to-speech engine.

StorySpace <http://www.eastgate.com/Storyspace.html> : Eastgate Systems
<http://www.eastgate.com/> ; Mac, Windows, WWW (via HTML)
Hypertext authoring system, uses "Writing Space" links, corresponds pretty
closely to the frame paradigm. The newest version supports export of a
complete story space to HTML.

SuperLink <http://www.alchemediainc.com/slfeatr.html> : Alchemedia
<http://www.alchemediainc.com/> ; Windows, NT
SuperLink is the successor software to Linkway, and follows the card/scripting
paradigm, while holding the content externally to the script file.

Tactic! <http://www.bgw.ca/english/survol-e.html> : BGW Multimedia
<http://www.bgw.ca/> ; Windows95, NT<BR>
Tactic! is a complete authoring suite; it includes instructional design advice
(like a pre-authoring tool), media tracking, project management, outline views,
and script views; and is compatible with all AICC-compliant CMI products. If
you're looking for the ultimate soup-to-nuts CBT-optimized tool, this is it!
There are 3 components available on their own: Tactic! Editor for subject
matter
experts or course designers; Tactic! Viewer for delivery; and Tactic!
ScoreKeeper
for CMI functions.

TenCORE <http://www.tencore.com/authtool.htm> : Computer Teaching Corporation
<http://www.tencore.com/> ; DOS, Windows
TenCORE is actually two products: TenCORE Producer, which is a frame paradigm
authoring system, and TenCORE Language Authoring System, which is a scripting
paradigm authoring system. TenCORE LAS has discernable Plato roots.

The Learning Manager : Campus America <http://www.campuscan.com/>

ThingMaker <http://www.thingworld.com/> : Parable
<http://www.parablecorp.com/> ; Windows95/98, NT, WWW (via ThingPlayer)
ThingMaker is a cast/score/scripting tool, optimized for WWW multimedia
production. This has one of the fastest-to-learn interfaces for
multimedia-via-the-Web delivery.

Toolbook II <http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/> : Asymetrix
<http://www.asymetrix.com/> ; Windows, NT, WWW (via Neuron), Java
Toolbook is a card/scripting authoring system now broken into components:
Instructor, the standard tool; Assistant, the pre-built templates; CBT Systems,
optimized for CBT production; and CMS Plus, a course-management system.
Toolbook includes database linkage, MCI compliance and many examples (called
"Widgets") of interactivity. This newest version exports HTML and Java for Web
delivery.
<http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/instructor/>
<http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/assistant/>
<http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/cbtsystems/>
<http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/cmsplus.html>

Xpower <http://www.pmace.com/xpower.htm> : Paul Mace Software
<http://www.pmace.com/>
Xpower is a scripting paradigm authoring system in a full-fledged IDE; you can
also view your program as a flowchart or on a visual stage.

Windows NT Authoring Systems:

CBIquick Authoring System <http://www.amtcorp.com/cbiquick.html> : AMT
International, Inc. <http://www.amtcorp.com/> ; Windows, NT, WWW (via Stargate)

Magenta II<http://www.magentammt.com/magenta2/magenta2/index.html"> :
Magenta MultiMedia Tools B.V. <http://www.magentammt.com/"> ; Windows 95/8, NT

Manager's Edge <http://www.allencomm.com/software/manager/> : Allen
Communications <http://www.allencomm.com/> ; Java, Windows 95, NT
In its 2.0 version Manager's Edge has expanded from its CMI roots to being a
full authoring suite, while remaining CBT-optimized and compliant with AICC
standards. It includes HTML/Java export capabilities for browser-delivered
courses.

MediaForge <http://www.clearsand.com/webpages/prod/mf/index.htm> : Clearsand
Corporation <http://www.clearsand.com/> ; Windows 95, NT, WWW (via Mirage)
MediaForge is a frame paradign authoring system, with a scripting language
(MediaBasic) similar to Visual Basic. The current version features multiframe
sprites and enchanced transparency (including .AVI files), plus it allows the
creation of templates for runtime editing -- read "engine creation".

Multimedia Fusion <http://www.imsisoft.com/mmfusion/> : IMSI
<http://www.imsisoft.com/> ; Windows 95, NT, WWW (via Vitalize!)
Formerly Corel's Click-and-Create, this frame paradigm authoring tool is one of
the easiest to learn.

Neobook Professional <http://www.neosoftware.com/nbw.html> : Neosoft
<http://www.neosoftware.com/> ; DOS, Windows 95/98, NT
Neobook is a frame paradigm authoring tool currently in version 3.2.

Presenter! <http://www.eloquent.com/products/presenter.html> : Eloquent
<http://www.eloquent.com/> ; Windows, NT, WWW
Presenter! is a frame paradigm authoring tool.

Rapid Simulation <http://www.emultek.com/prodrst.htm> : Emultek
<http://www.emultek.com/> ; Windows95, NT

Realimation STE <http://www.realimation.com/overview/ste.htm> : Realimation
<http://www.realimation.com/> ; Windows95, NT, WWW
The Realimation Space-Time-Editor is a 3-D Virtual Reality authoring tool.

Scala MM200 <http://www.scala.com/mm/index.html> : Scala
<http://www.scala.com/> ; Win95, NT
MM200 is a frame paradigm authoring tool with an emphasis on interactive
presentation authoring. It includes support for most Windows-based
multimedia content formats and has a large bank of available transitions.

Toolbook II <http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/> : Asymetrix
<http://www.asymetrix.com/> ; Windows, NT, WWW (via Neuron), Java
Toolbook is a card/scripting authoring system now broken into components:
Instructor, the standard tool; Assistant, the pre-built templates; CBT Systems,
optimized for CBT production; and CMS Plus, a course-management system.
Toolbook
includes database linkage, MCI compliance and many examples (called
"Widgets") of
interactivity. This newest version exports HTML and Java for Web delivery.
<http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/instructor/>
<http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/assistant/>
<http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/cbtsystems/>
<http://www.asymetrix.com/products/toolbook2/cmsplus.html>

End part 2 of 3
<<-- Multimedia Consulting and Authoring - ->>
<<-- http://www.tiac.net/users/jasiglar/ -->>
<<-- Multimedia Authoring Systems FAQ maintained at: -->>
<<-- http://www.tiac.net/users/jasiglar/MMASFAQ.HTML -->>

0 new messages