Mindflash Rapid Training System Version 3.1 Sets New Standard for Affordable Online Training;...

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

Online Learning 2002

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 2002

Mindflash, a leader in cost-effective solutions for online training, today announced version 3.1 of its system for creating, delivering, and tracking

web-based training. This major upgrade introduces industry-unique add-ins for common desktop applications (Microsoft PowerPoint(R), Word(R), and Macromedia Dreamweaver(R)) that allow legacy training materials to easily be converted into online training with the addition of tracked assessments. Mindflash RapidTrain(TM) is the most affordable and complete solution for small to medium-sized organizations that want to rapidly deploy online training.

"Training industry experts estimate that more than 65% of content for corporate training comes from in-house sources, and for small and medium-sized companies this percentage can be even higher," explains Mindflash CEO, Paul Dore. "But simply putting a training manual or PowerPoint presentation online is not effective training. A key ingredient is in-course assessment of learners' mastery of the material and individualized learning paths that adapt based on a learner's performance on the assessments."

Mindflash RapidTrain(TM) 3.1 provides add-ins for Microsoft Word(R), PowerPoint(R), and Macromedia Dreamweaver(R) that allow authors to quickly insert tracked assessments anywhere in their training material. This material can then be converted into reusable learning objects and sequenced into adaptive learning paths in the Mindflash training management system or any standard-compliant learning management system (LMS). Dore points out, "With this release, we provide a straightforward way for any company, with or without our LMS, to convert in-house materials into effective online education. Because authors continue to use familiar software applications already on their desktop, Mindflash users see dramatic reductions in production costs for online training."

Consistent with the focus on providing online training solutions at a reasonable cost, Mindflash offers RapidTrain(TM) as an ASP service. This eliminates the upfront costs and time delays associated with integrating new software into new or existing enterprise servers. Customers can be registering students for courses within 24 hours of their purchase of the RapidTrain(TM) system.

"We really wanted to bring down the cost of developing and converting content for online training. Through participation at conferences, in-depth interviews with customers, and meetings with partners, we began to realize the cost of creating content was the biggest roadblock to ubiquitous online training. We think RapidTrain(TM) is the most cost-effective online learning system and will accelerate adoptions across the industry," observes Dr. Valerio De Angelis, Mindflash Chief Technical Officer.

The modular design of Mindflash RapidTrain(TM) 3.1, ASP hosting and support, and pricing starting as low as $150 per month (for 25 learners) offers a solution easily tailored to meet the specific needs of a company or department that can be quickly scaled for future expansion. A Mindflash RapidTrain(TM) license includes easy-to-use content creation and conversion tools, as well as learning management features like secure course enrollment, results tracking, and support for e-commerce. Additionally, robust content management functionality allows content to be easily reused and updated, with revisions synchronized throughout the system. Because Mindflash technology is based on the SCORM standard, web-based training authoring and content management functionality can be integrated into any enterprise LMS.

Mindflash RapidTrain(TM) is available immediately. For more information, and a complete pricing schedule, call 877/771-1900 or visit www.mindflash.com.

About Mindflash Rapid Training System

Mindflash tools for online learning reduce the time, the cost, and the complexity of turning proprietary content into effective web-based training. Mindflash authoring tools empower individuals throughout the enterprise to turn their knowledge into high-impact, online training, using Microsoft Word(R), PowerPoint(R) and Macromedia Dreamweaver(R). Training content can be converted to SCORM format with Mindflash RapidAuthor(TM) conversion service and exported to a standard-compliant Learning Management System or integrated with Mindflash RapidTrain(TM) system. Mindflash authoring, conversion, and training tools are as powerful as they are simple to use.