Zenler, Articulate Each Capture Four ‘Best of Elearning! ’ Awards EIGHTH ANNUAL COMPETITION new the category or awards program. development, Interactyx for social learning HAS ITS SHARE OF NEW WINNERS AND “Given the number of nominations, to tool, and Adobe for Web seminar solution. REPEAT WINNERS FROM YEARS PAST earn an Award of Excellence is quite an Eight years ago, the awards program was honor,” says Catherine Upton, Elearning! first implemented to formalize the recommen- Media Group’s publisher. “And to be named dation/purchase process for the two maga- New entrant Zenler came out of nowhere a category winner is a true testament to the zines’ 90,000 subscribers and 250,000 readers. this year to dominate the eighth annual vendor’s product and service excellence.” Staffers found that 85 percent of readers had “Best of Elearning!” competition. First-time What makes the “Best of Elearning!” recommended an e-learning solution to a peer winner Zenler, which is domestically based awards so coveted among both vendors and over the most recent 12-month period and 61 in New York City, won four awards with learning/training/development profession- percent claimed that award recognition “im- three products: Zenler Online, Zenler Stu- als is that the ballot is open-ended, so vot- pacts their decision” to consider a product or dio Lite and Zenler Studio Pro. ers must carefully consider which of their service. “We’ve kind of had our nose to the grind- vendors they want to honor. (Votes origi- Top award-winners were honored at the stone, doing things the old-fashioned way,” nating from vendor ISPs are not included Enterprise Learning! Conference & Expo in says Tom Burton, vice president of Business in the final online tally.) October at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine, Ca- Development. “In 2010, we were looking for “With so many categories, it takes quite a lif. Finalists in each category were honored an LMS that would meet the criteria of ‘sim- bit of time for a person to fill out a ballot,” with awards of excellence. ple, fast, easy and economical.’ Our strategy notes Elearning! and Government Elearning! “Best of Elearning!” nominations for is to be at a lower cost level for people just editorial director Jerry Roche. “We are in- 2013 will open March 1 and close June 1. entering the field or those without a lot of credibly thankful that we have so many loyal experience. People can become productive readers participating in the voting process.” almost immediately with our product.” Multiple winners besides Zenler were Ar- MORE ON THE WEB Each year, the awards program is co-spon- ticulate (four), Skillsoft (two), BizTraining sored by Elearning! and Government Elearn- (two) and Adobe (two). Articulate won this To visit the “Best of Elearning! ing! magazines. This year, 3,881 nominations year with three products: Storyline, Presenter Hall of Fame” — a list of all the were received via the magazines’ websites, an and its mobile player app. Last year, Skillsoft, companies and excellence brands increase of 221 percent over 2011. In the eight- Articulate and Adobe also won at least twice. that have won awards since 2008 year history of the award, 222 different compa- Individual repeat winners from 2011 are — access our supplemental news nies and 399 products have been honored. Meridian KSI in the Best LMS Enterprise section and our e-zine at http:// Ballots this year were counted across 21 category, Skillsoft for I.T. content, eCornell ^^^LSLHYUPUNJVTÄSLHKTPU product categories. Honored are 40 companies for leadership development, BizLibrary for images/Promotions/el1112_ and 72 products —26 percent of which are soft skills content, Articulate for e-learning HallofFame2.pdf on the Internet.
12 December 2012 / January 2013 Elearning! BEST OF BEST OF Learning Management System Simulation (SaaS, Open-Source, or Content Tool Supplier)
Category Winner: Zenler Online
enler Online is a Learning Manage- (Amazon EBS) are used to leverage the power >> “Provides e-learning authors an incred- ment System (LMS) in the cloud. of the Amazon cloud computing platform. ible tool in their own hands to easily ZWith few clicks, you can publish Zenler Online also uses the power of create, publish, and update online your Zenler Courses online, manage, deliv- Scalr.net’s technology, which monitors training and learning interactions” ery and track trainee’s progress. Affordable resource consumption on all Zenler server >> “Only product with a zero learning curve” monthly subscription plans are available, nodes and launches, configures and balances with no setup fee. All online subscription load to servers automatically — all based on COMPANY HISTORY: plans get their own subdomain and are variable demand. Scalr automatically scales Zenler is an innovative e-learning com- SSL-enabled for secure encrypted access. the database by setting up replicated slaves pany from the house of DigitalOfficePro, (read servers) when the which was founded in 2005. With 70,000 load increases. customers around the world, DigitalOf- The Amazon service ficePro (a Microsoft and Intel partner) has enables Zenler to deliver been a leading global provider of powerful content through a world- rapid communications, online-training wide network of edge lo- solutions and high quality multimedia cations and automatically tools for more than a decade. routes end-user requests Zenler focuses on providing innovative to closest edge location, tools for creating and managing high-end so content is delivered interactive e-learning content with great ease. With Zenler Online, you manage courses with the best possible performance. created with Zenler Studio. Assign courses CONTACT INFORMATION: to trainees, track trainees and course details WHAT ZENLER SAYS: (granular details including score, time taken), “We appreciate this honor, and we are and issue course certificates. See a snapshot very surprised,” says Zenler’s Tom Burton. of your account. Effectively manage trainees “We’ve kind of had our nose to the grind- using the available interface. Add trainees to stone, doing things the old-fashioned way. Zenler/DigitalOfficePro, Inc. different groups and send e-mails to them In 2010, we were looking for an LMS that 117 E. 57 St. directly from Zenler Online. would meet the criteria of ‘simple, fast, easy New York, NY 10022 You can also create different group of and economical.’ Our strategy is to be at a Phone: (800) 306-3208 or (646) 448-8686 users and track them effectively at a very lower cost level for people just entering the Email: [email protected] or sales@ granular level to see which page of the field or those without a lot of experience. zenler.com e-learning course they are at, their scores, People can become productive almost im- timings and more. A simple upload fea- mediately with our product.” ture allows you to import more trainees. AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE And users can choose to resume the KEY CUSTOMERS: (SEE PAGES 21-22): course from where they left off or start >> Nova South Eastern University >> Articulate Online viewing from the very beginning. >> Dream Health >> BizLibrary CompanyCollege LMS Zenler Online is hosted securely on the >> Gradient Groups >> Docebo Cloud Amazon Web Services Cloud computing >> ePath Learning ASAP platform, a cost-effective solution for storing WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: >> Epignosis LTD eFront Enterprise LMS information. Amazon Web Services includ- >> “Easily blends into PowerPoint Presenta- ing Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Ama- tions to create intuitive and professional zon EC2) and Amazon Elastic Block Store educational programs”
14 December 2012 / January 2013 Elearning! BEST OF Learning Management System (Enterprise-based) Category Winner (tie): Meridian Knowledge Solutions Global LMS
he Meridian Global LMS gives users “Health-care organizations, professional as- lows for a much more intimate vendor- access to courseware, documents, sociations, government and others trust the client relationship” Tdata, instructors and other learners world-class, comprehensive and easy-to-use >> “We’re no longer relying on static images at any time from their desktops or mobile capabilities of Meridian’s LMS to optimize to instruct our workers on how best to devices. The interface is intuitive, attrac- learning for the extended enterprise.” advise customers” tive, and flexible and can be configured or molded to meet a company’s unique needs. COMPANY HISTORY: Meridian offers SaaS, private cloud or on- Meridian Knowledge Solutions is a premise deployment options. Meridian, which wholly owned subsidiary of Visionary Any material designed to aid job perfor- Integration Professionals (VIP), whose mance is easily and readily available and was founded in founder and CEO is Jonna A. Ward. VIP completely integrated into a single Website. has been ranked as one of the 100 fastest- The interface is intuitive, attractive, flexible 1998, has report- growing private companies in America and very easy to use. Couple all of this with by Inc. magazine. an Advanced Workforce Analytics engine, edly become the Meridian was founded in 1998 and has which provides real-time flexible reporting, No.1-ranked reportedly become the No.1-ranked human custom ad hoc graphical presentations, a capital management company for customer CLO learning portal and much more. human capital loyalty with a documented customer reten- tion rate of 98 percent. OTHER FEATURES: management >> Content localization versioning and CONTACT INFORMATION: reporting company for cus- >> Peer-to-peer collaboration with formal and informal collaboration spaces tomer loyalty. It >> Expert locator and related knowledge- sharing tools has a 98% cus- >> Social networking based on content ratings tomer retention Meridian Knowledge Solutions >> Integrated LCMS authoring and con- 4465 Brookfield Corporate Dr. #201 tent management rate. Chantilly, VA 20151 >> Individual development plans based (585) 214-2450 or (703) 322-9565 on job title www.meridianksi.com >> 360-degree skills assessment survey KEY CUSTOMERS: WHAT MERIDIAN SAYS: >> Money Management International AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE “It might sound trite to say our focus, first >> Bell Helicopter (SEE PAGES 21-22): and foremost, is on our customer’s success >> Virginia Department of HR Management >> NetDimensions Learning and satisfaction. But winning this award >> Saba Software LearningSuite proves we’re delivering on those words,” says WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: Vinay Nilakantan, director of product devel- >> “Extends the reach of our traditional opment and research. “We thank those who classes by giving our clients access to voted Meridian the world’s Best Enterprise financial education that they can take LMS for a second year in a row.” on their time” Adds VP of sales and marketing John Leh: >> “Has a very low turnover rate, which al-
16 December 2012 / January 2013 Elearning! BEST OF Learning Management System (Enterprise-based) Category Winner (tie): SumTotal Systems TotalLMS
umTotal provides an innovative and award because it’s voted on by customers,” complete learning management says SumTotal CEO John Borgerding. “We COMPANY HISTORY: Splatform designed for both global en- launched our fully integrated end-to-end As one of the pioneers in human resource terprises and mid-sized organizations. The strategic HCM suite earlier this year and software starting in 1985, SumTotal’s prov- platform’s unique product modules: are dedicated to providing customers en history in learning management, talent >> Learning Management: Manages all with unparalleled integration. SumTotal is management, and workforce manage- aspects of global education and train- equally committed to delivering contin- ment solutions has consistently paved the ing by automating and optimizing the ued innovation and excellence among our industry with innovation and best practices administration, management, delivery, individual solutions, such as learning, and focused on helping customers achieve more and end user experience of blended we appreciate our customers recognizing from their strategic human capital invest- learning programs. those efforts.” ments. SumTotal customers are far better >> Learning Content Management: Provides equipped to optimize resource planning an innovative environment for develop- and allocation, control costs, motivate em- ing, assembling, managing, and deliver- ployees and managers, align the workforce ing personalized learning content. with business objectives, and drive indi- >> Offline Learning: Expands the learn- vidual and organizational performance. ing experience to remote or mobile With more than 3,500 customers and users that are not connected to a 45 million users worldwide, SumTotal has network via multiple devices such as increased the performance of the world’s laptops, kiosks and handhelds. largest organizations including CBS, Astra- >> Content Versioning: Automates and Zeneca, GKN, Seagate, Aetna, Citigroup, streamlines the time-consuming and DaimlerChrysler, Delta Air Lines, Harley- costly administrative task of managing Davidson, Microsoft, Novartis, PNC Bank, multiple versions of learning content. Rolls-Royce, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. >> ToolBook: Empowers subject matter ex- Coast Guard, U.S. Bancorp, and Vodafone. perts and learning professionals to rap- idly create interactive content, quizzes, CONTACT INFORMATION: assessments, and software simulations. KEY CUSTOMERS: >> e-Commerce: Comprehensive com- >> Royal Dutch Shell merce capabilities to drive revenues. >> Amway >> Mobile: Extends the capabilities of your >> U.S. Army learning management solution with flex- SumTotal Systems, Inc. ible distance learning options to remote WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: 1808 North Shoreline Blvd. delivery across multiple mobile devises. >> “Love its flexibility for the diverse Mountain View, CA 94043 >> Extended Enterprise: Delivers educa- enterprise” (352) 264-2800 or (866) 768-6825 tion and training to external audiences >> “The fact that a large number of custom www.sumtotalsystems.com beyond traditional employees. fields can be added by the top level administrator rather than requiring cus- WHAT SUMTOTAL SAYS: tomization is priceless in both terms of AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE “This is the second year in a row that Sum- time and money” (SEE PAGES 21-22): Total has won a Best of Elearning! award, >> “It offers the most complete solution and >> NetDimensions Learning and we are honored to be recognized this can be customized by users without in- >> Saba Software LearningSuite year for best Enterprise LMS. It’s a special curring expensive outside consulting fees”
Government Elearning! December 2012 / January 2013 17 BEST OF Learning Content Management System
Category Winner: eXact Learning LCMS
he eXact Learning Suite enables you within the enterprise. development, content management and to professionally author content “This will allow it to adapt, in real time, content delivery, covering: Tfrom disparate sources and legacy to the learner’s personality, perspective >> Learning content management and systems, and to effectively move content and learning preferences; as well as her/his digital repository platforms from a stack of unrelated knowledge parts skills and competency gaps, the learner’s >> Mobile learning technologies to a coherent and sustainable course/train- location and the available device to deliver >> Consulting and professional services ing/professional enhancement objective. the learning and/or support. Moreover, the >> Multi-language bespoke learning con- Thanks to recent solution enhancements content must be easily delivered from the tent production and developments, including eXact Learn- central enterprise repository or a federated The company has more than 15 years of ing Method consulting methodology as network of corporate repositories.” experience and more than 100 customers part of an enterprise-wide knowledge fac- worldwide. Its technological innovations tory, the eXact Learning Suite is perfectly WHAT EXACT SAYS: allow enterprises to improve their organi- positioned to control the entire content-to- “It’s deeply gratifying to receive this acco- zational performance in learning content user lifecycle. lade from the learning industry’s profes- production and management, and to achieve eXact Learning Suite offers you a power- sionals,” says Cardinali. “It’s always very significant reductions in business costs. ful range of authoring and content delivery pleasing to receive the endorsement of capabilities. It fully supports tailoring of those who use your products. CONTACT INFORMATION: content production and delivery processes “This prize adds to many analysts and according to client-specific targets/ learn- technology reviewers’ awards, but it is par- ing objectives/ business requirements. ticularly significant for us, since it comes “During the past few months, we’ve from those who use and experience learn- been working hard to ensure that our eX- ing solutions on a daily basis.” act learning LCMS platform meets today’s needs and trends,” notes Fabrizio Cardi- KEY CUSTOMERS: nali, CEO of eXact Learning Solutions’ >> Volkswagen Italia eXact Learning Solutions North America and Australia operations >> U.K. National Health Service Abbazia dell’Annunziata and senior vice president of the com- >> University of Western Australia Via Portobello - Baia del Silenzio pany’s Global Business Development. “To 16039 Sestri Levante (GE), Italy that end, we’ve recently announced some WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: (+39) 0185-4608 enhancements to the LCMS — in version >> “A great tool — flexible, powerful — [email protected] 10 — that should make it even more of a plus it supports all major standards” market leader in its field. >> “Tailor-made solutions regarding AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE “The new Version 10 of our LCMS content management touch the heart of (SEE PAGES 21-22): includes unique features such as dynamic providing learning solutions” >> SumTotal Systems LCMS publishing, template-based personalisation >> “Flexibility has resulted in a massive >> Xyleme LCMS and DITA support. improvement in our content” “It’s increasingly important to develop and store learning content in such a way COMPANY HISTORY: that’s conducive to it being used — not just eXact learning solutions, formerly Giunti in a static, blended approach to learning Labs, is an online and mobile learning but also in a dynamic way that’s able to content management and digital reposi- repackage itself, interoperating with media tory solutions provider, which offers a wide and skills-based personalization systems range of tools and services for content
18 December 2012 / January 2013 Elearning! BEST OF
Open-Source Solution
Category Winner: Epignosis eFront LMS
Front is a robust learning plat- ial ecosystem which led to the creation of form, bundled with key enterprise WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: StartTech Ventures. Efunctionality ranging from branch >> “An extremely wide array of functional- After years of cutting-edge research management to tailor-made reports. The ity, but still simple and easy to use” and development, eFront was certified by company has worked with hundreds of >> “By far the best LMS on the market; all the U.S. Department of Defense in 2006 organizations to shape a product that meets others are fighting for second place” and published as open-source in 2007. A the training needs of modern enterprises. >> “Allowed us to be able to effectively and a global network of VAR partners started eFront is designed especially for organi- efficiently manage all of our partici- growing in 2008. zations that range from 100 to 10,000 users. pants, track learning, run reports and Today, Epignosis is headquartered in eFront is designed to stimulate thirst collect information” the United States with partners in more for knowledge by being easy to use with than 60 countries. Fueling the learning a visually attractive user interface. Users revolution, Epignosis launched Tal- maximize the time spent learning new entLMS in 2012 in a quest to democratize skills, rather than learning how to use learning and make best-of-breed learn- the platform. After years of ing technology accessible to small and All eFront editions are provided with medium-sized organizations. its source code. That means you can fully cutting-edge re- customize eFront to suit your organiza- CONTACT INFORMATION: tion’s unique needs, integrate it with other search and devel- existing systems, customize its interface, and add new functionality through eFront’s opment, eFront modular architecture. was certified by Epignosis offers a completely free open- source edition of eFront that features the U.S. Depart- Epignosis LLC additional functionality and exceptional 1209 Orange St. security, scalability and support. ment of Defense Wilmington, New Castle, DE 19801 (646) 797-2799 WHAT EPIGNOSIS SAYS: in 2006 and pub- www.efrontlearning.net “This award was the result of years of improvements to make eFront a top-class lished as open- solution for organizations that need to AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE train their people and customers around source in 2007. (SEE PAGES 21-22): the globe. This is a happy moment for us, >> Moodle LMS and we appreciate all our customers who >> Totara LMS trust in us for their e-learning endeavors,” says Athanasios Papagelis, founder and CTO of Epignosis. COMPANY HISTORY: Epignosis Ltd., the vendor of eFront KEY CUSTOMERS: e-learning and TalentLMS, was founded >> Fujitsu in Greece in November 2003 by Dimitris >> University of South Carolina Tsigos and Papagelis, two pioneers of the >> Panasonic high-tech start-up community in Europe, being the first spin-out of the entrepreneur-
Government Elearning! December 2012 / January 2013 19 BEST OF Talent Management System
Category Winner: Cornerstone OnDemand
ith the Cornerstone Perfor- and performance goals with the most Global Market under the stock symbol mance Cloud, you can align in- sophisticated goal software available. CSOD. The company is now based in Santa Wdividual goals with departmen- For skills and competency management, Monica, Calif., with regional headquarters tal objectives and organizational strategy; you casily identify competency and skill in London, Paris, Munich, Mumbai and enable workforce and employee succession gaps using 180- and 360-degree feedback, Tel Aviv. All three co-founders continue to management; and get the power of com- self-assessments and custom-built compe- work for the company. prehensive compensation tools. This gives tency models. Cornerstone can dynami- Cornerstone OnDemand’s product line your organization the necessary tools to cally generate an individual development consists of four integrated “clouds”: Recruit- translate workforce activity into posi- plan and recommend training or develop- ing Cloud, Learning Cloud, Performance tive business results, identify and track mental activities based on an employee’s Cloud and Extended Enterprise Cloud. employee performance, and recognize and competency assessment. reward top performers the right way. Cornerstone Succession Management CONTACT INFORMATION: In the area of performance manage- helps identify and proactively address ment, aligning business strategy with the workforce planning issues and opportuni- goals of your workforce in addition to ties before they occur, providing the ability managing tasks enterprise-wide is chal- to map out succession scenarios for any lenging without a performance manage- position within your organization. ment system. The Cornerstone Perfor- And Cornerstone Compensation man- Cornerstone OnDemand mance Cloud makes it easy to set career ages all types of employee compensation 1601 Cloverfield Blvd., Suite 600 programs including salary, merit increases, Los Angeles, CA 90404 market adjustments, lump sum payments, (888) 260-0152 For skills and and other discretionary pay components. www.cornerstoneondemand.com competency KEY CUSTOMERS: >> Zimmer Holdings AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE management, >> Agfirst Farm Credit Bank (SEE PAGES 21-22): >> American Bankers Association >> SuccessFactors BizX Suite you can easily >> Oracle/Learn/Taleo WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: >> SumTotal Systems Total Talent identify compe- >> “Flexibility and organic development are Management product strengths” tency and skill >> “The company includes clients in the design process” gaps using 180- >> “Collaborative tools such as forums and and 360-degree groups are easy to set up and manage” feedback, self- COMPANY HISTORY: Cornerstone OnDemand was founded assessments and in 1999 as CyberU, Inc., by Adam Miller, Perry Wallack and Steve Seymour. In May custom-built 2005, the company changed its name to Cornerstone OnDemand. In March 2011, competency the company went public on the NASDAQ
20 December 2012 / January 2013 Elearning! Excellence Awards: LMS/TMS
BEST LMS (SAAS, OPEN SOURCE quired, fast deployment, and greater scal- ality through eFront’s modular architecture. OR CONTENT SUPPLIER) ability and cost optimization. Docebo adopts —More info: www.efrontlearning.net/ Articulate Online Amazon Cloudfront for his distribution Articulate Online is a user-friendly hosted network, allowing users to access e-learning BEST LMS (ENTERPRISE-BASED) service that allows you to track how em- processes anytime and anywhere. HTML5 NetDimensions Learning ployees, customers, and prospects interact Interface and App allows usage via Android At the core of the NetDimensions Talent Suite, with your e-learning courses, assessments and Apple tablets and smartphones. Explore NetDimensions Learning is an award-win- and presentations. And publishing and the company’s E-Learning Marketplace to ning, multilingual LMS that enables organiza- delivering that content is a snap. Even in- get the best online courses from the top in- tions to manage the entire learning and devel- dividual employees and business units of ternational content providers. opment process (online and live classroom) large organizations can quickly and easily —More info: www.docebo.com from enrollment and delivery to testing, track- publish content, track e-learning activity ing and reporting, as well as offer a personal- online, and get detailed reports without ePath Learning ASAP ized learning environment with individual bureaucratic hassle. With it, you can: pub- ePath Learning’s SaaS technology integrates development plans, competencies, licenses and lish content online with just one click via LMS and LCMS features into one robust plat- certifications. NetDimensions Learning sup- authoring tools; deliver content directly to form. The cloud delivery method is geographi- ports all learning types. The system provides your intended audience; and track who is cally limitless, and multi-tenant architecture is learners with knowledge-sharing functionality, viewing your presentations and how they economically sound. ePath Learning ASAP is access from any mobile device, social and col- respond to your quizzes and surveys. the only service on the market that integrates laborative features, and integration with career —More info: www.articulate.com/products/ the multi-user authoring capabilities of a development and planning. articulate-online.php learning content management system with the —More info: www.netdimensions.com/ delivery and reporting features of a traditional talent-suite/learning.php BizLibrary CompanyCollege LMS learning management system via SaaS, which BizLibrary’s Learning Management System, eliminates the costly hardware and software Saba Software LearningSuite CompanyCollege, has all the features and purchases and I.T. support needs of traditional With a unified learning suite, you can stream- functionality you would expect from an installed or hosted LMSs. line core processes with learning manage- award-winning LMS without the cost and ex- —More info: www.epathlearning.com/ser- ment solutions that deliver direct impact on pense usually associated with enterprise-wide vices/asap.html revenues, customer satisfaction and margins. systems. BizLibrary makes it easy for small This is an advanced enterprise LMS that not and mid-size companies to track, manage Epignosis LTD eFront Enterprise LMS just develops your employees but rapidly and deploy all your online learning within eFront is a robust learning platform, enables the global extended-enterprise value one platform. Features include: integrated bundled with key enterprise functional- chain of channel partners, suppliers and fran- email messaging and notifications; AICC ity ranging from branch management to chisees. It frees you up from broken work- certified and SCORM compliant; full hosting tailor-made reports. eFront was designed for flows of disjointed applications by removing and maintenance (SaaS); end-user and sys- organizations that range from 100 to 10,000 the barriers to learning with seamless, unified tem administrator training; branded online users. It’s also designed to stimulate thirst learning workflows. Saba’s learning manage- portal; enhanced resource management; and for knowledge by being easy to use with a ment product seamlessly weaves certifica- 50-plus standard reports. visually attractive user interface. All eFront tions, curriculum management, collaborative —More info: www.bizlibrary.com/LMS/ editions are provided with their source code. learning, social learning, content integration CompanyCollegeLMSBasicFeatures.aspx That means you can fully customize eFront and mobile learning in a single solution to to suit your organization’s unique needs, enable rapid learning. Docebo Cloud integrate it with other existing systems, cus- —More info: /www.saba.com/learning-man- With Docebo, there’s no installation re- tomize its interface, and add new function- agement-solution/
Government Elearning! December 2012 / January 2013 21 Excellence Awards: LMS/TMS continued
BEST LEARNING CONTENT sustainable competitive advantage. Robust (including user-defined criteria), career MANAGEMENT SYSTEM workforce analytics and planning bring development and hundreds of pre-defined, SumTotal Systems LCMS together talent and business data, and out-of-box reports that provide metrics and SumTotal Learning Content Management combined with a next-generation core H.R. analysis of the data in the TMS. provides an innovative environment for solution, improve executive insight and —More info: www.sumtotalsystems.com/ developing, assembling, managing and de- decision-making, allowing organizations to products/Talent-Portal.html livering personalized learning content. Built align human capital investments with the on a complete talent management platform, strategy and needs of the business. BizX BEST OPEN-SOURCE SOLUTION SumTotal LCMS enables you to reduce gives you talent solutions, core H.R., col- Moodle LMS content management costs by providing a laboration tools and workforce analytics. The Moodle project comprises several large-scale, centralized learning content en- —More info: www.successfactors.com/busi- distinct but related elements, namely the vironment. It will also allow you to increase ness-execution-software/ software and the Moodle Community, content development productivity and an open network of more than 1 million creativity by enabling a collaborative, team- Oracle Learn/Taleo registered users who interact through the based content creation environment with The Oracle Taleo Cloud Service enables en- Moodle community website to share ideas, built-in automation and workflows. terprises and midsize businesses to recruit code, information and free support. This —More info: www.sumtotalsystems.com/ top talent, align that talent to key goals, community also includes a large number products/learning-content-management- manage performance, develop and com- of non-core developers, with Moodle’s free system.html pensate top performers, and turn today’s source license and modular design allowing best performers into tomorrow’s leaders. any developer to create additional modules Xyleme LCMS A broad, cloud-based talent management and features. The Moodle Partner network, Xyleme LCMS is an efficient content develop- platform, Oracle Taleo Cloud Service col- which forms the commercial arm of the ment platform for rapid authoring and rapid lects relevant talent information through- Moodle environment and provides the bulk reuse of content across any print or digital out the employee’s entire lifecycle, empow- of the funding to Moodle Pty. Ltd. through format. This is accomplished though a single ering H.R., managers, and employees to the payment of royalties. source of format-neutral XML that is cen- leverage talent insights to drive improved —More info: https://moodle.org/ trally located with on-demand availability for performance and business success. publishing to all types of print, e-learning, —More info: www.oracle.com/us/products/ Totara LMS tablet and other mobile outputs. Xyleme applications/taleo/overview/index.html Totara is a custom distribution of Moodle LCMS single-source technology offers a for the corporate sector. It’s designed to meet rapid, cost-efficient solution in the current SumTotal Systems Total the learning management needs of busy en- digital landscape. It provides a way to publish Talent Management terprises and to deliver the benefits of open- printed and e-learning materials together SumTotal Talent Portal provides the core source software. Totara’s three partners with e-books, mobile or tablet outputs, all platform services used across the SumTotal — Catalyst IT, Kineo and Flexible Learning from the same source of open content. talent management solution that are inher- Network (now Kineo Pacific) — form a —More info: www.xyleme.com/product/lcms ently linked to all talent products within global alliance dedicated to enhancing Moo- the SumTotal cloud platform. In addition, dle for the corporate sector and to creating BEST TALENT MANAGEMENT SumTotal Talent Portal is built on a flexible the leading learning platform for corporate SYSTEM technology architecture that enables cus- enterprises. The new Totara distribution of SuccessFactors BizX Suite tomers to deploy the Talent Portal in the Moodle is open source and available on a BizX Suite bridges the gap between strat- SumTotal Cloud. Included in the system are subscription basis, which provides ongoing egy and execution by optimizing people talent profiles, employee records, a library support and enhancements. productivity. It has the ability to deliver of pre-defined competencies, job profiles —More info: http://totaralms.com/
22 December 2012 / January 2013 Elearning! BEST OF
Best I.T. Content
Category Winner: Skillsoft IT Library
killsoft offers I.T. certification course- than the alternative of performing Web >> “Easy to incorporate into an enterprise ware and supporting e-learning searches. LMS” Sresources for more than 100 profes- >> Practice certification exams and practice sional I.T. certifications. Its I.T. certification labs. COMPANY HISTORY: training solution catalog includes popular >> Live, instructor-led virtual classroom Chuck Moran founded Skillsoft in 1998 certifications like Microsoft MCIPT, MCSA instruction on a range of I.T. certifica- with Warburg Pincus’s venture capital and MCSE; Cisco CCNA, CCDA and tion topics. backing of more than $20 million. The CCDP; and certifications from other lead- >> Online mentoring from an experienced company went public in January 2000, rais- ing vendors such as Oracle, IBM, EMC and mentoring staff. The Skillsoft mentoring ing $40 million; it raised $88 million in a Sun. Skillsoft’s I.T. certification courseware team collectively holds more than 1,000 secondary offering in July 2001. is supplemented by a full range of e-learn- certifications and accreditations. Learn- Skillsoft merged with SmartForce in Sep- ing assets including: ers can leverage this resource by using tember 2002 in a deal valued at more than online chat or e-mail to ask ques- $500 million. On May 14, 2007, Skillsoft tions or confirm understanding. completed the acquisition of NETg from This array of IT certification The Thomson Corp. In May 2010, Skillsoft courseware and supporting e-learning was acquired by SSI Investments III Ltd., assets can be integrated into con- a company formed by funds sponsored by venient learning portals known as each of Berkshire Partners LLC, Advent Skillsoft KnowledgeCenters centered International Corp. and Bain Capital Part- around specific technology vendors ners, LLC. The transaction was valued at like Microsoft, Oracle or Cisco and approximately $1.2 billion. Earlier this year, around critical I.T. topics like IT Secu- Skillsoft acquired ThirdForce Group PLC rity or Enterprise Solutions. and MindLeaders. Moran continues as CEO, president and WHAT SKILLSOFT SAYS: chairman of the board. The company now “Our team is dedicated to provid- serves more than 5,000 customers and ing a diverse platform of innovative more than 13 million learners worldwide. learning solutions for company leaders and IT professionals to make CONTACT INFORMATION: learning quick and engaging, so we are extremely proud to be recognized for our work by those who use our >> The Skillsoft ITPro online reference col- solutions the most,” says John Ambrose, lection, featuring books from trusted senior vice president, Strategy, Corporate SkillSoft publishers such as MIT Press, Microsoft Development and Emerging Business. 107 Northeastern Blvd. Press and McGraw-Hill. This search- Nashua, NH 03062 able online collection complements KEY CUSTOMERS: 603-324-3000 or (877) 545-5763 Skillsoft’s I.T. certification courseware >> BP Lubricants Americas www.skillsoft.com by providing an instant, on-demand >> Wellpoint resource for investigating specific topics >> American Heart Association AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE or finding answers to specific questions. (SEE PAGE 30): The ITPro collection is a more efficient WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: >> Lynda.com Software Library and reliable I.T. information source >> “Clear, consise, easy to use” >> Safari Books Online
Government Elearning! December 2012 / January 2013 23 BEST OF Best Leadership Development Program
Category Winner (tie): eCornell Leadership
s the domestic economy and in- in Ithaca (N.Y.) and around the world companies agreed to participate in a pilot ternational markets become more always relishes the opportunity to get rec- program of courses and receive survey Ainterdependent, the demand is ognized for our efforts to bring the best of data on student satisfaction and perfor- increasing for professionals who are able what Cornell (University) has to offer to mance. On March 3, 2009, eCornell for- to conduct business with knowledge of the rest of the world, including the b-to-b mally announced its new brand identity, various economic, political and cultural sector.” logo, and website. nuances. eCornell offers deep, rich cur- Today, the company is overseen by a riculum through certificate programs and seven-person board of directors, including individual courses authored by Ivy League president and CEO Chris Proulx. faculty and subject-matter experts at the top of their fields. It assembles a formi- CONTACT INFORMATION: dable catalog of options in its business eCornell was leadership training. There are a series of four leadership created in 2000 as development training programs from Cor- a for-profit nell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management and the School of Hotel subsidiary of Administration. Participants who suc- cessfully complete the courses within the Cornell eCornell program receive a certificate from Cornell 950 Danby Road, Suite 150 University. University. Ithaca, NY 14850 Courses in the Leadership and Strate- (607) 330-3200 gic Management series are designed to www.ecornell.com enable mid- and senior-level managers and executives to think and plan strategi- AWARD OF EXCELLENCE cally, optimize decision making, generate KEY CUSTOMERS: (SEE PAGE 30): new ideas and identify opportunities for >> Eyerly Ball >> Harvard Business Publishing Manage- change. Students apply career experience >> Jeitosa Group International Mentor to determine how to become an effective corporate leader and to build business WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: management skills. >> “The process is proven to guide students Six certification programs comprise to achieve success, and the content is the leadership series: “High-Performance world-class” Leadership,” “Change Leadership,” “Execu- >> “Maximum flexibility, easy to use inter- tive Leadership,” “Management Reporting face” Systems and Strategies,” “Achieving Com- >> “Ivy League content is first-rate” petitive Advantage” and “Managing for Execution.” COMPANY HISTORY: eCornell was created in 2000 as a for-profit WHAT ECORNELL SAYS: subsidiary of Cornell University to develop “It’s an honor to win this award and be ap- and deliver online courses. preciated by the industry and our clients,” In the fall of 2002, eCornell signed its says eCornell’s Tom Abogabal. “The team first corporate contracts. More than 20
24 December 2012 / January 2013 Elearning! BEST OF Best Leadership Development Program
Category Winner (tie): Skillsoft Leadership
killSoft Leadership Advantage is a velopment winner and Best IT Content Chuck Moran founded Skillsoft in 1998 leading-edge leadership skills training winner by the Elearning! readers is a great with Warburg Pincus’s venture capital Sand development program solution honor for all of us at Skillsoft,” says John backing of more than $20 million. The designed by experts to make learning quick Ambrose, senior vice president, Strategy, company went public in January 2000, rais- and engaging. From first-time and front- Corporate Development and Emerging ing $40 million; it raised $88 million in a line managers to managers in the executive Business. secondary offering in July 2001. suite, SkillSoft Skillsoft merged with SmartForce in Sep- Leadership Ad- tember 2002 in a deal valued at more than vantage delivers $500 million. On May 14, 2007, Skillsoft learning solutions completed the acquisition of NETg from at every level in The Thomson Corp. In May 2010, Skillsoft two hours or less, was acquired by SSI Investments III Ltd., for easy integration a company formed by funds sponsored by into busy work each of Berkshire Partners LLC, Advent schedules. International Corp. and Bain Capital Part- Learning tracks ners, LLC. The transaction was valued at within the Leader- approximately $1.2 billion. Earlier this year, ship Advantage Skillsoft acquired ThirdForce Group PLC have been thought- and MindLeaders. fully organized to Moran continues as CEO, president and provide current chairman of the board. The company now and high-potential serves more than 5,000 customers and leaders with a di- more than 13 million learners worldwide. verse collection of training resources CONTACT INFORMATION: developed specifi- cally for leadership and management skills development. Multiple modes SkillSoft of learning instruction accommodate a KEY CUSTOMERS: 107 Northeastern Blvd. variety of learning styles and preferences, >> BTL Group Nashua, NH 03062 and each track takes only two hours to >> Harvard Pilgrim Health Care 603-324-3000 or (877) 545-5763 complete. >> GlobalFoundries www.skillsoft.com Also, learners can leave programs and return to finish when it’s convenient for WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: AWARD OF EXCELLENCE them, while individual learning modules >> “Quick and to the point … great for ex- (SEE PAGE 30): are designed to fit valuable leadership in- ecutives” >> Harvard Business Publishing Manage- sights into only a few minutes of time — a >> “Easy, quick, very interactive” Mentor perfect fit for executive calendars. >> “Offers high-quality content that’s ex- tremely well organized” WHAT SKILLSOFT SAYS: “Being selected the Best Leadership De- COMPANY HISTORY:
Government Elearning! December 2012 / January 2013 25 BEST OF
Soft Skills Content Category Winner: BizLibrary Streaming Video Library
he BizLibrary Streaming Video aftermarket support” prehensive package of employee training Library contains more than 1,500 >> “Shorter content delivered in a very and development products and services, TYouTube-style, high-quality online user-friendly format” including thousands of industry-leading, video training programs and online train- >> “Vast diversity of courses makes this off-the-shelf courses, a hosted learning ing videos covering 26 different busi- product unlike any other” management system, integrated author- ness topics. There is something for every ing tool, and a dedicated team of service employee and every department in any professionals that customize, implement organization. For instance, there are 53 and integrate our solutions to drive busi- leadership courses, 81 on desktop com- ness results and ROI for client partners. puter skills, 46 on communication, 24 on BizLibrary offers BizLibrary provides a fully integrated, team building, 16 on time management, a comprehensive one-stop e-learning solution, specifically and 50 on customer service — made avail- designed for small and mid-sized organi- able through the cooperation of more than package of em- zations and their budgets. 30 training video producers. Today, BizLibrary’s leadership team, Employee training topics that are of- ployee training beyond Pichee, consists of: Shannon fered in the Streaming Video Library are Kluczny, vp of Client Services; Karen Leadership Development, Legal Compli- and development Marino, vp of Sales; Chris Osborn, vp of ance, Sales, Manager and Supervision, Marketing; Brian Roemer, Technology Computer Skills, Environmental Health products and Solutions Specialist; Les Wight, Chief and Safety, HR Training, Training & Technology Officer; and Debbie Wil- Development, Microsoft Training, Soft services, includ- liams, vp of Operations. Skills and Sexual Harassment. ing industry- With these mobile-friendly courses, users CONTACT INFORMATION: get on-demand, unlimited access. leading, off-the- WHAT BIZLIBRARY SAYS: shelf courses and “We are incredibly proud and honored to receive two different awards from a hosted LMS. Elearning! for the second year in a row,” BizLibrary says BizLibrary president and CEO Dean 285 Chesterfield Business Pkwy. Pichee. “We’ve always strived to provide Chesterfield, MO 63005 exactly what our customers need by COMPANY HISTORY: (888) 432-3077 listening to feedback and working with Founded in 1997 by Pichee, a success- www.bizlibrary.com them to generate the best possible results ful entrepreneur with more than 25 for their companies.” years experience in the training industry, BizLibrary has grown to serve hundreds AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE KEY CUSTOMERS: of thousands of employees, in thousands (SEE PAGE 30): >> Covenant HealthCare of small and mid-sized organizations >> eCornell HR Management >> Bally Technologies throughout the United States. >> Franklin Covey 7 Habits Series >> Retail Solutions Provider Association BizLibrary has become a leading pro- vider of e-learning and blended learning WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: solutions and platforms for small and >> “Great staff, excellent products, good mid-sized organizations. It offers a com-
26 December 2012 / January 2013 Elearning! BEST OF
Best Sales Training Category Winner (tie): ej4 Sales Training Library
he mission of ej4 is to build em- efforts in building even more effective and >> “Quality and content were outstanding” ployee performance, not log training engaging learning/communication tools.” >> “Easily usable by our training people” Thours. The company’s videos are built for today’s learner: short, quick and KEY CUSTOMERS: COMPANY HISTORY: actionable, all in about 10 minutes or less. >> Dr. Pepper Snapple Group ej4, LLC, in St. Louis, Mo., is a private train- The cloud-hosted content is easily acces- >> Syngenta ing and development consultant company. sible anywhere, anytime, via smartphone, >> Allison Transmission As one of the largest e-learning and per- tablet, laptop or desktop computer. formance improvement consultant services Benefits of using ej4: WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: in the nation, ej4’s solutions include custom >> Cloud-based sales training, available >> “Able to watch it just before you go in for e-learning, off-the-shelf e-learning, custom 24/7 a sales call” book summaries, webinar services, consult- >> Mobile, tablet and computer, with no ing, and innovative social learning platform. special app required ej4 was founded in 2003 with offices in St. >> Quick, engaging short-format; like a Louis, Mo., and Overland Park, Kan. news clip The team with a combined 60 years of >> No long-boring slideshows or day-long experience is led by: Paul Russell, founder; trainings Content doesn’t Ryan Eudy, CEO; Rick Michael, chief market- Customers that avail themselves of the ing officer; and Tom Lynch, chief technology company’s custom e-learning services find have to be officer.The company’s focus is on the “four that such content doesn’t have to be expen- expensive, and J’s” of e-learning: just in time, just as needed, sive; that quick turnarounds are possible; just enough, and just-right training. ej4 uses and that full project management is part of quick turnarounds streaming video with specialized instruction- all custom design. al design to deliver training that people enjoy are possible. using, and that changes workplace behaviors. WHAT EJ4 SAYS: ej4’s technology can also be deployed on mo- “We are very proud and grateful to receive bile devices such as route hand-helds, PDAs, this award from Elearning! for our sales train- mobile phones, and the Apple iPod. ing content, says CEO Ryan Eudy. CONTACT INFORMATION: “Our passion as a performance improvement company is to build quick, easy, and effective learning tools 12125 Woodcrest Executive Dr., Suite 300 that help our cus- St. Louis, MO 63141 tomers draw out (800) 566-3159 the very best in www.ej4.com their teams. We greatly appreciate AWARD OF EXCELLENCE this honor and (SEE PAGE 30): will use it fuel our >> Achieve Global Sales Effectiveness
Government Elearning! December 2012 / January 2013 27 BEST OF
Sales Training
Category Winner (tie): BizLibrary
better prepared and more pro- topics include: “Building a Winning Sales BizLibrary has become a leading pro- fessional sales force results in Team,” “Motivating a Winning Sales vider of e-learning and blended learning A improved performance, increased Team,” “Negotiating to Mutual Benefit” solutions and platforms for small and revenue, expansion into new markets and (a Skillsoft presentation), “Strategic Ac- mid-sized organizations. It offers a compre- reduced training costs. Moreover, having count Sales Skills Simulation,” “Winning hensive package of employee training and a better trained sales force can mean the Sale” and “Solution Selling.” development products and services, includ- improved customer relations, reduced By registering for a free 30-day trial ing thousands of industry-leading, off-the- employeee turnover and more cost-effec- with BizLibrary, you get access to all of the shelf courses, a hosted learning manage- tive selling activities. company’s online sales skills resources. ment system, integrated authoring tool, and There’s no risk, no obligation, and no a dedicated team of service professionals credit card required. that customize, implement and integrate our solutions to drive business results and The training li- WHAT BIZLIBRARY SAYS: ROI for client partners. BizLibrary pro- “I feel that two years at the top shows vides a fully integrated, one-stop e-learning brary contains how satisfied our customers have been solution, specifically designed for small and with the solutions we have provided. mid-sized organizations and their budgets. 175 videos, in It’s really great to know that small and Today, BizLibrary’s leadership team, be- mid-sized organizations can come to yond Pichee, consists of: Shannon Kluczny, lengths from 3 BizLibrary and take advantage of these vp of Client Services; Karen Marino, vp of partnerships and our ability to fully Sales; Chris Osborn, vp of Marketing; Brian minutes to 360 integrate these excellent solutions into a Roemer, Technology Solutions Specialist; single, comprehensive package of content Les Wight, Chief Technology Officer; and minutes, many bundled with technology,” says BizLi- Debbie Williams, vp of Operations. brary president and CEO Dean Pichee. of which last 20 CONTACT INFORMATION: minutes or less. KEY CUSTOMERS: >> Accessmedical LLC Topics are rated >> PPM Project Management by one to five >> Advance Financial WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: BizLibrary stars by viewers. >> “Designed to be short snippets of 285 Chesterfield Business Pkwy. information” Chesterfield, MO 63005 >> “Great way to provide training but not (888) 432-3077 devote an entire day of not selling” www.bizlibrary.com The BizLibrary training library contains 175 videos, in lengths from 3 minutes to COMPANY HISTORY: 360 minutes. Many of the videos last 20 Founded in 1997 by Pichee, a successful AWARD OF EXCELLENCE minutes or less, but for more in-depth sub- entrepreneur with more than 25 years experi- (SEE PAGE 30): ject treatment, there are also many of more ence in the training industry, BizLibrary has >> Achieve Global Sales Effectiveness than two hours’ duration. grown to serve hundreds of thousands of em- Topics are rated by users from zero ployees, in thousands of small and mid-sized to five stars. Some of the highest-rated organizations throughout the United States.
28 December 2012 / January 2013 Elearning! BEST OF Best Compliance/ &HUWLÀFDWLRQ Program Category Winner: Vubiz Compliance Courses
ubiz is an award-winning e-learn- ino. “We’re excited to acknowledge our ing Institute for Small and Medium Sized ing company with quality online team’s commitment to creating the best Enterprise. It was founded by John Bulloch, Vcourses and customer service. It is compliance online training available at the founder and past president of the Canadian expert at making online training effective best competitive price. Thank you to the Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). at the very best price. Elearning Media Group, our clients and In 2000, the company was incorporated Vubiz has built an excellent reputation our team.” and changed its legal name to Vubiz Ltd. over the past decade (Virtual University for Business). In 2009, it by offering value with purchased the key assets and clients of Next- comprehensive services Move, a leader in developing customized from its large online strategy-linked e-learning programs. library to content cre- Today, Vubiz is a thriving, international ation, an LMS, and e-learning company with a solid reputa- Vubuild — a do-it- tion for award-winning e-learning, value yourself authoring tool. and customer service. Vubiz provides full The company has service — content, development, and deliv- more than 70 titles in ery software — offering solutions that are its compliance library, flexible in practice. By having thousands of including such topics hours of off-the-shelf content available for as affirmative action, purchase as-is or tailored to a specific client ADA, codes of con- situation, its flexibility differentiates it in duct, copyright law, the marketplace. contract law, ethics, President and CEO Jim Rapino is a lead- Gramm-Leach-Bliley, ing executive and e-learning expert. Senior harassment, immigra- VP and CTO Peter Bulloch is a solid tech- tion law and many more. DAVITA HEALTH CARE nical professional. “Compliance is a gateway for people >> Bumble Bee Foods who weren’t doing e-learning before,” notes >> Honda CONTACT INFORMATION: Robin Rapino, vice president of marketing and U.S. operations. “They start to see how WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: easy it is, and how it works, then they start >> “Love the accessibility, content, ease of to think of leadership training and all the use, price” other things it might work for.” >> “Course is easy to understand and use; Vubiz also offers e-learning topics for the platform is stable; content is accurate; Vubiz Inc. banking, business, computer, marketing, pricing is very competitive and provides 8271 Melrose Avenue, Suite 111 finance, HR, health and insurance sectors. good cost/benefit” Los Angeles, CA 90046 Overall, its large, diverse e-learning library >> ‘Dynamite, top-notch quality’ (310) 358-9583 contains more than 4,000 hours of online >> ‘Cross-platform use, interactivity, LMS http://vubiz.com instruction. And it offers its own robust reporting, customer service, price are learning management system. all nice’ AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE (SEE PAGE 30): WHAT VUBIZ SAYS: COMPANY HISTORY: >> Global Learning Systems Security “We are honored by all those that voted Vubiz began operations in late 1995 as a Awareness Essential for Vubiz ” says Vubiz president Jim Rap- not-for-profit company called the Learn- >> NetLearning Compliance Series
Government Elearning! December 2012 / January 2013 29 Excellence Awards: Content
BEST I.T. CONTENT of issues. It’s ideal for managers at all levels sive understanding of information security Lynda.com Software Library who face a wide variety of business challenges issues, best practices, 20 years of training Software, creative and business skills cours- on a daily basis. Building and refining this and communication experience, and a es feature high-quality, professional video group’s ability to effectively apply hard and soft unique understanding of utilizing media production; engaging, qualified instructors; skills on the job will directly affect your organi- and technology for effective learning. Offer- anywhere learning on Macs, PCs, tablets zation’s performance and success. ings include web-based courses, refresher and smartphones; and unlimited access to —More info: http://harvardbusiness.org/ modules, reinforcement tools and internal all 1,542 courses, with more added every harvard-managementor marketing solutions. Information Security week. I.T. content is divided by software tu- Awareness training incorporates relevant torials (Excel, Office, Word, Acrobat, etc.), BEST SOFT SKILLS CONTENT I.T. security standards and requirements, vendor (Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, etc.) eCornell HR Management including FISMA, HIPPA, NIST and others. and skill level (beginner, intermediate, ad- eCornell offers human resource management —More info: www.globallearningsystems. vanced, and appropriate for all). Length of training for management and professional com/solutions/ the tutorials run from 15 minutes to more skills development from Cornell’s School of than 10 hours (for FileMaker Pro). Industrial and Labor Relations. More than NetLearning Compliance Series —More info: www.lynda.com 20 titles cover topics like employment laws, Compliance Courses are designed to pro- work/life balance, welfare/legal benefits, vide maximum flexibility for the different Safari Books Online coaching and more. The organization also needs of users. Instead of spending hours Instant access to thousands of books and offers online programs in leadership, strategic taking compliance courses, learners have the videos for technology, creative, and busi- management, project leadership, manage- option of completing the full course which ness professionals from the world’s most ment essentials, marketing and more. can be completed in one hour, great for trusted experts. Accounts for workgroups, —More info: www.ecornell.com new employees, or a unique course review departments, associations, and enterprises. section for veteran employees that can be Added security for government agencies; FranklinCovey 7 Habits Series completed in just six minutes. Courses have GSA pricing available. Problem-solve, de- Based on the best-selling book “The 7 received the ASTD E-learning Courseware velop skills faster, and transform teamwork Habits of Highly Effective People” By Certification, one of only seven companies to allow for more innovative project deliv- Stephen R. Covey. Help employees apply in the world to achieve Library certification. ery with these videos, and stay abreast of timeless principles of effectiveness to im- —More info: www.netlearning.cengage.com/ critical emerging and existing technology prove interpersonal communication, take compliance.html and business knowledge. initiative, establish greater trust, strengthen —More info: www.safaribooksonline.com relationships, increase influence, and bal- BEST SALES TRAINING ance key priorities. FranklinCovey says that (JOPL]L.SVIHS:HSLZ,ɈLJ[P]LULZZ BEST LEADERSHIP it creates transformational leadership in Drawing on decades of research and con- DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM people and organizations around the globe sulting experience as a worldwide sales Harvard Business Publishing through training, executive coaching, and training company, AchieveGlobal has devel- ManageMentor principle-based programs. oped the industry standard in sales perfor- Harvard ManageMentor is an online learning —More info: http://www.franklincovey.com/tc/ mance improvement — “Achieving Superior and performance support resource that serves Sales Performance.” The system features up critical management skills at the time and BEST COMPLIANCE/ more than 20 programs that directly address place that your leaders need them most. Offer- CERTIFICATION PROGRAM both tactical and strategic selling skills. It ing relevant video content and the latest col- Global Learning Systems Security approaches the organization at four levels, laboration features, Harvard ManageMentor Awareness Essential each requiring different development needs. delivers 44 topics that address a full spectrum Every GLS solution is built on a comprehen- —More info: www.achieveglobal.com
30 December 2012 / January 2013 Elearning! BEST OF Rapid Development Tool
Category Winner: Zenler Studio Lite
enler Studio is a powerful, yet grams can do so with a tool that will meet ficePro (a Microsoft and Intel partner) has easy-to-use, e-learning authoring the task at hand and be entirely affordable. been a leading global provider of powerful Zsystem that offers a programming- rapid communications, online-training free environment for creating high-quality WHAT ZENLER SAYS: solutions and high quality multimedia interactive e-learning courses which can “In 2010, we were looking at LMS’s that tools for more than a decade. be published on the Internet or to any would meet the criteria of simple, fast, Zenler focuses on providing innovative SCORM/AICC compliant LMS. easy and economical,” says Tom Burton, tools for creating and managing high-end vice president of Business Development. interactive e-learning content with great ease. “Our strategy is to be at a lower cost level Zenler Studio Pro+, which incorpo- for those people just entering the field or rates HTML5 technology, is in the final The most don’t have a lot of experience. People can stages of development. become productive almost immediately popular iteration with our product. CONTACT INFORMATION: “We would like thank you all those who of Zenler Studio voted for Zenler. Thank you to the Elearning is the ‘Lite’ Media Group, our clients and our team.” KEY CUSTOMERS: Zenler/DigitalOfficePro, Inc. version, which >> Nova South Eastern University 117 E. 57 St. >> Dream Health New York, NY 10022 is designed for >> Gradient Groups Phone: (800) 306-3208 or (646) 448-8686 those starting Email: [email protected] or sales@ WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: zenler.com out in the world >> “If one can use PowerPoint, then Zenler Studio is a breeze” of e-learning at >> “Unbelievable — that easy and fast” AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE >> “Highly superior to its competitors in (SEE PAGES 41-43): a very affordable many respects” >> Articulate Studio Suite >> ReadyGo WCB price. COMPANY HISTORY: Zenler is an innovative e-learning com- pany from the house of DigitalOfficePro, which was founded in 2005. With 70,000 The most popular iteration of Zenler customers around the world, DigitalOf- Studio is the “Lite” version, which is de- signed for those starting out in the world of e-Learning. Studio Lite’s mission is to produce courses with interactivity, audio narration and quiz capabilities to produce engaging courses at a very affordable price. The novice or the pro thinking of striking out on his or her own or the organization that wants to craft its own training pro-
Government Elearning! December 2012 / January 2013 31 BEST OF BEST OF E-learning Mobile Development Authoring Tool Solution
Category Winner: Articulate Storyline
ith Articulate Storyline, e-learn- ing authors can create interac- WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: Wtivity, software simulations, and >> “Absolutely, tremendously awesome” virtually any type of assessment with ease >> “Impressed with the balance of power and speed. Articulate Storyline includes and ease of use” one-click publishing to Flash, HTML5 and >> “Your learners will love what you build” Articulate Mobile Player, plus a new iPad app that provides the best viewing experi- COMPANY HISTORY: ence of e-learning content on the iPad. Adam Schwartz, CEO, founded the com- With Storyline’s Story View, you get the pany in 2002 with a vision to create innova- big picture of your course. You can see tive tools that would replace traditional all the slides in your course, group them e-learning technology. into scenes, and easily alter relationships in Storyline, which also lets you insert Under his direction, Articulate has between slides by moving the lines and and format images in multiple formats, grown from a ground-breaking idea arrows connecting them. You can even use then adjust brightness, contrast and color into an award-winning company that triggers in Story View to control how learn- tint. You also can apply effects — such as has been recognized by Deloitte as one ers proceed through a non-linear course. shadows and reflections — to any image or of the fastest-growing new technology shape you create with Storyline’s familiar companies in North America with more drawing tools. than 30,000 customers. Today, the executive team includes ALSO: Schwartz, CTO Arlyn Asch, vp of Sales Articulate has Easily customize the player that learners Mark Schwartz, vp of Brand Lucy Soros, use to view your course content. Choose and vp of Community Tom Kuhlmann. grown into one which tabs to show, add your logo, or ad- just colors, fonts and position of elements. CONTACT INFORMATION: of the fastest- Then email it to other course creators to enforce brand standards. Give your growing new slides style by applying entrance and exit animations to images, shapes, text boxes, technology characters and any other objects you add. Articulate companies in You can even choose a different transition 244 Fifth Ave., Suite 2960 effect for each slide. New York, NY 10001 North America. (800) 861-4880 or (646) 706-7596 WHAT ARTICULATE SAYS: www.articulate.com “Once again, we are delighted in being recognized by the readers of Elearning! AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE magazine as an industry leader,” says Mark (SEE PAGES 41-43): With Storyline’s multimedia support, you Schwartz, executive vice president. >> Zenler Studio Pro can add Flash interactions to your course >> Trivantis Lectora easily. Or import video in virtually any KEY CUSTOMERS: >> Adobe eLearning Suite format — without performing complex >> East Midlands Cancer Network >> Adobe Captivate conversions. You can also add sound by >> Catapult Training Group >> ReadyGo WVB importing audio, or simply record it right >> McCain Foods, Ltd.
32 December 2012 / January 2013 Elearning! BEST OF
Assessment Tool
Category Winner: Zenler Studio Pro
ith Zenler Studio user can create or recording them right from within interactive SCORM/AICC com- your PowerPoint. KEY CUSTOMERS: Wpliant Flash Based e-Learning >> Word Import feature allows you to >> Nova South Eastern University courses from right within PowerPoint. insert word document as an ebook >> Dream Health Courses created are ready to be published inside the course. >> Gradient Groups to any Learning Management System >> Make your eLearning course more inter- (LMS), including Zenler Online LMS. You esting and dynamic by inserting Flash COMPANY HISTORY: can also design or edit your Zenler courses files and YouTube videos or select any Zenler is an innovative e-learning com- even when you are offline and not con- YouTube video. pany from the house of DigitalOfficePro, nected to the internet. >> With its scenario building facility, a user which was founded in 2005. With 70,000 can create e-learning courses with com- customers around the world, DigitalOf- plex scenario in just a few minutes. ficePro (a Microsoft and Intel partner) has >> Easily create SCORM or AICC compli- been a leading global provider of powerful ant content for LMS’s and track the rapid communications, online-training course effectively. solutions and high quality multimedia >> Courses can be easily uploaded to any tools for more than a decade. SCORM/AICC compliant LMS’s. Zenler Studio Pro+, which incorpo- rates HTML5 technology, is in the final WHAT ZENLER SAYS: stages of development. “We’ve kind of had our nose to the grind- stone, doing things the old-fashioned CONTACT INFORMATION: way,” says Tom Burton, vice president of Business Development. “We would like thank you all those who voted for Zenler. Thank you to the Elearning Media Group, With the “Pro” iteration, users get all our clients and our team.” Zenler/DigitalOfficePro, Inc. the possible features available with Zenler 117 E. 57 St. Studio. Some of those features are: New York, NY 10022 >> Leverage PowerPoint with a popular and Phone: (800) 306-3208 or (646) 448-8686 powerful editing environment. Email: [email protected] or sales@ >> Course Designer menus can be accessed Zenler Interac- zenler.com from the PowerPoint Ribbon and also from the Zenler Course Designer pane tivity lets you right within PowerPoint. AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE >> Apply Quizzes directly into PowerPoint add rich e-learn- (SEE PAGES 41-43): and publish the Quiz to Flash. >> Articulate Quizmaker >> Zenler Interactivity lets you add rich, ing interactivity >> ReadyGo WCB unique e-learning interactivity into your courses with a few clicks. into your courses >> Screen Recording allows you to capture your screen video and create quick demos with a few clicks. and insert them directly into your Course. >> Import existing audios and videos
Government Elearning! December 2012 / January 2013 33 BEST OF
Presentation Tool
Category Winner: Articulate Presenter
rticulate Presenter ’09 makes it easy content for your LMS. Publish for the Web, are outstanding” for anyone to add interactivity and CD, and Word, and even create an audio >> “Quick, responsive controls create a Anarration to PowerPoint slides. Just podcast — all with a single click. comfortable experience for the user” click a button to turn your presentation A unique player lets viewers easily >> “Final appearance of your presentation into a compelling Flash course. Quickly navigate your content and access additional is easy to customize, and no program- synchronize the presenter’s voice with resources. You can customize your project ming is required” slides and animations for a rich learning with your own logo, layout, navigation >> “An impressive, time-saving product experience. Presenter ’09 puts everything options, color schemes and language to pro- that I plan to use on a daily basis” you need in one exclusive workflow where vide a unique branded experience. You can you’ll be able to quickly distribute highly also seamlessly incorporate Engage interac- COMPANY HISTORY: interactive, persuasive materials; help tions and Quizmaker quizzes, video, Flash Adam Schwartz, CEO, founded the com- subject-matter experts share their expertise and more; and even embed live Web pages pany in 2002 with a vision to create innova- directly; and spread your message every- for learners to use inside your presentation. tive tools that would replace traditional where in a format everyone can view. e-learning technology. Under his direction, Articulate has FEATURES INCLUDE: grown from a ground-breaking idea into >> Animated annotations that highlight an award-winning company that has important points been recognized by Deloitte as one of the >> Clear, crisp images and video fastest-growing new technology compa- >> Multi-level navigation and branching nies in North America with more than >> Embedded live Web pages and other 30,000 customers. objects Today, the executive team includes >> Multiple publishing options, including Schwartz, CTO Arlyn Asch, vp of Sales Flash, Word, CD and podcasts Mark Schwartz, vp of Brand Lucy Soros and vp of Community Tom Kuhlmann. WHAT ARTICULATE SAYS: “We take great pride in developing the CONTACT INFORMATION: A unique player very best experience for our customers whether they are using Articulate lets viewers easily software to develop engaging e-learning courses or leveraging the resources in navigate content our wildly popular E-Learning Heroes Articulate community,” says Mark Schwartz, executive 244 Fifth Ave., Suite 2960 and access addi- vice president. “We are grateful for the New York, NY 10001 tional resources. continuing acknowledgement.” (800) 861-4880 or (646) 706-7596 www.articulate.com KEY CUSTOMERS: >> Workwise AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Articulate Presenter ’09 saves your >> Amgen, Inc. (SEE PAGES 41-43): content in the universally accepted Flash >> Miller Custom Education, Inc. >> Adobe Presenter format, so it runs on any Web server or >> Brainshark Slideshark LMS (plus Articulate Online service). Eas- WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: >> Prezi ily create SCORM- and AICC-compliant >> “Easier than ever to use, and the results
34 December 2012 / January 2013 Elearning! BEST OF Video Capture, Production, Publishing Solution
Category Winner (tie): Brainshark
ith Brainshark’s cloud-based shark’s online video presentation solutions. helping organizations improve the reach and software, you can easily trans- In 2013, Brainshark will release dramatic results of their messages. Wform static content into voice- improvements to the mobile player and mobile From this vision, the Brainshark platform enriched video presentations that can be viewing experience to make it more interactive. was born, enabling the average businessper- accessed anytime, on-demand...and tracked son with only basic tools, like PowerPoint so you can measure the effectiveness of WHAT BRAINSHARK SAYS: and the phone, to add their voice to static your communications. “We’re real excited,” says CMO Andy Zim- content and create high-impact video pre- Creating Brainshark online video pre- merman. “The fact that the Best of Elearning! sentations. Before the ideas of user-generat- sentations is quick and simple to do. Once award is voter-based is a real testament to the ed content, software-as-a-service and online you’ve prepared your content — Power- impact our product has had in the training/e- video became standard practice, Brainshark Points, documents, photos or video clips learning world. This is our third year winning was already pioneering these concepts to — simply log in to your Brainshark account this award, so we’re also excited about our enhance business communications. over the Web, upload the content, and then consistency among our customers. We defi- Between 1999 and 2005, Brainshark raised optionally add audio by phone, microphone nitely are proud of this award.” $23 million in venture capital; began turning or MP3 upload. The patented system guides Adds vice president of marketing Joan a profit in 2006; and has continued to grow. you through a step-by-step process, allowing Babinski: “Coming from our customers, it Over the years, Brainshark has developed you to instantly transform your content into means a lot to know that they take the time and launched a comprehensive product voice-enriched online video presentations. and effort to say such nice things about us.” portfolio, including the flagship Brain- Presentations can be shared as links in an shark Presentations solution and advanced email, posted to social media sites, or em- KEY enterprise applications such as Rapid bedded in blogs or websites. They can also CUSTOMERS: Learning for learning management and be delivered securely via Brainshark login or >> Franklin Trusted Networks for channel communica- from your own portal or learning manage- Templeton tions. Brainshark also addresses the needs ment system (LMS). Because your presen- >> Staples of individuals and small businesses with tations are hosted by Brainshark, they can >> Warner Bros. the myBrainshark free solution launched then be accessed by your audiences anytime, in 2009, and the myBrainshark Pro Series on-demand from desktop or mobile devices. WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: launched in 2010. Once your presentations are viewed, you >> “Excellent support coverage with live chat, can track the viewing details, including telephone and online knowledge center” CONTACT INFORMATION: who viewed, what they viewed, when they >> “Flawless Powerpoint integration” viewed, and even where they viewed. You >> “Converts over 100 types of video, simple can receive email alerts with the viewing and fast integrated development tools” data or log in to your Brainshark account to access online dashboards and reports. COMPANY HISTORY: BrainShark Brainshark’s powerful tracking capabilities Brainshark was founded in 1999 by current 2 University Office Park enable you to measure the effectiveness CEO Joe Gustafson. The goal was to democra- 51 Sawyer Rd. of your communications and prioritize tize the use of multimedia, making it possible Waltham, MA 02453 follow-up activity with viewers. for anyone — unencumbered by time, cost (781) 370-8000 or (866) 276-7427 Brainshark’s core capabilities enable or technical barriers — produce powerful people to quickly and easily create, share and business communications. By making it easy AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE track online and mobile video presentations to create an immersive, interactive communi- (SEE PAGES 41-43): that are powered by the Brainshark CST cations experience including audio and visual >> Sonic Foundry Platform, the foundation for all of Brain- components, Brainshark was dedicated to
Government Elearning! December 2012 / January 2013 35 BEST OF Video Capture, Production, Publishing Solution
Category Winner (tie): TechSmith Camtasia
ore than a simple screen record- er, Camtasia gives you the tools WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: Myou need to truly customize and >> “Easy to use, fast, good quality” edit your videos. Record on-screen activity, >> “Very innovative, and can do multiple add imported media, create interactive Founded in 1987, types of content” content, and share high-quality, HD videos >> “Easy editing, clean picture, excellent that your viewers can watch anytime, on TechSmith pro- audio editing also available” nearly any device. vides more than COMPANY HISTORY: USE CAMTASIA TO… TechSmith provides more than 50 coun- >> Record your screen to capture Pow- 50 countries with tries with screen capture and recording erPoint slides, software demos, Web software for individual and professional pages, and more screen capture use. Founded in 1987 by William Hamil- >> Edit screen recordings and camera and recording ton, who remains the company’s president video by cutting, splicing and combin- today, TechSmith has seven products that ing clips with the powerful, easy-to- software for indi- do anything, from taking screen captures to use video editor screen recording and managing consumer >> Import camera video, music, photos, and vidual and pro- content. The flagshop product, SnagIt, was more to truly enhance screen recordings first released 20 years ago. >> Customize screen recordings and vid- fessional use. In-house projects are now under way to eos with ready-to-use media themes, continue expanding the company’s existing animated backgrounds, graphics, products to support the Mac platform. callouts and more >> Create interactive videos with clickable CONTACT INFORMATION: links, table of contents, search and more core value proposition for years and years: >> Easily share videos that viewers can video is the best way to communicate,” watch anywhere, on nearly any device says Camtasia product manager Shane The ability to easily manipulate, over- Lovellette. “Communicating through video lay and group objects helps you produce makes presentations come alive. It’s how TechSmith professional-looking videos, while encour- people prefer to learn, and it’s key to creat- 2405 Woodlake Drive aging you to use your creativity. ing engaging content. It’s an honor to be Okemos, MI 48864-5910 Captivate viewers with animated con- recognized, particularly by this sector of (800) 517-3001 or (517) 381-2300 tent that helps guide them through your e-learning professionals. They’ve been with www.techsmith.com videos. Use animation to make a callout us through all eight versions of Camtasia fly across your screen, an image bounce and know that we listen to our customers up and down, text scroll, and more. Cam- and focus on making their jobs easier by AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE tasia Studio makes it easy to rotate, resize building a tool that keeps them on the fast (SEE PAGES 41-43): and tilt content. track to great content.” >> Sonic Foundry
WHAT TECHSMITH SAYS: KEY CUSTOMERS: “In short, it’s awesome to be recognized >> American Cancer Society by e-learning professionals! These are the >> KETIV Technologies same people that have been sharing our >> Tobii Technology AB
36 December 2012 / January 2013 Elearning! BEST OF Social Learning Solution
Category Winner: Interactyx Topyx
opyx has a wide range of col- Topyx is compliant and compatible erdeenshire, London and San Francisco, laborative options all in one LMS with SCORM 2004. Interactyx works with respected teachers, Tplatform. Built on traditional LMS researchers and practitioners from some features, it’s enhanced with modern social WHAT INTERACTYX SAYS: of Britain’s oldest universities and bank- learning tools that maximize engagement “We are honored by all those that voted ing institutions. Interactyx is the publisher and collaboration in an online learning for Topyx. To be a winner for a fourth of LiveEcon, which is set to revolutionize environment that allows you to bring consecutive year of Elearning! Media the way economics is learned. LiveEcon formal training programs and informal Group’s admired annual award reflects allows students to learn economics in a learning together. our team’s commitment to creating one highly interactive environment. TOPYX provides comprehensive con- of the best social learning management As the company expanded to North tent management functionality. You can platforms available,” says Alfred R. Novas, America, the Interactyx portfolio diversi- customize certification, learning trees, ses- CEO/CFO of Interactyx Ltd. “Social learn- fied into e-learning solutions and learning sions, content, quizzes and assignments. ing continues to prove its effectiveness management systems. guided by Novas, It also allows you to pull data on user in leading organization throughout the the company has offices in the U.S., U.K. activity, site performance and other perti- world. Topyx allows organizations of all and Canada that serves clients, affiliates nent information. Reports can be emailed sizes to easily and cost effectively brings a and channel partners around the world. or exported in Excel or PDF format. social learning management system into Current officers beyond Novas are VPs Powerful reporting options are provided their enterprise. Thank you to Elearning! Jodi Harrison and Jeffrey A. Roth, and through Google Analytics. Media Group for sponsoring the Best of board chairman thomas G. Rennie. And an LMS platform can be config- Elearning! awards series, to our clients ured to use collaboration tools like Web and to our team.” CONTACT INFORMATION: conferencing, chat, announcements, polls, articles, blogs and much more. Communi- KEY CUSTOMERS: ties are built, managed and moderated any >> Rotary International way you like. The power is in your hands >> Kubota Tractor to help an organic interaction flourish into >> Morton Salt Interactyx a learner-driven knowledge network. 3461 Bonita Bay Blvd., Suite 207 WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: Bonita Springs, FL 34134 >> “A great value at an afford- (888) 575-2266 able price, and the customer http://interactyx.com service can’t be beat” >> “Provides a total solution that’s easy to use and implement” AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE >> “An engaging e-learning soft- (SEE PAGES 41-43): ware solution that truly works” >> Cornerstone OnDemand Connect >> Microsoft Yammer COMPANY HISTORY: Interactyx is a Scottish compa- ny formed in 1995 that creates interactive learning solutions for higher education and training establishments world- wide. From its offices in Ab-
Government Elearning! December 2012 / January 2013 37 BEST OF
Mobile Application
Category Winner: Articulate Mobile
rticulate Mobile Player is an app CEO, founded the company in 2002 that provides a nice e-learning With Mobile with a vision to create innovative tools Aviewing experience on the iPad. that would replace traditional e-learning Featuring an elegant, intuitive user inter- Player, learn- technology. face, Articulate Mobile Player beautifully Under his direction, Articulate has displays interactive e-learning content ers simply tap, grown from a ground-breaking idea created in Articulate Storyline, the simple, into an award-winning company that powerful e-learning authoring software. swipe and pinch has been recognized by Deloitte as one The app will prove particularly helpful to of the fastest-growing new technology government agencies and enterprises that to interact with companies in North America with more are increasingly relying on e-learning to than 30,000 customers. reduce costs and rapidly train new workers. multi-media Today, the executive team includes Articulate Mobile Player puts e-learning Schwartz, CTO Arlyn Asch, vp of Sales content at the fingertips of these employees, content. Mark Schwartz, vp of Brand Lucy Soros wherever they are. and vp of Community Tom Kuhlmann. Articulate built the mobile player because the company wanted learners to experience ing full-motion video and software simula- CONTACT INFORMATION: media-rich e-learning content on iPads in tions. Learners can download content for the most intuitive, satisfying way possible. viewing when they’re not connected to the Articulate Mobile Player includes full- Internet, save content to Favorites with a screen playback and gesture support, so single tap, and easily access content they’ve learners simply tap, swipe and pinch to already viewed from their Library. Articulate interact with multimedia content, includ- 244 Fifth Ave., Suite 2960 KEY CUSTOMERS: New York, NY 10001 >> Thomson Reuters (800) 861-4880 or (646) 706-7596 >> WellStar Health www.articulate.com System >> State of Minnesota AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE WHAT (SEE PAGES 41-43): CUSTOMERS SAY: >> Brainshark Mobile >> “Brings the power of >> NetDimensions mEKP Storyline to the mobile world with very few com- promises” >> “Easy to use without complex parameters” >> “Game changer; love the mobility”
COMPANY HISTORY: Adam Schwartz,
38 December 2012 / January 2013 Elearning! BEST OF BEST OF Web Seminar Virtual Solution Classroom
Category Winner (tie): Adobe Connect
dobe Connect is a viable option digital meetings and leverage templates to to solve a problem long familiar to creative for conducting Web meetings, quickly create additional meeting rooms and professionals at the time: getting text and Aimplementing e-learning, and use them for specific types of meetings. Fi- images on a computer screen to translate hosting Webinars. nally, you can securely store all of your files, beautifully and accurately into print. A year For high-impact Web seminars, the only documents, layouts and notes in a persistent later, they helped launch the desktop pub- things required of audience members are a manner — where they will stay exactly as lishing revolution with Adobe PostScript. Web browser and Adobe Flash Player soft- you last left them at the end of the day, ready The release of Adobe Illustrator and ware. Adobe Connect allows a maximum of for immediate reuse at any time. Adobe Photoshop forever changed the 80,000 attendees, so you can generate more quality and complexity of images that could qualified leads at a lower cost. You also get WHAT ADOBE SAYS: be created for print, and later for content expert assistance from Adobe Event Ser- “Industry-level recognition of any kind created for video, film, the Web and other vices, and you can extend audio capabilities is always appreciated, but when it comes digital channels. The design industry was within your Web seminars. from a respected organization like Elearn- never the same. With Connect, you can enable instant ing! and more specifically, its readership Adobe’s breakthrough Portable Docu- access and cross-firewall collaboration community, it’s very gratifying,” says ment Format (PDF) technology enaabled from virtually any mobile device or desk- Guillaume Privat, director of Adobe Con- businesses to deliver platform- and appli- top. You can collaborate across firewalls nect’s Business Unit. “In the latest version cation-independent files across operating on virtually any device, including iOS, of Adobe Connect, we devoted significant systems and devices. Android, BlackBerry PlayBook, as well as resources and focus to extending capa- Most recently, Adobe Dreamweaver, across desktop platforms with no client bilities in terms of webinars and virtual Flash, Flex and the Flash Media Server downloads for participants. classrooms with an aim to best serve our made cost-effective, reliable development customers. And that focus remains; expect of engaging Websites a reality. more and what we hope is even more use- ful as we move forward.” CONTACT INFORMATION:
KEY CUSTOMERS: >> SAP >> U.S.Defense Information Services Agency >> eBay
WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: Adobe Connect features integrated audio >> “Has allowed me to enhance my cus- Adobe, Inc. and video conferencing, unlimited webcam tomer base” 345 Park Ave. streams at DVD quality, integration with >> “It opened up a pallet of opportunties to San Jose, CA 95110-2704 video teleconferencing systems, and the build Webinars on an as-needed basis” (408) 536-6000 ability to share rich media without requir- >> “Brings an immediacy and in-person www.adobe.com ing any codec or player downloads. All feel to our meetings … what our ensure that you can meet face-to-face and employees, prospects, and franchisees AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE deliver your ideas most effectively. need to succeed” (SEE PAGES 41-43): With environments, content and URLs >> Blackboard Collaborate that persist after meetings end, you can COMPANY HISTORY: >> Citrix Online manage them far more effectively. You can Chuck Geschke and John Warnock founded create your own customized URLs for your Adobe in 1982. The two men initially set out
Government Elearning! December 2012 / January 2013 39 BEST OF
Web Seminar Solution Category Winner (tie): Cisco WebEx Meeting Center
isco WebEx Meeting Center offers router was born, with the help of co- a rich, real-time collaborative Web KEY CUSTOMERS: founder Richard Troiano. Cmeeting experience with a power- >> University of Notre Dame Cisco was one of the first to sell com- ful feature set. >> Kohn Pedeson Fox mercially successful routers supporting multiple network protocols. TOOLS AND FEATURES INCLUDE: Between 1992 and 1994, Cisco also >> File, application, and desktop sharing acquired several companies in Ethernet where you can easily collaborate on any switching, most notably Kalpana, Grand project while sharing audio and video. Attend a Junction and Crescendo Communica- >> Comprehensive multimedia experience, tions which together formed the Catalyst with which you can share video files in meeting easily business unit. Several acquired companies real time and incorporate multimedia have grown into more than $1 billion in your presentations. from anywhere business units for Cisco, including LAN >> Real-time video for up to seven partici- switching, Enterprise Voice over Internet pants with ActivePresence that lets you in the world — Protocol (VoIP) platform Webex, and see multiple, simultaneous webcam video home networking. feeds with voice-activated switching. inside or outside In late March 2000, at the height of >> High-definition video, through which you the corporate the dot-com boom, Cisco became the can see crisp and clear video of the active most valuable company in the world, speaker with up to 720p screen resolution firewall. with a market capitalization of more >> Provide a call-in phone number, VoIP than $500 billion. calling, or toll-free call-in number through integrated voice conferencing. CONTACT INFORMATION: >> Network-based recording allows you to record meetings, including session WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY: content and audio. >> “Nothing can beat it in terms of ease of >> Attend meetings on BlackBerry, use, flexibility, security or scalability” iPhone, iPad, and other wireless or >> “Makes online sessions as efficient as Cisco Systems, Inc. 3G mobile phone and tablet devices. in-person meetings” 170 West Tasman Dr. Works with Windows, Mac, Linux, San Jose, CA 95134 Solaris and UNIX. Initiate meetings COMPANY HISTORY: (408) 526-4000 instantly from Microsoft Office, Micro- The concept of solutions being driven to www.cisco.com soft Outlook, Lotus Notes, and a vari- address specific customer challenges has ety of instant-messaging solutions. Use been with Cisco since its inception in single sign-on to access WebEx. Also 1984. Husband and wife Len Bosack and AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE integrate with Cisco Unified Meet- Sandy Lerner, both working for Stanford (SEE PAGES 41-43): ingPlace, Cisco WebEx Node for ASR University, wanted to email each other >> Blackboard Collaborate 1000 Series, and Cisco TelePresence. from their respective offices located in dif- >> Citrix Online You also get secure access anywhere, any- ferent buildings but were unable to due to time. Attend a meeting easily from anywhere technological shortcomings. A technology worldwide — inside or outside the corporate had to be invented to deal with disparate firewall under a highly secure environment in local area protocols; and as a result of the Cisco Collaboration Cloud. solving their challenge, the multi-protocol
40 December 2012 / January 2013 Elearning! Excellence Awards: Tools
BEST RAPID DEVELOPMENT TOOL authoring system that offers a programming- BEST SIMULATION TOOL Articulate Studio Suite free environment for creating high-quality Adobe Captivate The Studio Suite is a combination of three interactive e-learning. Created courses are Adobe Captivate 6 software helps you popular Articulate tools: Engage, Presenter ready to be published to any Learning Man- rapidly author a wide range of interactive and Quizmaker. Engage is a quick and easy agement System (LMS), including Zenler e-learning and HTML5-based m-learning tool through which learners can explore Online LMS. You can also design or edit your content. Easily create product demos in HD, the relationship between timeline events Zenler courses, even when you are offline and application simulations, and soft skills and through text, images, and sound, and drill not connected to the internet. compliance training. Import Microsoft Pow- down into key elements of a diagram to —More info: http://zenler.com erPoint slides and enrich with multimedia, better understand the main points. Pre- interactive elements and quizzes. Deliver senter makes it easy for anyone to add Trivantis Lectora content to virtually any device, including interactivity and narration to PowerPoint The two models of Lectora are “Inspire” and iPads. After creation, you can send scoring slides by turning them into a compelling “Online.” With both, you can create captivating data to leading SCORM- and AICC-compli- Flash course. Quizmaker has two intui- content with a complete package of e-learning ant LMSs and track learner progress. tive development modes: (1) Form-based tools. Inspire is bundled with Lectora author- —More info: www.adobe.com/products/ editing, with which you can build a profes- ing software, Flypaper Flash content creation captivate.html sional quiz in minutes, as easy as filling out software, Camtasia screen recording software a form; (2) Free-form editing can help cre- and Snagit screen capture software. Mean- Articulate Storyline ate your own vision with the freedom (but while, with Lectora Online, you can remove Easy authoring is yours with Storyline. none of the hassles) of developing in Flash. geographic and time limitations by accessing It’s intuitive and easy to use, so you can —More info: www.articulate.com course content from anywhere at anytime get started right away; there’s no training with an Internet connection through com- required. If you’ve used PowerPoint, you’ll ReadyGo WCB mon browsers including IE, Safari and Mozilla feel right at home. Build your slides from The “WCB” stands for Web course builder. Firefox — on Macintosh or Windows. scratch or start from a template. You can Its e-learning and m-learning software fea- —More info: http://lectora.com even use templates with interactivity com- tures an intuitive user interface, fast course mon to e-learning courses already built generation, powerful template creation/usage Adobe eLearning Suite in. Easily customize a template to make it and automatic generation of navigation ele- Adobe eLearning Suite 6.1 software is an completely yours. And it’s easy to add up ments including chapter and course indices. integrated toolbox for creating e-learning to 47,500 combinations of illustrated and It also has a built in test engine, including 16 and HTML5-based m-learning content. Get photographic characters, expressions and types of test questions, branching, feedback, the best tools for application simulation, poses that are included in the software. SCORM, pooling, and progress control built product demos, digital imaging, rich ani- —More info: www.articulate.com/products/ in. Courses built with ReadyGo WCB work mations, and audio production. Accelerate storyline/overview.php on computers, tablets and smartphones. No development with rapid prototyping, round- programming or technical skills are needed. tripping workflows, and out-of-the-box as- BEST VIDEO CAPTURE, —More info: www.readygo.com sets like actors and smart interactions. Pub- PRODUCTION, PUBLISHING lish to SCORM- and AICC-compliant LMSs SOLUTION BEST E-LEARNING and easily track SWF, PDF, and HTML5 Sonic Foundry DEVELOPMENT TOOL content. The full suite includes Captivate, The Mediasite EX webcasting and video Zenler Studio Pro Flash Professional, Dreamweaver, Acrobat content management system automati- Transform PowerPoint to powerful interac- Pro, Presenter, Audition and Bridge. cally processes not only the video but its tive e-Learning Courses Designer with Studio —More info: www.adobe.com/products/el- associated metadata through powerful Pro. It is a powerful yet easy-to-use e-learning earnngsuite.html search and analytics, thereby making the
Government Elearning! December 2012 / January 2013 41 Excellence Awards: Tools continued rich video as useful as text. Mediasite us- ployee performance, and drives innova- BEST PRESENTATION TOOL ers can also record and upload rich media tion from customer and partner com- Adobe Presenter presentations, learning objects or training munities. By encouraging creation of new With Presenter, you can minimize the time, modules from the convenience of their content and ideas and making it easy to effort and cost associated with producing desktop or laptop and automatically pub- join communities of practice, Cornerstone videos by doing it yourself right at your lish them to the powerful Mediasite EX Connect fosters social (informal) learn- desktop, without specialized equipment or platform. Enhanced Web-based tools and ing, organizational memory, professional training. The software helps you communi- collaboration workflows provide a layer of networking, and better communication cate more effectively with engaging videos control for enterprise clients with multiple across your employee base and the ex- and interactive presentations created in content producers and knowledge-cre- tended enterprise. Microsoft PowerPoint. Add quizzes; deliver ation environments, allowing the growth, —More info: www.cornerstoneondemand. to the Web, video sharing sites, desktops management and scalability of online com and mobile devices; and track using inte- knowledge libraries. gration with LMSs. Out-of-the-box assets —More info: www.sonicfoundry.com Microsoft Yammer such as actors and learning interactions are Yammer brings the power of social net- available to convert slides into interactive BEST ASSESSMENT TOOL working to the business world. It’s as easy training content. Articulate Quizmaker to use as great consumer software like —More info: www.adobe.com/products/ Quizmaker ‘09 offers question types that Facebook and Twitter, but is designed for presenter.html go beyond the basics. Of course, you’ll company collaboration, file sharing, knowl- have professionally designed multiple- edge exchange and team efficiency. Access Brainshark Slideshark choice, true/false and Likert questions. Yammer from anywhere with an Internet SlideShark is a leading app for viewing But you’ll also be able to construct drag- connection. Stay connected from your and sharing PowerPoint presentations on and-drop questions, hot spots, and more Web browser, mobile device or tablet. You the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch the way (20 different quiz types in all). Your quiz- can also view and interact with Yammer they were meant to be seen: with anima- zes will be in Flash format, which means content within other business applications tions, fonts, colors and graphics intact. they’ll be accessible to just about anyone (such as Sharepoint) using API integra- From their mobile device or computer, anywhere. Your quiz takers will enjoy a tions. Create, discuss and share content SlideShark users simply upload Power- rich, interactive experience while you en- with coworkers without sending a single Point files to their secure online accounts, joy freedom from technical hassles. And email. Store large files, post documents to where the slides are automatically convert- you’ll get quiz results through email, your team workspaces and collaboratively edit ed to a mobile-optimized format. Then LMS or Articulate Online. pages in real time. they simply use the SlideShark app to —More info: www.articulate.com/products/ —More info: https://www.yammer.com/ download and view or show the converted quizmaker.php product presentations on their mobile device. Us- ers can also share online versions of their ReadyGo WCB BEST MOBILE slides for audiences to view on-demand, Please see entry above, under “Best Rapid AUTHORING SOLUTION anytime from any device, while users can Development Tool.” Adobe Captivate track the viewing results. Please see entry above, under “Best Simula- —More info: www.slideshark.com BEST SOCIAL LEARNING tion Tool.” SOLUTION Prezi Cornerstone OnDemand Connect ReadyGo WCB Prezi is a virtual whiteboard that transforms Cornerstone Connect enables effective Please see entry above, under “Best Rapid presentations from monologs into conversa- employee collaboration, improves em- Development Tool.” tions: enabling people to see, understand
42 December 2012 / January 2013 Elearning! and remember ideas. Prezi allows you to your Mac or PC. Features include full- ees, you can share your desktop, change communicate design ideas with clients in a service registration, customized branding, presenters, transfer control, chat, draw and highly engaging and dynamic way, liberating pre-Webinar practice sessions and toll- highlight on screen, and more. interesting conversations from the boredom based phone and VoIP audio conferencing. —More info: www.citrix.com/products/goto- of one-way presentations. Use Prezi’s open An additional integrated toll-free service training/overview.html canvas to construct a story arc, where visual is also available from Citrix Online Audio context leads the viewer on a path of dis- (via computer and telephone). BEST MOBILE APPLICATION covery. Its 3-dimensional canvas is a virtual —More info: www.citrixonline.com Brainshark Mobile space where you can delve deeper and pan With Brainshark, you can create and share wider to broaden the conversation. BEST VIRTUAL CLASSROOM your video presentations knowing that your —More info: http://prezi.com Blackboard Collaborate audiences can not only view your presenta- Please see entry above, under “Best Presen- tions on a computer, but also on mobile BEST WEB SEMINAR SOLUTION tation Tool.” devices. Your message is received whenever Blackboard Collaborate and wherever it is most convenient. Brain- Offer a more collaborative, interactive and Cisco WebEx Training Center shark Mobile — included with all Brain- mobile learning experience that constantly Collaborate from wherever you are with shark solutions — and the free Brainshark evolves, and you’ll keep everyone engaged WebEx mobile apps for IPhone, iPad, An- App for iPad/iPhone and Android devices like never before. That’s what the Black- droid, or Blackberry. Use WebEx special- provide this flexibility. Trainers deliver bite- board Collaborate platform is all about. ized products to: (1) Present dynamic on- sized e-learning and internal communica- Helping you create virtual classrooms, of- line events and webinars; (2) Deliver online tions to quickly update and inform employ- fices and meeting spaces that open more training and eLearning experiences; (3) ees at their convenience, whether they’re possibilities to more people, wherever they Provide outstanding remote technical sup- working remotely or are just away from the are. Combining the capabilities of industry port; (4) Build stronger relationships with office. leaders Wimba and Elluminate, Blackboard in-person telepresence experiences deliv- —More info: www.brainshark.com/what-is- Collaborate provides a comprehensive ered over the cloud; and (5) Share knowl- brainshark/brainshark-mobile learning platform. It is helping thousands edge, experience and ideas across your or- of higher education, K-12, professional, ganization. WebEx products are delivered NetDimensions mEKP corporate and government organizations through the scalable Cisco WebEx Cloud, NetDimensions mEKP (Mobile Enterprise worldwide deliver a more effective learning where you get high levels of performance Knowledge Platform) is an end-user ver- experience through online, blended and and security. sion of NetDimensions’ powerful and robust mobile learning. —More info: www.webex.com LMS that runs independently from a USB —More info: www.blackboard.com/Plat- flash drive (or from any user device that runs forms/Collaborate/Overview.aspx Citrix GotoTraining Java). mEKP is platform-neutral with no Citrix GoToTraining online training soft- installation or Internet connection required. Citrix Online ware enables individuals and enterprises NetDimensions says that mEKP is much With Citrix Online’s GoToWebinar, you to provide interactive training sessions to more powerful than offline players, a portable can conduct do-it-yourself webinars with customers and employees in any location. personal learning environment that enables up to 1,000 people — all for one flat rate. Reduce travel and reach more trainees by users to access course catalogs, run courses, Reduce travel while reaching larger audi- moving your training program online, or download reference materials and take ex- ences around the world. The system en- by integrating online training with your ams, as well as track and review training his- ables you to set up a webinar in minutes live training program. GoToTraining makes tory information from any device with a USB — without IT support. In addition, you can it simple to set up course catalogs, to invite port at their convenience anywhere, anytime. generate more qualified marketing leads and register trainees, and to offer tests and —More info: www.netdimensions.com/solu- and present to hundreds of people from other training materials. To engage train- tions/mobile-learning.php
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