The Ryland Group, Inc. (Homebuilding) based in California, USA

Question

“Briefly outline your story and describe how using DeskTop Author has worked for you. Include details of how it has changed the way you do things and the benefits this has brought.”

Answer

“DeskTop Author came to our attention while conducting a study to determine the feasibility of electronic delivery of training material for Ryland employees. Requirements considered during this study included:

• Maximum use of digital material currently available for training and/or the ability to copy this material into a delivery vehicle.
• Capability to link to or access centrally stored digital material including streaming audio/video.
• Capability to compose training modules with text and images.
• Ability to determine the effectiveness of the training material through testing and evaluation of test results.
• Delivery of training modules to individuals through the use of electronic mail.
• Modules to be available to trainees on mobile computing equipment, i.e. laptops without connection to the internet/intranet.
• Administrative capability for supervisors/training personnel to distribute training modules, examine testing results, gather training statistics, and suspend able information for due date reminders.
• Composition/administrative capability without the intervention of computer programming personnel.
• Minimum training required for module composers and supervisors on the use of the training system.
• Attractive, functional, and interesting vehicle for delivery of the training modules.

A proof of concept project has shown that using DeskTop Author, as the core product for delivery of our training modules, meets the requirements specified by the study. Although still in infancy, the electronic delivery of Ryland’s training modules is underway. Ryland’s programming staff has completed the necessary administrative functions and database that will store the training modules, allow for selective delivery to employees by electronic mail, collect and report on testing results, and monitor for module completion. We were well pleased that the time required to instruct our first group of module composers was less than three (3) hours

The Ryland Group has offices throughout the United States involved in home building, mortgage, escrow, and insurance services along with ancillary businesses supporting our core business. Effective electronic delivery and evaluation of training materials will negate or minimize the requirement to transport employees to a central training facility and of maintaining a staff to support such facilities. This project should also eliminate the requirement for maintaining a dedicated programming staff to update and administer training modules. All of this should minimize the cost of corporate training while reaching the maximum number of employees.”

Visit http://www.ryland.com for further information.

Tyrone Branigan, Professional Photographer

Question

“Why did you decide to use DeskTop Author?”

Answer

"I wanted a way to present my portfolio that would complement the nature of the work that I do. The aesthetic of the Digital Web Book format is ideal for this. Simple, clean navigation with the look and feel of a book. This combined with the small file size enables me to send my portfolio electronically to prospective clients in a captivating manner, without the concern of having my material printed, copied or altered.”

Question

“What for you is the key benefit of using DeskTop Author?”

Answer

“Not being tech savvy, I found the program easily accessible. I can change my mind, update and personalize the portfolio, depending on the client it is directed at. It appears customized and professional as it reaches the client’s desktop.”

Question

“Do you have any other comments?”

Answer

“This is an essential tool for any commercial photographer.”

Visit www.tyronebranigan.com for further information.

Victoria University - School of Architectural, Civil and Mechanical

Question

"Briefly outline your story and describe how using DeskTop Author has worked for you. Include details of how it has changed the way you do things and the benefits this has brought."

Answer

"DeskTop Author is a nifty little package which I use for the development of tutorial material displayed on our intranet. Small file sizes result in quick downloads. The program is sleek, easy to learn and has enough 'wow' factor to impress the audience. The latest version allows for the inclusion of self-assessment MCQ tests.

It is also ideal for student presentations - rather than concentrating on distracting presentation effects, as is the case with some other products, students are forced to think about the actual content. Nevertheless, final results can be visually very impressive."

Visit www.vu.edu.au for further information.

Media Australia - Design and production agency

Question

"Briefly outline your story and describe how using DeskTop Author has worked for you. Include details of how it has changed the way you do things and the benefits this has brought."

Answer

"Prior to DeskTop Author coming on the scene we built all our small applications using Flash or Director.

This caused problems and somethimes cost overuns as both require a significant amount of repetitive programming for even a simple "eBook".

DeskTop Author requires no programming and is fast and simple to use so our designers can create a "look" for an application and then build it without requiring a programmer to be on call.

This cuts overall costs and allows us to make visually appealing applications for use in corporate information or training, tourism and educational areas and advertising or marketing simply and cost effectively for our clients."

Visit www.mediaust.com.au for further information.

Singapore Airlines Holidays

Question

"Briefly outline your story and describe how using DeskTop Author has worked for you. Include details of how it has changed the way you do things and the benefits this has brought."

Answer

"We recently launched our brochures as Digital Web Books, for customers to view them on their PCs. Our eBrochures are great for customers to be able to view the brochures at the touch of a button and having them online also reduces our distribution costs."

Visit www.siaholidays.com.au for further information.