XStream
Software Launches Performance Analyzer™ v1.0
New Performance Evaluation Authoring Technology enables
testing, tracking, and scoring of user performance in software
simulations created for Windows applications.
OTTAWA, Canada, August 22,
2003 - XStream Software Inc.,
the leading provider of today's unmatched E-learning, Authoring,
and Administration/Tracking technologies, has released Performance
Analyzer v1.0, a unique Performance Evaluation
Authoring Technology, which enables developers to
quickly and easily create, customize, deploy, track, and
evaluate/test users' performance through software simulations
created for one or more application(s) in the Windows environment.
XStream's Performance Analyzer technology
enables developers to create comprehensive performance-based
evaluation (.RPE) files that test and score users' hands-on
knowledge of particular Windows applications - all without
any programming or scripts. A performance-based evaluation
is divided into one or more tasks to be completed by the
end user. Each task (.RPX) file contains a series of sequential
steps required to complete the task. To populate a task (.RPX)
file with steps, the developer may record live interactions
(i.e., mouse clicks and keystrokes) with software applications
in the live Windows environment. The developer may also manually
append/insert new step screens (frames) within an .RPX file
as well as import step frames from other .RPX files as well
as simulation (.RBX) files created using XStream's RapidBuilder
v3.0 and RapidBuilder v3.0 Deluxe simulation-authoring
technologies. In addition to step frames, the developer may
append/insert content frames, which are non-action frames
(containing supplementary information) that are not tracked
or scored.
During playback of the performance-based
evaluation, as the user progresses through each task by performing
the required steps, the various interactions (e.g., clicks,
keystrokes, etc.) performed by the user are counted, tracked,
and scored by XStream's back-end RapidManager v3.0 administration
tool (in order to evaluate the user's hands-on knowledge).
All user interaction metrics are collected and stored as
performance data, which includes all mouse clicks, keystrokes,
mouse click/keystroke combinations, and keystroke combinations.
In addition, the following data is also collected: each correct
and incorrect attempt on each step, the total number of attempts
for each step, and the time spent/taken on each step. System
administrators may generate various built-in reports based
on the recorded performance data, and they may also perform
their own queries (using the back-end database query engine)
and generate additional reports that are not already available
within RapidManager.
Performance-based evaluations may also be
customized and enhanced using Performance Analyzer ' s feature-rich
multimedia edit suite, which includes options for adding
text, instruction boxes, graphics (both static images and
animated GIFs), audio files, recorded sound clips, video
files, Flash files, navigational hyperlinks, links to external
files and web pages, special visual effects, colors, shapes,
and more.
Performance-based evaluations may be saved
and deployed in native .RPE format, Flash (.SWF) format,
XML format, and as SCORM v1.2-compliant courses or Sharable
Content Objects (SCOs). They may be deployed on CD-ROM,
over a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide
Area Network (WAN), and over the Web (Internet, Intranet,
or Extranet). In addition to being deployed independently,
performance-based evaluations may be linked from existing
RapidBuilder files (created using XStream's RapidBuilder
v3.0 and RapidBuilder v3.0 Deluxe simulation-authoring
technologies) and RapidExam files (created using XStream's RapidExam
v2.0 and RapidExam v2.0 Deluxe exam-authoring
technologies). Linking to RapidBuilder files enables users
to learn how to perform tasks and then go through a performance-based
evaluation to actually gauge how well they have learned to
perform those tasks in the Windows applications. Similarly,
linking to RapidExam files enables users to not only go through
standard assessments (consisting of straight questions and
answers), but also go through performance-based evaluations
where the users are tested on performing tasks within software
applications.
"XStream is adding even more depth to its
impressive e-learning product suite with the addition of Performance
Analyzer," says Sunil K. Sethi, XStream's
President and CEO. "Just as we have applied the combined
principles of programming-free simplicity and extensive authoring
capability to the development of software simulations, courses,
assessments, and live guidance, we are now doing the same
for performance-based testing."
"Performance Analyzer is a powerful
e-learning technology on its own, but it also empowers developers
with the capability of integrating with other e-learning
content created with XStream's RapidBuilder and RapidExam technologies,
says Mahendra K. Agrawal, XStream's Vice President
of Technology. "By linking Performance Analyzer evaluations
to RapidBuilder courses and RapidExam assessments,
users can derive maximum benefits from a wide variety of
different e-learning content and techniques."
About XStream
XStream Software, a 5x brandon-hall.com
award winner, has designed and developed next-generation,
100% programming-free e-Learning, authoring & tracking
technologies. RapidBuilder® and RapidExam™ are
used for creating interactive Software Simulations, WBT,
Presentations, Exams/Assessments, and Certifications. Performance
Analyzer™ is used for creating Performance-based Evaluations,
which measure, track, and evaluate/test users' performance
through software simulations created for Windows-based applications. LGP
Builder™ offers next-generation learning by creating
'live', step-by-step, in-application guidance along with
animated laser pointers that indicate to the user where they
need to perform the actions within the live application. LGP
Builder™ for SAP provides an out-of-the-box LGP technology
that works with any SAP module. RapidSVG™ is XStream's
vector-based SVG authoring application, which enables developers
to create SVG web sites, graphics, animations, and other
authored content. On the back end, RapidManager™ provides
full tracking and administration capability for RapidBuilder,
RapidExam, Performance Analyzer, and LGP files, and RapidPortal™ provides
browser-based portal accessibility for complete web-based
administration and deployment of RapidBuilder, RapidExam,
Performance Analyzer, and LGP files. XStream's products are
in use by thousands of internationally known clients representing
businesses across all market sectors.
For more information, visit www.xstreamsoftware.com or
call 613-731-9443 or send an email to info@xstreamsoftware.com.
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