Software Evaluation - Stephanie Arehart
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The document evaluates and compares two screencasting software options, Adobe Captivate and Epiance Epiplex500, for capturing and documenting processes. Epiplex has advantages in being easier to start using, having a lower cost, and already being used in parts of the company. However, Captivate has more robust editing capabilities and additional output formats. Overall, the document recommends Epiplex as it meets current needs more simply and is already in use within the company. Captivate may be considered if needs grow and a more full-featured option is required.
Software Evaluation - Stephanie Arehart
- 1. Screencasting Tools SOFTWARE EVALUATION
- 2. INTRODUCTION
- 3. Background Category: Screencasting software Situation: Our team is evaluating software to be used in knowledge capture sessions, for documenting processes in various formats including printable documentation and interactive online simulations. We must select from two potential solutions. Comparing: Adobe Captivate 4 vs. Epiance Epiplex500
- 4. Requirements Selected software must be able to: Quickly capture session only one time but then output to multiple formats as needed Add and edit audio Output to .doc and .swf formats Add comments and tips within simulations Capture any online process while blocking extraneous applications (e.g., Outlook or IM) Easily edit (remove, add and modify screenshots)
- 5. FEATURES
- 6. Captivate Features Capture Captures virtually any system, ignoring pop-ups and other applications Contains project templates with set preferences for reduced capture time Editing User-friendly layout and Editing screen Audio adding and editing Modification of screen images, text, etc. Comments, highlights, rollovers, animations, etc. Flash and video embedding Text to speech and Zoom features Outputs Interactive formats - .swf, .exe., .avi Demonstration, Training and Assessment modes Documents - .pdf, .doc.
- 7. Epiplex Features Capture Captures virtually any system Blocks pop-ups and specific applications from capture Can pre-set preferences to reduce capture time Masks private data fields Editing Can mask or secure data fields Can edit screen images, text, etc. Can add “sticky notes” and callouts Outputs Pack Utility and Document Wizard assists in output Interactive formats - .swf, DHTML Show, Guide and Test versions Documents - .pdf, .doc., .ppt, .xml, .xls Context Sensitive Help
- 8. COMPARISON
- 9. So, What’s the Difference?
- 10. Epiplex Pros vs. Cons Pros Cons Very easy to start using Not as many “bells and whistles” Easy to edit captures Parent company not as large or established Formats to several different outputs Online help not as extensive Lower cost overall Installation somewhat time-consuming Process modeling component Already a standard in parts of company Multi-language support Differentiation between Capture and Developer licenses
- 11. Captivate Pros vs. Cons Pros Cons Ability to create more interactive online modules (not necessarily system-based) More features means it takes longer to learn how to use it Robust edit capabilities Not as widely utilized in the company Audio editing capabilities More expensive as a whole Significant online support and user community Have experienced some bugs with LMS integration PhotoShop integration with layering Text to speech feature
- 12. Side by Side Comparison Epiplex Captivate Advantage Company/ Stability Epiance founded in 2001 Headquarters - India (not as easy to contact or as stable as Adobe) Adobe founded in 1982 Headquarters - California Installation Time-consuming and complicated Quick and simple Ease of Use Requires very little training and tutorials to start capturing Menu user-friendly Captures fully Robustness adds level of complexity to Editing interface Capture sometimes miss clicks Outputs Additional DHTML format Additional formats for EXE or AVI formats
- 13. Side by Side Comparison Epiplex Captivate Advantage Help/ User Community Limited Extensive Cost/ Licensing Free unlimited end users Different license levels $199 per Capture license $2000 per 5 Developer licenses Already a standard for some parts of company Free unlimited end users $399 per Capture/Developer license Other Factors Process modeling Integrates with LMS, Web and Report/Track Integrates easily with extensive Adobe suite
- 14. RECOMMENDATION
- 15. Conclusion Recommendation: Both fully meet core requirements Epiplex is better solution for our needs at this time If requirements grow, might look at something more robust like Captivate Reasoning: Already in use in many parts of the company (could easily start utilizing it) Provides a simple solution to record “quick and dirty” knowledge capture sessions Can output in many formats with minimal editing effort