LetMeBeClear

Quick review since last update:

Working at new Job, it was great for the last year till Nov timeframe.  I had been working with our internal training group looking at different technologies to provide ViLT (virtual instructor led training). First I was asked to look at free software, so I had looked into open source. 

What was needed: (all must run on Linux or Win32/64)

1. LMS for tracking individuals training

2. Quizzes

3. Flash and flash streaming support

4. DMS to store docs, ppt, flash based training  and quiz

5. Web conferencing used for collaboration, webcaming and desktop sharing

6. record #5 above for on-demand play back.

Tools already in use by client.

Adobe Captivate

Apple's Final Cut Pro

Apple's XServe

Also recommended using VMware Fusion on the XServe, so that we could install Win32/64 or Linux into a virtual environment to pilot the software below.

I had downloaded, installed and played with Sakai and Moodle, which covered the LMS, DMS and Flash support.

DimDim was the web conferencing application, this also had Moodle support.

We settled on using Moodle + DimDim as our pilot. We were able to get all running, but it did require some creative band-aids (mainly due to stage of current releases at the time).

Then I was told that I would be moving to a new project, which caused a panic with the training group. They thought I would be there to support them. We discussed it would take to support if the pilot went to production.  We cover the plus and minuses of open source software (sure it's free to download and use, but if something breaks there is not much help for the non-technical person).

We started looking at the commercial software. We looked a few, but based on what was needed and currently used, I recommended Adobe Connect.

It is on the expensive side, but the Adobe support for the Connect product have been very quick and helpful.  And the Training group have been very pleased with the results overall. Now they want to implement company wide.

This was the project before Nov...  now the new job, I am not liking so much.  Maybe it's due to before I was given a task and left alone as long as my client was happy and things were getting done.   Now I am under new management (should I say microManagement, just seems like it) with meetings everyday.  Twice a week I cover with my manager on what I am working on :-( . Sure learning old technology with new name/twist/additional features (SOA), at least that is they why I am viewing it. Also SIP, which is cool.  When I got moved the group, I was asked what areas I was interested in. Programing was not on my list, but appears that this new job requires a programing background.  I understand the technology, but programing and I just don't get along. I am more of a sysadmin type. I like troubleshooting problems and telling someone else to fix the code.

I really want to go back and work with the training group.

-jac