Assistware: "Moment Of Need" Support.

Baydon Solutions, Inc. offers what it terms predicament-based knowledge support, providing knowledge to employees engaged in customer interactions when they need it, rather than if they might need it. Baydon cites just-in-time performance as an emerging trend that de-emphasizes training per se so that employees spend more time performing their tasks. Aimed at reducing dependence on classroom or online training where the instruction is generic and may involve training in features or functions not normally used by employees, Baydon's predicament-based approach allows users to define their own training. Assistware is a software toolkit used to develop and deploy electronic performance support systems for single or multiple applications. It provides a central information repository for creation and maintenance/management of support and training materials, an intuitive developer toolkit for assembling and linking training materials into an intuitive project structure and a multi-user developer environment with re vision controls for team-based materials development. It also allows for project sharing and linking for reducing duplication in generic support materials. The solution provides for multiplatform generation, does not require source code access or technical resources for project development and is customizable.

Assistware is comprised of four components: Assistware Developer, the main project development work area; Assistware Camera, a technology that captures screen information to which context-sensitive support is attached; Assistware Viewer, which displays training and support content to the end user of the desktop at the moment of need; and the Entry Point Manager, the link between the host application and associated training/support content. End users receive help with their specific needs when they position the Assistware Bubble on the application area requiring support. Assistware information can be linked to screens, messages, buttons, etc., within end user applications. The product tracks the use of information in its database, which can be assessed by other programs to determine what support materials are being used, frequency of use and by whom. Assistware's output is in HTML, with converters to other formats available from Baydon. Assistware can be deployed on your existing Web infrastructure or proprie tary networks.