Centigram Develops Advanced Computer Based Training for Customer Technical Education; Centigram Chooses Macromedia Authorware, Leading Multimedia Toolware, to Increase Retention, Reduce Overall Investment in the Classroom.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 10, 1996--Centigram Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: CGRM) and Macromedia (NASDAQ: MACR) today announced a pioneering application of computer- based training (CBT) in the telecommunications industry utilizing Macromedia Authorware in a series of multimedia training offerings which employ CD-ROM technology for the new Centigram Series 6 communications server.

This improved and more effective training strategy prepares technical personnel to support Centigram's Series 6, its next generation server for voice, data, fax, and e-mail messages.

Utilizing a combination of CBT and hands-on practice, technical support and application design personnel now spend 50 to 100 percent less time in the classroom and can access course content when and where they need it. CBT has been demonstrated to increase retention rates by 30 to 70 percent. With the multimedia-based CD-ROM format, students can easily review the course material, both before and after training is completed.

Responds to Customer Needs

Centigram developed this new training methodology in response to customer demand to reduce out-of-field time and cost associated with classroom based technical certification. Series 6 installation and maintenance training for the new high end Model 640 is now shortened from a two week classroom course to 20 hours of interactive learning and four days of classroom work.

Field support engineers supporting the low end Model 70 and the mid range Model 120 are certified through interactive multimedia training without attending class. Also, application designers utilize Centigram's CBT to reduce certification classroom training by one week.

Uses Leading Software Technology

Centigram developed its new multimedia training programs using Macromedia Authorware, authoring software for interactive information, and created a highly intuitive training program for a diverse audience.

"Our investment in computer based training is a key component of our Series 6 introduction and represents another major step in enhancing supportability for our global distributors, service providers and end user customers," said George Sollman, president and CEO of Centigram. "Using enabling technology from industry leaders such as Macromedia is part of our strategy not only to sell industry leading products, but to partner with other technology leaders and deliver state-of-the-art, innovative solutions to best meet the needs of our customers."

"Authorware is a perfect tool for organizations that want to create highly engaging, interactive training programs," said Bud Colligan, president and CEO of Macromedia. "Using Authorware's easy, icon based scripting language, Centigram customized its training to fit its needs and the needs of a diverse, global technical staff, all while providing an interesting, useful learning environment."

Joan Carol Brigham, IDC senior consultant, said, "Macromedia Authorware helps technically savvy companies like Centigram create interactive training programs that let learners spend less time in the classroom while retaining more information."

Availability

The CBT is now available for the Series 6, as well as for Centigram's previous communications server, the Adaptive Information Processor (AIP) 5.04 platform. Costs for the courses using CBT begin at $1,500. A free CD-ROM demonstration of various training lessons is also available for members of the press. For more information, call Centigram's Dan Spalding at 408/428-3559.

About Macromedia, Inc.

Macromedia Inc., the leader in digital arts, multimedia and Web publishing software, offers a full range of products for the Windows and Macintosh platforms.

The company's flagship products include: FreeHand, the most powerful tool for design and illustration; Authorware, the most powerful multiplatform authoring environment for interactive information; Director, the industry-standard animation and authoring tool for multimedia production and featuring Shockwave, the most powerful authoring tools for multimedia production on the Internet; Extreme 3DO, a powerful 3D modeling tool for multimedia, graphics and product design; SoundEdit 16O, the easy-to-use digital sound recording and editing solution; Fontographer, the industry-standard for type design and editing; and Macromedia xRes, the most powerful creative tool for high resolution images.

For more information on Macromedia products, call 800/326-2128, 415/252-2000, or fax [phone]. You can also reach Macromedia on America On-Line: Keyword: MACROMEDIA; CompuServe: GO MACROMEDIA; Microsoft Network (MSN): GO MACROMEDIA; Internet: [e-mail]; or on the World Wide Web: http://www.macromedia.com.

About Centigram Communications Corporation

Centigram is a leading global provider of communications solutions. Centigram solves communications problems by integrating voice, data and facsimile on its Series 6 communications server, and providing access to this multimedia information through a telephone or PC. The Series 6 platform is based on industry standard hardware and software. Centigram also licenses TruVoice, its patented text to speech software.

Centigram is headquartered at 91 East Tasman Drive, San Jose, Calif., 95134. Phone: [phone], fax: [phone], World Wide Web http://www.centigram.com. Centigram has sales and support offices in North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Australia. Macromedia product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Macromedia, Inc. Centigram, AIP and TruVoice are registered trademarks of Centigram Communications Corp. Other product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Centigram Communications Corp.

Dan Spalding, 408/428-3559

[e-mail]

or

Macromedia, Inc.

Mary Leong, 415/252-2118

[e-mail]