Chrystal Software Deploys Eclipse for Open Learning Agency; Expands Reach of Major Distance Learning Provider.

Technology Editors

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 14, 2001

Chrystal Software, a Xerox Corporation New Enterprise Company, announced today that its Web-based content management software, Eclipse, is being installed at Open Learning Agency (OLA) of British Columbia.

One of the largest developers and providers of distance learning opportunities in Canada, OLA offers kindergarten-through-university educational services to distant locales. Chrystal Software partner Computing Art of Vancouver, B.C., facilitated the sale, installation, and rollout of the Eclipse project.

The initial installation includes 20 client licenses that will enable OLA authors to check in and check out versions of content and varied course materials from one information system that can house, dynamically assemble, and publish Web content to tens of thousands of students enrolled in hundreds of courses across British Columbia and internationally.

"OLA's application clearly illustrates the value of Eclipse," explained David Garnett, vice president and CEO of Chrystal Software. "Educational content creators all face the same challenge of delivering unique content to different end users. Eclipse makes that job effortless and effective by offering options for outputting one content set to the Web, CD-ROM, print, or even wireless devices."

"Distance learning is a knowledge management problem," said David Porter, OLA's executive director, Product Research and Development. "It's not just about getting information to students, it's about how you manage the content of the training courses, about being more efficient internally and more personally responsive to students' needs."

The Chrystal Software solution was chosen in large part because of its object-oriented approach and content-handling capability. With Eclipse, businesses that want to add interactive content to their Web sites can do so rapidly and incrementally. Eclipse incorporates traditional Web-site content, allowing the Web designers to continue using familiar HTML editors, file system managers, and other tools, while interactive content is defined and managed in a complementary fashion.

"OLA has the opportunity to grow substantially," said John Eadie, president of Computing Art. "The logical path was to extend the value of their existing SGML content by adding the power of Eclipse to their existing authoring and delivery environments."

"We see our business scaling up," said Porter. "The Net has given us great opportunities to do so. We found an architecture that can scale at an appropriate pace. One development site and multiple delivery options will make this happen."

"OLA now has 14 SGML courses online," explains Garnett. "Eclipse's superior content management capabilities will support these existing courses and provide a platform for exponential growth."

About Open Learning Agency

In 1978, the Government of British Columbia created the Open Learning Institute (OLI) in response to a special commission calling for greater access to public post-secondary education in British Columbia's rural areas. In 1980, Knowledge Network was established as the province's public educational television service. In 1988, OLI and Knowledge Network merged to form the Open Learning Agency. Since that time, OLA has continued to meet the needs of learners while growing to include K-12 resources, career and college preparation, college and university courses and programs, IT certification, career transition, credential evaluation, workplace training accreditation, educational broadcasting, and many other innovative programs and services.

About Computing Art

Located in Vancouver, Computing Art Inc. is a value-added reseller of XML products. Computer Art specializes in top-drawer products, including the new Eclipse product from Chrystal Software, as well as SoftQuad's XMetaL, and the FrameMaker+SGML authoring products. Computing Art also offers XML training and integration services ranging from transformation of legacy documents to architecting the XML application and supporting authoring groups.

About Chrystal Software

Chrystal Software, a Xerox New Enterprise company, designs and delivers innovative content management solutions. Chrystal's latest product, Eclipse, uses XML- and Java-based applications to manage and assemble individual pieces of Web-based information to create a quality content management and delivery solution for the Web, print, CD, or wireless devices. Eclipse addresses the need for efficient, cost-effective information management, retrieval, and delivery enabling companies to reduce costs while increasing revenue through the effective sharing of corporate knowledge.