Interwise Enterprise Communications Platform.Interwise Enterprise Communications Platform, synchronous tool, Interwise (617-475-2200, www.interwise.com), $75 to $250 per person per year. Interwise Enterprise Communications Platform (ECP (Enhanced Capabilities Port) See IEEE 1284. 1. ECP - Engineering Change Proposal. 2. ECP - Enhanced Capabilities Port. 3. ECP - Extended Capabilities Port. 4. ECP - Extended Concurrent Prolog. ) is a single platform supporting web meetings, e-learning, online seminars, webcasts, on-demand recordings, and traditional voice-only conferencing. Its design rivals the latest iPod for coolness, simplicity, and amazing functionality. With enterprise-wide web tools available, companies are developing blended learning Blended Learning is the combination of multiple approaches to learning. Blended learning can be accomplished through the use of 'blended' virtual and physical resources. A typical example of this would be a combination of technology-based materials and face-to-face sessions used programs to support strategic initiatives. Some blended programs are as simple as combining a single e-learning course and a classroom session. Others bring together a much more sophisticated mix of elements, including mentoring, simulations, job aids coaching, peer networks, and other techniques. Interwise ECP does it all, from one-on-one meetings to a broadcast to thousands. ECP's primary interface is through the Communications Center An agency charged with the responsibility for handling and controlling communications traffic. The center normally includes message center, transmitting, and receiving facilities. Also called COMCEN. See also telecommunications center. , a web-based facility to schedule events, register and invite users, authenticate access, track and report system usage, and store and distribute content and recordings. INSTALLATION AND INITIAL USE New users can start with a slick "system check" that analyzes their computer and tests speakers and microphone. To my surprise, it also alerted me to a newer version of PowerPoint's viewer and provided a link to download it--just one example of Interwise's thoughtful features that keep you from scrambling to be ready for a session. The system check also evaluates your browser compatibility The ability of a Web browser to effectively display the HTML code and execute the scripts on Web pages. The changes in HTML features since the mid-1990s, along with the versions of JavaScript and Java languages, combined with the differences between Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer and invites you to jump into a demo session for practice, calming any jitters jitters 'Butterflies' Psychology An episode of nervousness or anxiety that often precedes a public event; jitters is a type of performance anxiety which may affect actors in a stage production–stage fright or soloist musicians; it may respond to anxiolytics for new users. As an invited meeting attendee, a participant logs in after receiving an invitation via email and clicking the "Enter" link in the message. Meeting login is secured with a User ID and telephone access password. DOCUMENTATION In addition to bountiful online resources, ECP has generous end user training and job aids for participating in an iMeeting, creating meetings with MS Outlook, and managing the ECP interface. HELP/SUPPORT Interwise offers extensive online resources, including manuals and quick reference guides to ease participants into training. Help is available online through a searchable index or in print. Interwise customers also receive support via phone, email, and the web. I participated in several free courses and webinars, both to sample the product and to explore and learn features. My experience was seamless, and nothing about the sessions felt new. Using intuitive interfaces and tools that seem to be just where I needed them, I created an impromptu session without effort. The best way to evaluate Interwise is to jump in to a free live web event [http://events.interwise.com]. INTERFACE Both administrators and participants interact with ECP completely through a standard web browser The program that serves as your front end to the Web on the Internet. In order to view a site, you type its address (URL) into the browser's Location field; for example, www.computerlanguage.com, and the home page of that site is downloaded to you. . ECP is a single solution for classes, meetings, webinars, and voice conferencing so it has cost advantages for anyone currently using stand-alone training and meeting programs and expensive conference calls. By registering in advance for an event, I literally walked into my office and clicked to enter the meeting. Before I even took off my coat, I was actively engaged in the audio and video meeting. I appreciated such thoughtful features as on-screen on·screen or on-screen adj. & adv. 1. As shown on a movie, television, or display screen. 2. Within public view; in public. audio and microphone volume adjusters and ECP's on-the-fly transition between audio devices. You can participate in a session with VOIP (Voice Over IP) A digital telephone service that uses the public Internet as well as private backbones instead of the traditional telephone network. Many companies, including Vonage, 8x8 and AT&T (CallVantage), typically offer calling within the country for a and switch to your cellphone (CELLular telePHONE) The first ubiquitous wireless telephone. Originally analog, all new cellular systems are digital, which has enabled the cellphone to turn into a smartphone that has access to the Internet. and still be in the meeting. MAJOR FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS ECP supports any content creation tool that can run on a user's desktop. It offers multiple modes of live collaboration and e-learning with the ability to record, edit, and reuse this knowledge: * iClass is a full featured e-learning environment for multiple or assistant moderators with lesson templates and breakout groups with individual study rooms and hands-on labs. The moderator can control and alter the makeup of each group if desired. * iMentor goes beyond a typical conferencing solution. I found this particularly appealing as a practical solution for "over the shoulder" training where you can remotely coach someone through a sales presentation, give complex support to a computer user right on their desktop, or conduct informal mentoring. * iMeeting is now offered as a pay-per use option, with a "Rooms Without Walls" ability. This allows small, impromptu meetings for 41 cents per minute (one hour minimum) per connection, including full use of Interwise VOIP, whiteboard, web camera, and document sharing See data conferencing. at no additional cost. * iSeminar can accommodate up to 200 participants and allows moderators to view poll and survey results instantly, with video streaming See streaming video and video stream. and application sharing A data conferencing capability that lets two or more users interactively work on the same application at the same time. The application is loaded and running in only one machine; however, keystrokes are transmitted from and screen changes are transmitted to the other participants. . iSeminars are automatically recorded for later editing or re-use. * iCast uses streaming video, requiring a USB USB in full Universal Serial Bus Type of serial bus that allows peripheral devices (disks, modems, printers, digitizers, data gloves, etc.) to be easily connected to a computer. camera. With it you can get up close with your audience, in an arena-style view. Live or recorded broadcasts can be accessed at any time, customized with your logo. Presenters can use any content from their desktop as lesson materials and handouts, including native Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and Macromedia Flash. ECP integrates with Outlook but has its own full calendar in the Communications Center. Interwise offers application sharing, whiteboard, web tour, drag-and-drop materials insert, multiple moderators, testing, syllabus, breakout groups, attendance tracking, and integration with LMS, LCMS LCMS Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod LCMS Learning Content Management System (Docent, Inc.) LCMS Living Conditions Monitoring Survey LCMS Louisiana Center for Manufacturing Sciences LCMS Lindero Canyon Middle School , and other third-party e-learning software. COMPATIBILITY Interwise ECP Connect is compatible with any content creation tool that runs on a PC and with the e-learning standards, AICC AICC anti-inhibitor coagulant complex. and SCORM SCORM Shareable Content Object Reference Model (web-based e-learning standard) SCORM Shared Courseware Object Reference Model SCORM Shareable Courseware Object Reference Model . According to the vendor, Interwise ECP Connect is compatible "out of the box" with these LMS's: SumTotal, KnowledgePlanet, Saba, PeopleSoft, Pathlore, BlackBoard, Britannica Knowledge Systems, Learnframe, and Lotus. PRICE Unlike most e-learning vendors who charge based on a concurrent user model that involves counting seats and hours of usage and paying "overage Overage Apples mainly to convertible securities. Difference between how much common stock one party must sell and the other wishes to buy for the same amount of convertible in a swap. " charges, Interwise prices ECP Connect on a fixed price/unlimited usage model. Specifically, Interwise prices range from about $75 to $250 per person per year. That includes unlimited usage (no cap on hours) for both e-learning and web and voice conferencing. RECOMMENDATION Interwise ECP is one of the best products I've evaluated for TMR TMR total mixed ration. TMR 1 Trainable mentally retarded 2 Transmyocardial revascularization, see there . I think it stands out among its competitors for its collaboration power and flexible, integrated VOIP. Interwise is an award-wining, program, with several shiny trophies, including ComputerWorld's Innovative Technology award, Internet Telephony magazine's product of the year, and Gartner Group's most innovative technology award. It's likely VOIP will be the driving force in further moves toward web-based integrated training and meeting applications, and Interwise has stellar capabilities in this area. Interwise star rating CATEGORY Installation and initial use 3.5 Documentation 3 Help/Support 3.5 Interface 4 Ease of use 4 Compatibility 4 Value for the money 3.5 Overall rating 3.5 |
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