Captivate and Epiplex are screencasting software options being evaluated to capture knowledge sessions and output in multiple formats like documents and simulations. Both allow capturing any system while blocking apps, editing screenshots, and outputting to common formats. Epiplex is recommended as it meets core needs, is cheaper, and already used in the company, providing an easy way to record quick sessions and output in different formats with minimal editing. Captivate may be considered if needs grow and a more robust solution is required.

1. Screencasting Tools Software Evaluation

2. INTRODUCTION

3. Background Category: Screencasting Software Comparing: Adobe Captivate 4 and Epiance Epiplex500 Our company is evaluating screencasting software that will be used to perform knowledge capture sessions and document findings in several formats (printable documentation and interactive simulations). We have access to these two potential solutions.

4. Requirements Can quickly capture session once and then output to multiple formats later Can add/edit audio Can output to .doc and .swf formats Can add comments/tips to steps Can capture any system and block out specified applications (Outlook or IM) Easy to edit to remove/add/change screenshots

5. FEATURES

6. Captivate Features Capture Can capture virtually any system, ignoring pop-ups and other applications Can create project templates with set preferences to reduce capture time Post-Capture Editing Editing menu and layout very user-friendly Can add or edit audio easily Can easily edit screen images, text, etc. Can add comments, highlights, rollovers, animations, etc. Supports Flash and video embedding Text to speech feature Outputs (formats) Interactive formats (.swf, .exe. or .avi) Demonstration, Training and Assessment modes Documents (.pdf, .doc.)

7. Epiplex Features Capture Capture virtually any system Block pop-ups and specific applications from capture Set preferences to reduce capture time Mask private data fields Post-Capture Editing Mask/secure data fields Edit screen images, text, etc. Add “sticky notes” and callouts Outputs (formats) Pack Utility and Document Wizard assist in output Interactive formats (.swf or DHTML) Show, Guide and Test versions Documents (.pdf, .doc., .ppt, .xml, .xls) Context Sensitive Help

8. COMPARISON

9. Epiplex Pros vs. Cons

10. Captivate Pros vs. Cons

11. Side by Side Comparison

12. Side by Side Comparison

13. RECOMMENDATION

14. Conclusion Both fully meet core requirements Recommendation: For our needs, Epiplex is the better solution. Because it is cheaper and already in use in many parts of the company, we could easily begin utilizing it. At this point, it provides a simple solution to record “quick and dirty” knowledge capture sessions and output in many formats with little editing. If our requirements grow, we might look at something more robust like Captivate.