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 ToolsSoftware Evaluation

2. INTRODUCTION

3. BackgroundCategory: Screencasting SoftwareComparing: Adobe Captivate 4 and Epiance Epiplex500Our 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. RequirementsCan quickly capture session once and then output to multiple formats laterCan add/edit audioCan output to .doc and .swf formatsCan add comments/tips to stepsCan capture any system and block out specified applications (Outlook or IM)Easy to edit to remove/add/change screenshots

5. FEATURES

6. Captivate FeaturesCapture Can capture virtually any system, ignoring pop-ups and other applicationsCan create project templates with set preferences to reduce capture timePost-Capture EditingEditing menu and layout very user-friendlyCan add or edit audio easilyCan easily edit screen images, text, etc.Can add comments, highlights, rollovers, animations, etc.Supports Flash and video embeddingText to speech featureOutputs (formats)Interactive formats (.swf, .exe. or .avi) Demonstration, Training and Assessment modesDocuments (.pdf, .doc.)

7. Epiplex FeaturesCapture Capture virtually any systemBlock pop-ups and specific applications from captureSet preferences to reduce capture timeMask private data fieldsPost-Capture EditingMask/secure data fieldsEdit screen images, text, etc.Add “sticky notes” and calloutsOutputs (formats)Pack Utility and Document Wizard assist in outputInteractive formats (.swf or DHTML) Show, Guide and Test versionsDocuments (.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. ConclusionBoth fully meet core requirementsRecommendation: 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.