Product Overview Remarks

The OpenFLEX-Partner LMS Framework provides a centralized location from which to manage both Technology Based Training (computer, Web, electronic documents, etc.), and Instructor Led Training (ILT). OpenFLEX-Partner LMS Framework is to designed launch, track, and report information from courses produced by a variety of vendors, as well as customized or internally-developed courses. The OpenFLEX-Partner LMS Framework can track and report on critical information from within a course without requiring any changes to the courseware. Some examples of the types of information tracked are time spent in the course, total number of questions answered, total number of questions answered correctly, and percentage of correctly answered questions. The OpenFLEX-Partner LMS Framework�s Transaction Logging and Enhanced Security provide the security required for FDA compliance. The Administrator Module enables the administrator to manage, track, and document information for classes, people, groups, and reports. The OpenFLEX-Partner LMS Framework�s Online Manager provides managers with the ability to view and assist students assigned to them within the system. Other OpenFLEX-Partner LMS Framework Features include an Embedded Database, SmartUpdate service, and Disconnected Courses. The OpenFLEX-Partner LMS Framework database can also be utilized in a hosted environment, allowing for corporate re-branding.

Critique

The OpenFLEX-Partner LMS Framework is a stable and mature learning management system with a fairly large number of implementations. The people at OpenFLEX Partner are well respected in the industry. Having come from a content development background and realizing the need for a robust product for launching content, OpenFLEX Partner developed their tool before the start of the LMS explosion (around 1996). This tool is best known for being able to run content from many, many vendors. The program has long followed learning industry standards and has the unique core capability of being able to launch a variety of e-Learning programs from multiple vendors that typically need special software. The company has developed some of the best tools in the business for accessing learner performance data from proprietary systems. And as a result, they�ve already linked OpenFLEX-Partner LMS Framework to some of the most popular content libraries available. After comparing several learning management systems, one programmer recently said, �This system has the best core functionality I�ve seen in a learning management system.?The OpenFLEX-Partner LMS Framework uses a multi-tier architecture making if scalable for large implementations.

On the downside, The OpenFLEX-Partner LMS Framework started as a client/server application prior
to the Internet explosion. Although the system runs very nicely, some training managers are
getting a bit impatient about the system¡¯s migration to become fully Web-centric.
This system should definitely appear on your short list of tools to consider.
Competitive Strengths
.Integrated e-Learning platform.
.Quick creation of learning solutions for corporate, B2B and B2C learning portals
.Unified view of learning
System Requirements
Learner
Recommendation Varies based upon OS, Database type and estimated size.
Pentium 75 MHz
16 MB memory
1 MB disk space
Server
Dual-Pentium II 300 MHz
IIS 4.0 for Win NT/ 2000
256 MB
Administrator
Pentium II 300 MHz
64 MB memory
30 MB disk space

Name or Version of Announced Future Product

Authoring Capabilities
OpenFLEX Partner does not directly author courseware. However, the architecture allows the
integration of courses authored by a wide variety of authoring tools.
Content Assembly
OpenFLEX-Partner LMS Framework has the ability to launch any executables: word processors, presentation tools, etc., that
can be used to create content.
Content Delivery
OpenFLEX Partner products can launch, track and score any CBT or WBT.
User Tracking/ Management
A user’s complete training history is tracked from within the LMS. Using a standard browser,
students are empowered to take control of their training records. They have the ability to
register in authorized technology based and classroom-based training. Students can complete
courses and electronically sign document-based training.
An administrator or manager has the ability to follow and maintain this history as well as
manage events associated with a student’s training history. An authorized administrator or
manager can authorize and register students for courses. Where applicable, an administrator
or manager can mark a student complete (instructor led and outside seminars for example).
All data updates and or changes to the system can be tracked and viewed via electronic log.
The log indicates record prior to change and record after change.
Data within the LMS can be integrated with a corporate HRIS system, thus allowing new
users to be automatically added to the training system. Data can also be imported at any
time. Manual data entry is also possible.
Training Records Management
Training records are accurate and secure within the database. Historical records can be
archived and saved by a system administrator. An audit trail can be maintained for all
records to ensure accuracy of data. The audit trail includes all actions completed by students,
managers, and administrators. Intruder detection enhances the overall security of the
system.
Completions (time in course, answers, etc.) are recorded. Managers, students and
administrators control records.
Can Require Prerequisites
Prerequisites are fully supported. OpenFLEX-Partner LMS Framework allows for multiple prerequisites as well as the support
for equivalent prerequisites.
Curriculum Management
A curriculum manager role can be established to support all functions. These functions
include the support of nested curricula (a curricula inside of another curricula), pre- and post-testing,
assessments, sequential ordering, and prerequisite requirements.
Curricula are listed within the course catalog for easier student usage.
Competency Management
Existing partnerships with SkillView, and SkillScape allows the partnered solution to map
competencies to courses, integrate between the products, and have the ability to track and
score courses.

Competency and skill sets are maintained as part of a students training record. We also allow
for assessments to be integrated from within the product to enable organizations to fully
develop and utilize the competencies and skills of their employees.
Certification Management
Certifications are monitored through the curriculum management process. Re-certifications,
for courses and curricula are also supported. Time sensitive completions, which are a
requirement of many certifications, are also monitored and maintained within the system.
Track Online Courses Developed with Other Tools
OpenFLEX Partner supplies an SDK to assist with the integration of courses developed with virtually
any development tool. Full tracking capabilities are supported (from registration to testing).
OpenFLEX Partner’s open architecture is similar to a platform or operation system (like Windows,
Linux, Unix, or NetWare) where connections, much like drivers, are written to create an
integration with courseware or another e-Learning solution.
Live Online Learning
OpenFLEX Partner supports live online learning and currently has partnerships that provide this
form of technology. Registrations, completions, and any scoring may be stored within the
students training record.
OpenFLEX Partner has partnered with Centra and InterWise to provide this solution.
Discussion Forums
OpenFLEX Partner has integrated with O’Rielly WebBoard. This will allow the student to launch
WebBoard from the OpenFLEX-Partner LMS Framework then start or join a chat session.
Web boards and discussion forums are supported online and provide yet another level of
interaction with learning management system.
Collaboration Capabilities
OpenFLEX Partner has partnered with Centra and InterWise to provide collaboration capabilities.
Customize Look and Interface
Online modules can be customized by various supplied templates/themes or created by a
Web developer.
Customize Fields
User-defined and customized fields can be added and maintained within the learning
management system. Enterprise systems architecture allows for an unlimited range of user-defined
fields.
Customize Reports
Tools (such as Crystal reports) are provided that allow an administrator to create and
customize reports.
Built in Database
Microsoft Data Exchange (MSDE) ships with the OpenFLEX-Partner LMS Framework. Optional databases may also be used.
Database Compatibility
Microsoft SQL Server 7
Oracle 8.1x and later

OBDC Compliant
Yes.
JDBC Compliant
Yes.
Scalability of the system for enterprise use including software architecture
Yes.
Manage Multiple Time Zones
Currently this level of calendar capabilities are not supported in the OpenFLEX-Partner LMS Framework. However, this
functionality could be supported by a third party integration.
First Year of Full Implementation
1996
Number of Full Implementations to Date
OpenFLEX Partner has 200+ implementations to date.
Largest Full Implementation to Date
Intraware is OpenFLEX Partner’s largest implementation
200,000+ users having access to the site.
The main system consists of one database server and two Web servers.
Various other monitoring boxes and tools (NetIQ, Citrix, etc.)
Largest Number of Concurrent Users in a Test Environment
3,900 concurrent users.
Testing performed at KeyLabs in 1999 (Testing to be completed again in 2000 with a much
higher expectation of total users).
With the ability to support 3,900 concurrent users, and the fact that employees train an
average of twenty-seven hours per year, it can be logically extrapolated that the OpenFLEX-Partner LMS Framework can
support an enterprise user population of 300,300.
AICC Compliant
Yes, AICC level 1 compliant to AGR 10 (Web-based) specification.
Future Plans for AICC Compliance
Anticipated fall 2000
IMS Compatible
Compatible with IMS courseware. Full compliance to be completed.
Plans for IMS Compatibility
Yes.
Current Capabilities for Working with Third Party Products, Other LMS, ERP/ HRIS
PLS integrates and supports third party solutions. Integraions with other learning
management systems (proprietary LMS solutions that ship with content), and ERP solutions
such as PeopleSoft gave been completed.

Content Providers Currently Compatible for Tracking Scores
AICC, Bellcore, SmartForce, Centra, Coastal, ComputerPrep, Design-a-Course, DigitalThink,
DPEC, Educational Multimedia, FirstClass Systems, General Physics, Individual Software,
InfoSource, Iprax, ITC Learning, Knowledge Communications, KT Solutions, LearnKey,
MindQ, NETg, NIITOvernite, Pilot, Pinnacle Multimedia, Question Mark, QWIZ, SkillCheck,
SkillSoft, Summit Training, Tarragon, Teach.com, Williams Learning, Xebec, and ZIFF-DAVIS.
Other Capabilities
.Web-based administration and reporting capability.
.Web Manager access and reporting.
.Student access via LAN and Web applications.
.Hosting.
.OEM.
.Corporate universities.
.An open architecture that allows for quick and integrations.
Available Product Support Resources
OpenFLEX Partner provides (1-800) telephone technical support, with 24x7 on-call technical
support. We also have an E-mail address customers can use to get technical support.