SmartForce has unveiled e3, its new integrated, object-based e-Learning application architecture.
e3 is an open architecture, based on Internet technology standards, including XML and Java, and industry content management standards such as AICC, LRN and SCORM.
"e3 represents the next generation of SmartForce`s industry-leading e-Learning solution," says Milton Goldschmidt, MD of SmartForce Africa.
"The solution brings together SmartForce`s learning management capabilities, a comprehensive suite of tools, and SmartForce`s framework for the creation and presentation of e-Learning content at an object level.
"The combination creates an integrated, object-based e-Learning application architecture that allows SmartForce to deliver powerful e-Learning solutions to support companies` mission critical strategic business initiatives."
Key components of the e3 architecture include:
The first fully integrated rules-based learning object repository.
Tool sets for the rapid creation, structuring and publishing of content into the repository.
Personalised technologies supporting push and pull models of content management, delivery and customisation.
A technology framework, which provides the intelligence to enable an integrated learning, experience for the user.
Goldschmidt explains that e3 is founded on SmartForce`s standards-based e-Learning object framework, under which all e-Learning content is broken down into individual objects, each covering a single, discrete learning objective.
"This framework not only forms the architecture in which SmartForce`s e-Learning content is built, but e3 is also the underlying architecture supporting the SmartForce learning platform, its suite of content creation, content publication, customisation and personalised tools."
Goldschmidt explains that in order to support key business initiatives, enterprises worldwide require the ability to rapidly create and deploy Internet-based learning solutions targeted to their particular business requirements.
"Whether companies are looking to support the launch of a new product, to develop internal capabilities to effectively implement and use an Internet solution for procurement or marketing, or to create a comprehensive strategy to develop the skills and knowledge of their workforce, legacy learning offerings simply cannot meet these needs.
"Simple, generic courseware cannot be easily targeted to an enterprise`s highly specific business requirements. And the speed with which new initiatives must be rolled out in Internet time means that a strategy based on complete custom courseware development is prohibitively expensive and doomed to rapid obsolescence.
"In the Internet economy, a viable enterprise learning strategy requires an underlying infrastructure that can be used to rapidly create and modify a range of learning solutions for a range of business requirements. It was this requirement that led to the development of SmartForce`s e3 e-Learning application architecture," Goldschmidt adds.
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