New features include PowerPoint import, Mac OS X playback, and JavaScript support
AUCKLAND, New Zealand - 17 June 2003 - Macromedia (Nasdaq: MACR) announced the immediate availability of Macromedia
Authorware 7, the dedicated solution for creating highly interactive rich media e-learning content. Macromedia
Authorware 7 enables e-learning developers to import Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, play back content on Mac OS X,
use industry standard JavaScript scripting, and easily integrate content with learning management systems (LMS).
Macromedia Authorware 7 is available for immediate download from the Macromedia Online Store at
http://www.macromedia.com/go/buyaw7/.
"For more than a decade, Macromedia Authorware has set the standard for e-learning applications, and now enables
non-programmers to create content that is accessible and standards-compatible," said Kevin M. Lynch, vice president of
e-learning and collaboration, Macromedia. "With support for emerging technologies, integration with learning management
systems, and the ability to leverage PowerPoint presentations to build interactive courseware, Authorware 7 continues
its ongoing mission to reduce the barriers to creating effective e-learning applications."
Macromedia Authorware 7 integrates graphics, sound, animation, text, and video into compelling e-learning experiences.
Macromedia Authorware 7 uses the same intuitive user interface that is featured across the Macromedia MX family of
products while retaining the product's visual flowline authoring metaphor and drag-and-drop functionality. The product
also enables developers to leverage existing Microsoft PowerPoint presentations to create rich e-learning content.
Macromedia Authorware 7 now supports the import of DVD video so that this popular video format can be used in Authorware
interactive applications. For more information, visit http://www.macromedia.com/go/aw7/.
"Macromedia Authorware 7 is the most robust tool in the industry for authoring e-learning applications that integrate
with learning management systems," said Jacquie Beck, vice president of e-learning, Brookwood Media Arts, a Macromedia
Alliance partner. "The new features in Authorware raise the bar for both development and tracking."
Macromedia Authorware 7 is available as both a standalone product or as part of the Macromedia eLearning Suite, which
also includes Macromedia Flash MX and Macromedia Dreamweaver MX.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY Macromedia Authorware 7 is available for immediate download from the Macromedia Online Store
(http://www.macromedia.com/store/). The product runs on Windows 98 SE, 2000, and XP. The product is priced at NZ$5,775
for new users, NZ$785 to upgrade from Authorware 6.5, and NZ$1,740 to upgrade from Authorware 5.x and 6.0, with
educational pricing at NZ$970. Macromedia eLearning Suite is priced at NZ$6,730 for new users, with educational pricing
at NZ$1,165. Macromedia Authorware 7 and Macromedia eLearning Suite is available in English only. Volume licensing is
also available.