In The Press
MadCap Echo Offers Dynamic Web 2.0 Audio Integration
MadCap Software's Latest Innovation Lets Users Produce Audio Flash Files for Podcasts and Other Instructional Purposes
San Diego, CA, USA – February 26, 2007 — MadCap Software today announced the release of MadCap Echo. Following in the footsteps of MadCap's recent breakout successes in multi-channel content authoring and partnership with Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), MadCap Echo opens new doors for audio integration into information publishing. MadCap Echo is a unique application that provides an easy way for authors to create and incorporate state-of-the art audio and customizable Flash files into online output, and it works with industry-driven file formats such as XML, SWF, MP3, and WAV. The resulting possibilities range from simple narration to integration of the most cutting-edge Web 2.0 technologies.
Like the other members of the MadCap Software family - Flare, Mimic, and Capture - MadCap Echo is a flexible, open-architecture application that allows for easy sharing and modification of files, rather than inhibiting forward progress with proprietary files that are useful only in their native environments.
How MadCap Echo Works
Individuals can work with MadCap Echo independently, or they can take advantage of its tight integration with MadCap Flare 2.5, the first native XML content authoring application designed for single-source, multi-channel publishing. Users can import MP3 or WAV files, or they can record new audio files with the Echo interface. When the audio output is generated, the result is an icon that users click to open an audio player toolbar. They can then click the audio player buttons to access the sound and other features.
Users can manipulate MadCap Echo output in various ways. First, they can edit the actual audio wave, performing tasks such as inserting silent areas and boosting the volume. In addition, skins can be created and modified in order to customize the look and feel of the icon and audio player.
Perhaps the best aspect of MadCap Echo is its built-in integration with MadCap Flare. This allows authors to quickly and easily inject Flash-based audio files into their online information systems, which in turn allows for more robust, multi-dimensional output for end users.
“The possibilities are quite far reaching,” said Mike Hamilton, MadCap Software vice president of product management. “MadCap Echo fills the needs of both authors and end users to take advantage of the continuing advances of Web 2.0 and provide for a better experience. For example, not only can authors add narration next to step-by-step procedures, but they can even incorporate full-blown podcasts directly into topics.”
With Echo, this makes it extremely easy, and there is no need to create links to external sources. It's all integrated at one location.
When it comes to generating the Echo audio output, there are multiple choices available. First, users can generate output directly from the Echo user interface. Second, if audio is integrated into a MadCap Flare project, the audio output is automatically compiled when the Flare output is generated. Finally, users can generate audio output from their operating system's command line, which means that Echo does not even need to be open to produce the output files.
MadPak Single-Source Publishing Suite
In addition to being sold separately, MadCap Echo is the latest application to provide an enhancement for MadPak, the industry's first true single-source suite for multi-channel publishing. Components of this “dream suite” also include MadCap Flare, MadCap Mimic, and MadCap Capture. Mimic is a state-of-the-art software simulation tool. Capture is a cutting-edge screen capture and graphics editing program. Like MadCap Echo, Mimic and Capture also are tightly integrated with Flare 2.5. An additional component of MadCap's dream suite is MadCap Blaze, an alternative to Adobe® FrameMaker® for producing long printed documents, which will be released in 2H 2007.
“MadCap was founded to produce a new future-proof architecture for content authoring and delivery that would specifically address companies' needs for publishing across multiple Web, intranet, and print channels,” said Anthony Olivier, MadCap CEO. “As the first true single-source publishing suite, MadPak carries forward this mission and sets a new standard in multi-channel publishing. By providing a highly integrated way to create and update structured content, MadCap also is helping to solve many of today's content management challenges by addressing them at the source.”
Pricing and Availability
MadCap Echo is priced at $129. The MadPak bundled suite, including MadCap Flare, MadCap Mimic, MadCap Capture and MadCap Echo, is priced at $1,099. Flare 2.5 is priced at $899 per license. Upgrades for current users are available for $499. Fees for support start at $449 per year.
About MadCap Software
MadCap Software is a trusted resource for thousands of companies around the globe for single-source, multi-channel authoring and publishing solutions designed to streamline the process of developing and delivering training content, learning and development programs, technical documentation, online Help, knowledge bases, and more. From authoring, publishing and translation, to cloud-based content management system, to contribution and review in the cloud, you can streamline content delivery and manage the entire content development lifecycle with MadCap Software. MadCap Software’s services include product training, consulting services, translation and localization, and an advanced developer certification program. Headquartered in San Diego, California, with offices in Austin, TX, MadCap Software is home to some of the most experienced software architects and product experts in the content development industry.
