What is the output of SmartBuilder?

SmartBuilder generates a .SWF file that runs in an HTML shell, plus additional files depending on the download format that you select. These include: Basic format, SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004, AICC, offline delivery, 508 compliant, and alternate language formats.

How do I deliver my content?

You can deliver lessons stand-alone, or as part of a course. Content can be delivered online using an LMS or web-server or offline using an executable (.EXE) or .HTA format.

How long will it take me to learn SmartBuilder?

A typical user needs about one day of training and two weeks of usage to achieve an intermediate skill level. Subject matter experts and translators can be up and running in as little as an hour if they only need to layout static content, edit existing content, or populate templates.

Can clients and subject matter experts (SME's) edit content without having to learn the authoring interface?

Yes. Clients and SME's can view and edit text and media in a table format that does not require knowledge of the SmartBuilder authoring environment. Alternatively, text can be exported into an Excel spreadsheet, edited, and then re-imported into the system.

Are there training resources built into the tool?

There are several resources to help you learn how to use the system. For new users, there are two main resources: SmartBuilder video tutorials, which teach the fundamentals of using SmartBuilder; and the online support site, which provides comprehensive documentation on how to complete specific tasks in the system. There is also a link to initiate a chat with a live support representative.

What kind of support is available?

Unlimited support is included in the annual subscription cost. We are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday PST.

Who else is using SmartBuilder?

Dozens of small, medium and large organizations including Google, Red Hat, Qualcomm, the Nature Conservancy, the US Army, Northeastern University, Penn State University, and many others.

Do I need to be connected to the Internet to use this tool?

Yes. SmartBuilder runs in a browser that is connected to a central server, which enables users to collaborate with other users in the same organization.

Isn't authoring over the internet going to be slower than using a desktop application?

No, the entire authoring environment is loaded into your browser when you open a lesson. This means that the vast majority of your actions (e.g. adding, moving and resizing objects, or setting up interactivity) occur locally without server communication. The only time you will notice a delay is when saving content or searching for content on the server.

What kind of video files do you support?

Flash video (.FLV) can be embedded within SmartBuilder content. All other video formats are supported, but must be embedded using SmartBulder's iFrame object. Using the FLV format offers the benefit of allowing authors to create a video timeline whereby the video can be paused and resumed using external events (e.g. a button click), and the video can trigger external events (e.g. show text, go to the next page, etc.).

Can a seat license be shared?

Yes, but the system was not designed to be used this way. For example, only one user can access the system at a time and work can be lost if other users login at the same time. However, licenses can be transferred if, for example, a user changes roles or there is a new hire.

What types of media files are supported?

For graphics: .JPG, .GIF, .PNG & .SWF. For audio: .MP3. For Video: .FLV. These file types can be used directly on the authoring stage, and are embedded into your SmartBuilder content. All other file types may be imported into SmartBuilder and embedded using an iFrame or launched in a separate browser window.

Is SmartBuilder SCORM and AICC compliant?

Yes. SmartBuilder is SCORM v1.2, SCORM v2004, and AICC compliant.

What does SmartBuilder cost?

SmartBuilder can be purchased for installation on a client's server, or can be hosted by Suddenly Smart. The hosted option costs $1,970 per year per author and includes updates, maintenance, support and unlimited content development. Please contact us at 1-800-690-4259 for information on the purchase options. Discounts are available for academic, government and not-for-profit institutions.

Can I create assessments?

Yes, you can build classic multiple choice type assessments. However, you have the flexibility to track and report learner actions for any other type of interaction as well. This enables you to build assessments based on the performance of real-world tasks, not just the recall of information as with multiple-choice questions.

How do I track my learners' results?

In order to store and analyze your learners' results, you will need a Learning Management System (LMS) or custom tracking database. Using an LMS, scores are passed between SmartBuilder content and your LMS using SCORM or AICC protocols. If you don't have an LMS but have a custom tacking database, you can use an http query string to pass information to your database. Alternatively, Suddenly Smart can host and support an LMS for your organization. Please contact us for more information about these options.

Do I own my content, and can it run without access to SmartBuilder?

Yes. You own the content that you create using SmartBuilder and it can run independently of the SmartBuilder application. End learners do not need any special software to view content other than the Flash player.

Can we create our own look and feel?

Yes. You can design your SmartBuilder content to look exactly the way you wish. Buttons, radio buttons, check boxes, backgrounds, navigation elements and skins are all fully customizable.

How many learners can view my content?

SmartBuilder content can be distributed to as many learners as you like. SmartBuilder’s licensing is associated with user seats, not end-learner seats.

Can I import content from other tools such as PowerPoint and Word?

Yes. You can import any file type into SmartBuilder as an asset. These assets can be launched from SmartBuilder lessons in a new browser, or embedded in lessons using an iFrame. You can also convert PowerPoint files into native SmartBuilder lessons. PowerPoint slides will become pages in SmartBuilder and text and graphics will be converted into native SmartBuilder text and graphic objects.

Do you support internationalization for multiple languages?

Yes, SmartBuilder allows you to re-purpose content for different audiences and languages. You can create translation versions, assign translators, track translation progress and maintain version control from a single interface. Target versions are linked to a source version so that edits can be made in one place and automatically applied to all target versions. Text and media can be translated in SmartBuilder, or, text can be exported to Excel for translation.

Can I move from a hosted to installed server solution?

Yes. If you decide in the future that an installed solution better fits your needs, then it is possible to transfer your data from our hosted server to your own internal server.

Can I edit SmartBuilder content with Flash

No. You can however edit lesson text and media outside of SmartBuilder using an .xml editor.

Can multiple users edit the same piece of content?

Yes. That is one of the advantages of SmartBuilder’s collaborative authoring environment. You can add co-owners to your content to enable others to edit it, or you can drag content into your organization’s public folders so that it can be copied or re-used by anyone in your organization. The system automatically manages checking-in and checking-out of content to prevent versioning problems.

Is my content secure?

Yes. Your content is hosted on a secure server and is transferred through a secure channel. Your content is protected and only available to other users in your organization that you specifically allow to view or edit the content. We also archive all content daily as part of our disaster recovery procedure.

I'm just a single user, is SmartBuilder appropriate for me?

Yes. The SmartBuilder authoring environment enables you to build professional quality content without programming knowledge or multimedia skills. There is also a common misconception that the content management features of SmartBuilder are overkill for a single author. Not so. You will find that content versioning, re-use and re-purposing, are extremely valuable. You can also use SmartBuilder as sales tool since you can empower clients to review and edit content themselves.

Do you offer acadmic, government and not-for-profit discounts?

Yes, please contact us at 1-800-690-4259 for more information on these programs.