Case Study: Online Video Training Application - Total Training
Challenge:
Total Training is a leading provider of software training videos, providing in-box DVD training for software companies including Microsoft and Adobe. In keeping with the current trends, Total Training wanted to transition from DVD-based delivery to online delivery of their video training products. Cypress was engaged to develop a Flash-based video player and user registration and management system to allow customers, from individuals to corporations, to sign up for online access to Total Training's video training products. Cypress developed the site framework in .NET 2.0, and the overall solution interfaces with thePlatform's Media Publishing System and Total Training's current hard goods e-commerce fulfillment system. The new Total Training Online is the result.
Cypress Solution:
Cypress and Total Training worked closely together to architect this complex system from the moment of purchase all the way through the customer's viewing experience. Cypress's deep experience in working with broadband video and thePlatform allowed for a completely custom implementation of content categories and multiple scenarios of user licenses to access that content - from generic guest users to individual product purchases, and from bundle purchases to various types of enterprise licenses. Cypress also created a custom administration application for the Total Training sales staff to create and manage various sets of activation codes for their enterprise clients. Cypress worked in tandem with Total Training's development team to ensure a successful integration with the website purchase flow and the user's familiar account areas.
For the Online Training application itself, Cypress created a Flash-based interface that allows for familiar and user-friendly tools for browsing and controlling the online video, presented in Windows Media Video and Quicktime, depending on the user's operating system and browser platform. A unique system of course progress tracking and bookmarking was implemented; this persists permanently for the user so that they can log back in at any time and still have this individual information to supplement their training experience. Total Training Online is designed to let the user set their own pace for their learning experience.
With Total Training Online, users can now gain access to Total Training's award-winning, high-definition tutorials - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, Total Training has opened a new revenue stream to an entirely new online market, while setting the stage to dramatically decrease their distribution costs over time.
Technologies Employed:.NET 2.0, SQL Server, Flash
