Digital Workshop

Has something changed about which I'm unaware, or is everyone just recovering from the holiday?

It sure has been...
Can DW or evolution subscribers who are trying out the new release give us a breakdown on what new features to expect, that might getthe juices flowing again...
Better still, we could also love to see the release version demo

Guys --

Yes, the usual "how do you do this..." questions have fallen off with the holidays, but it seems like things are returning to "normal." I just saw Linda ask a question -- then answer it herself Those are the easiest kind.

The Evolution folks had to take an oath of silence regarding what DW is doing with OPUS. We are not allowed to give any details regarding features, but I'm sure they would enjoy reading that the comments have all been very positive. I'm looking forward to getting a final version. It will definitely be worth the upgrade. It runs rock solid like v5.5 -- ok, that's all I can say.

Thanks Demofred...
That wets my apetite already... did get version 5.5 but have been too busy elsewhere hence have not had a chance since installing it to have a play, if new version is to die for, will upgrade and learn all in six then....

Opus 6 has got to get flash videos and sounds to work on the web through flex. Currently publishing to the web is crap if you use these components. There is no way to stream video at all and if flex has to play something the web does not load properly. Lets hope opus 6 does fix these bugs fast, I paid a lot for this software as it claimed to make flash websites.

Thanks

Well darn! I should have signed up for the Evolution program again!

Hey Fred! Good to see you're still at the forefront of Opus users. Be sure any issues with Opus 6 are worked out before us "regular folk" get hold of it.

-Bill

Bill --

Yes, there are advantages to being in the Evolution Program. But it's "funny" that more of the people in the program haven't taken the time to download and run v6... Only a handfull of EP people have commented -- all positive. Maybe we'd be hearing if it didn't work so well. So I guess no "noose" is good news (old joke).

I'm working on a very complex software simulation, which would be much easier using a couple of the new v6 features, BUT the version we have will expire shortly, so anything I'd make in v6 would also stop working.

OPUS continues to amaze me regarding how powerful it is. Necessity IS the mother of invention, so I've been using my Scripting skills to make "magic" happen on the computer screens. I started this project with some screen grabs from a PowerPoint presentation, and some good verbage regarding what "should be" happening. Each day the project grows more complex and the sophistication level, with a host of variables which are changed on one Page, then reappear elsewhere in the Pub, has increased greatly. Just when I think I've reached the limit of what can be done in OPUS, I find a new idea/feature which makes the impossible a reality. I can't even imagine trying to do this project in any other interactive multimedia tool. If I had to, it would take two or three times as long, and it wouldn't have the wiz-bang effects I've created with a few clicks of my mouse.

Shortly you are going to be able to judge v6 for yourself. As they say in the stock market industry, I'm giving this a "buy." The upgrade will easily pay for itself with increased productivity in your first project. There are several features, which for me at least, are borderline priceless!

I have to agree with Fred and echo his comments.
Opus version 6 is stunning.
I've spent quite a lot of time playing with it and I recon that those who have use for the myriad of new features will be very pleased with V6.
Please don't ask what the new features are because I am sworn to secrecy and won't tell you anyway. However when DW do announce the release of the new version, I'd be astounded if there was not something in the new version for everyone.
Cheers
Graham

All these great things about v6 are great. However, if the issues I've been dealing with regarding Plexus web deployment are not addressed it is all a moot point for me. I am in the initial stages of planning for a very extensive curriculum that must be reliably deployed to a starting group of 80 sites with a workforce of over 1600 and eventually more than doubling that. It would likely evolve into the largest deployment of Opus publications ever along with a lot of free publicity within organizations with a lot of clout like the American Society for Training and Development and the International Assocation of Drilling Contractors.

Problem? I have yet to see Plexus work and DW is completely silent.

I am at a turning point and do not like my options. I have used Opus since 1995 as a very effective rapid prototyping software and watched it evolve in to potentially the finest tool availalble for interactive training development. I'd rather assumed it was ready for prime time.

I remain hopeful but my doubts are increasing and my enthusiasm waning.

Regards,
Dave

Fred,
Re your comment personally I am still in evaluation mode...testing the SCORM compliance...then I will update the forum accordingly.