----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        The Florida SunFlash

               SMCC Introduces Multimedia Training

SunFLASH Vol 44 #15					         August 1992 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Incorporates Audio, Video, Text, Graphics and Simulation

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- August 17, 1992 -- Sun Microsystems Computer
Corporation (SMCC) announced today that it is shipping the first in a
series of on-line interactive training tools, condensing more than 16
hours of classroom lecture into a lively multimedia experience. Called
"SunTutor: OpenWindows Environment for Users," the new course
is designed for first-time users of Sun workstations, allowing them
to be trained on a Sun system in the convenience of their own office.

With the new SunTutor series, SMCC is leading the workstation industry
by combining on-line audio, video, text, graphics and simulation into a
multimedia, self-paced training course that interacts with the
application.  The course takes full advantage of the multimedia
capabilities of the Sun SPARCstation , requires no extra hardware or
software for users of the OpenWindows environment and can be downloaded
to the network.

"Sun is the first workstation vendor to offer a networked on-call,
on-line `professor,'" says Bill Cote, vice president of Worldwide
Customer Support, SMCC. "Users can interact with the course based on
their learning preferences or knowledge base.  If a user learns best
visually, he or she may click on an icon to initiate a simulation.  If
he or she prefers verbal instructions, a click on a `speaker' icon
causes audio instructions to be given.  As the leader in UNIX system
training, SMCC trains more than 33,000 customers each year around the
globe.  Now, customers can receive the benefits of classroom
instruction without ever leaving their office."

Course Users Learn at Their Own Pace

The course instructs users on performing basic tasks in the OpenWindows
environment such as logging in to their workstation, creating a
password or using the mouse through interactive simulations.  In
addition, they may delve into OpenWindows DeskSet Tools, such as
File Manager, Text Editor, Mail Tool, Print Tool or Calendar Manager at
their leisure.  An interactive application that takes advantage of the
multitasking capabilities of the UNIX operating system, the course
allows users to progress through topics and/or tools in any order they
wish.

Users have the option of exploring another topic at any point during
the course by clicking on the training icon, selecting the appropriate
module and using the on-line `professor' to complete the task in real
time.  Or they may use the course to practice the newly learned concept
without interrupting their host environment.  Navigating through the
course is simple; for example, users can exit the course at any time
with a maximum of three mouse clicks.

"SunTutor: OpenWindows Environment for Users" will be available in
September directly from SMCC, through SMCC resellers and through
SunExpress, a Sun business unit that provides quick delivery of Sun
products.  Prices start at $395 for a single user, with 10 and 100
user-site licenses available at $1995 and $4995, respectively.  The
SunTutor series was developed by SMCC's Worldwide Customer Support
(WWCS) organization using Gain Technology's "Gain Momentum"
product.  Additional SunTutor courses are in development to further
enhance user productivity.

"Sun is committed to providing its customers with the most
comprehensive training and support available," said Cote.  "We're
delivering it in the most innovative, state-of-the-art manner
possible."

PR questions: Kim Miller (415) 336-7583.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
For information send mail to info-sunflash@sunvice.East.Sun.COM.
Subscription requests should be sent to sunflash-request@sunvice.East.Sun.COM.
Archives are on solar.nova.edu, paris.cs.miami.edu, uunet.uu.net,
src.doc.ic.ac.uk and ftp.adelaide.edu.au

All prices, availability, and other statements relating to Sun or third
party products are valid in the U.S. only. Please contact your local
Sales Representative for details of pricing and product availability in
your region. Descriptions of, or references to products or publications
within SunFlash does not imply an endorsement of that product or
publication by Sun Microsystems.

John McLaughlin, SunFlash editor, flash@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. (305) 776-7770.