Quest 5.0 for Windows Brings Unprecedented Interactive Power and
Flexibility to Multimedia Authoring Systems

SAN JOSE, CA, March 1, 1994--At the 1994 Intermedia Conference &
Exposition, Allen Communication, of Salt Lake City, Utah, introduced a
Windows version of its Quest Multimedia Authoring System. For ten years
the DOS version of Quest has been the de facto standard for interactive
multimedia trainers and educators. Quest 5.0 for Windows presents an
all-new user interface and a breakthrough system design that promises
developers the flexibility to move beyond typical boundaries and create in
their own style.

"Quest 5.0 is far more than a conversion to the Windows platform," said Rex
Allen, president of Allen Communication. "This is a fundamentally new
approach. It is designed, from the ground up, to harness the power of
Windows and to bring greater interactive power within the reach of more
developers whether they are creating training, educational titles, or
entertainment."

A fully-integrated authoring system, Quest 5.0 is designed for developers
at all levels. All multimedia tasks that are frequently used are available
at the entry level. Developers work from WYSIWYG displays and floating
toolbars to assemble graphics, text, audio, video motion, buttons, and
animations, or to set up branching and interactions. Non-programmers can
design and create dynamic titles and courses with Quest. At the same time,
skilled programmers will not be inhibited either. All the power of "C"
programming code is embedded in the system.

Flexibility at Design and Frame Levels: Quest 5.0 is the only authoring
system that gives developers the flexibility to author at both the Design
and Frame levels.

At the Design level, developers can make big-picture decisions about flow,
overall structure, and interactions. Working with postage-stamp
representations of actual frames, developers have an immediate view of how
the title content looks and how it links together. This not only
encourages sound design, but reduces the mistakes that are made when
developers are forced to work at a micro level too soon.

At the Frame level, developers work from the inside of the frame, viewing
the screens exactly as the end-user will see them. Quest 5.0 offers a true
WYSIWYG environment. All functions of the system can be accessed without
exiting to outside editors. Graphics, audio/video options, controls,
interactions, branching, and animations are all built into the system.

Live Objects Bring Unprecedented Interactive Power: Quest 5.0 provides
unlimited possibilities for interactivity because every object is a
"smart" object. Developers and users can "talk to" and modify object
properties during both development and runtime. Once a "smart" object has
been named, it comes alive. Developers can select actions and conditions
for it, request data from it, and even let the end-user manipulate it.

"'Smart' objects are the heart of Quest's interactive power. These aren't
just display tricks, but true independent objects with a life of their
own. This feature alone shatters previous limitations on multimedia
interactivity. True 'smart' objects bring high-level interactivity within
the reach of every developer," Allen said.

Windows Quest includes an embedded authoring language called "Quest C,"
which makes all the power of "C" programming language available within the
system. Using the "Quest C Coach," non-programmers can select options from
dialogue boxes to create C-syntax code. Without entering a line of code,
they can access programming functions, variables, and command statements
to control and manipulate "smart" objects. These features give
non-programmers more access to programming power than ever before
available in an authoring system. "C" programs can be written and compiled
without going to an external editor. By blending "Quest C" programs with
"smart" objects, developers have virtually unlimited multimedia power.
Plus, Quest's extensible design allows developers to create customized
"smart" objects to meet their specific needs. Custom "C" program templates
can also be stored for repeated use.

FastTrack: With Quest's FastTrack feature, developers can quickly add their
own content to pre-built screen layouts, menus, templates, borders,
buttons, question/answer frames, and interactions--even a whole series of
pre-linked frames. Entire interactions can literally be built in minutes.
FastTrack not only cuts start-up time for new users, it also allows
experienced users to create and store their own templates, layouts, and
strategies for repeated use.

Dynamic-Link Librarian: Developers can manage all data from a dynamic-link
librarian tool. All types of data can be stored in the same
library--graphics, bitmaps, digital video (AVI) files, animations, audio
files, buttons (such as media control panels, dials, and slide controls),
screen designs, testing sequences, or even large sequences of frames
within a title design. These items can be then be quickly accessed and
used repeatedly in a course or title without increasing its size.

More Productivity Features: A full-featured debugger traces all objects,
interactions, and programs used within a title; it provides detailed,
prescriptive feedback in message windows. This helps developers quickly
isolate and correct problems.

A smart-spots editor helps developers specify irregular or non-adjacent
touch areas, down to the pixel level.

On-line help and documentation, tutorials, and pre-created management
options for controlling student logon or tracking performance are also
included with package.

Quest 5.0 for Windows is priced at $3,995. There are no runtime fees or
royalties. Significant education and quantity discounts are available.
Customer support is free.

Allen Communications
Lakeside Plaza II
5225 Wiley Post Way
Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
(801) 537-7800,   FAX (801) 587-7805

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