London/Oslo - 14 December 2011 - Lumesse, a global leader in integrated talent management solutions, is pleased to announce the latest version of its SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) e-learning authoring platform, CourseBuilder 6.1. This version features a new software architecture that brings customers greater speed, availability and an enhanced user experience through CourseBuilder's cloud-based technology.  This is the first product release of the award-winning CourseBuilder authoring platform following the acquisition of Edvantage Group by Lumesse.  The new version is available immediately to all customers.

CourseBuilder version 6.1 includes major enhancements to the application architecture and database handling capabilities. Testing has shown that people using certain key functions can expect substantially faster response times, making it easier and faster to find, create, share and update e-learning content including tests, assessments, simulations, and courses.

Lumesse CEO, Matthew Parker, added: "We are delighted to deliver such a strong update as the first new release from our Learning division under Lumesse ownership. CourseBuilder is unique in combining a rich and powerful content creation platform with the benefits of a SaaS delivery model, making it fast and simple for customers to begin creating and delivering high quality content from a secure, 100% web-based system."

To better serve more than 1,100 active users creating over 700 new courses/modules and adding more than 14,000 pages and 40,000+ media elements per month, CourseBuilder v6.1 is now provided as a multi-server, load-balanced solution with enhanced automatic failover capabilities. This minimises any downtime during server upgrades, optimises resource allocation and increases performance, scalability and reliability.

CourseBuilder v6.1 also adds new 'archive' functionality will enable users to create a full backup version of courses that includes not only the content, but also the complete development record of the course including all media elements, comments, tasks, and revisions. Archives may be stored either on the server or locally. This ability to create and store complete archived versions provides valuable back-up of project states and greater security for valuable content.

Sven Ove Sjølyst, VP for CourseBuilder at Lumesse, added, "The underlying architecture and the performance and scalability it delivers are important factors that organisations should evaluate when purchasing software systems - both are strong points of CourseBuilder. Our Software Oriented Architecture approach is the foundation that delivers high levels of security, scalability, and usability. This new release delivers unparalleled performance and will enable us to quickly add advanced functionality and new features that will keep CourseBuilder leading in the market for authoring tool technology."

The new release is available immediately to all customers. Existing users receive the upgrade automatically as part of CourseBuilder's Software-as-a-Service regular release schedule. All features are included: no add-ons, additional software or installation are required.

About CourseBuilder

CourseBuilder is a collaborative, cloud-based authoring platform that substantially improves the way organisations can capture, transfer and reuse knowledge assets. Provided as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), it is used to rapidly and effectively develop and manage quality e-learning content including online courses, simulations, tests and assessments. CourseBuilder won the coveted 2010 Brandon Hall Bronze award for excellence in the 'Best Advance in Technology for Rich-Media Authoring' category.

http://www.edvantagegroup.com/platform-technology/content-authoring