Softimage Completes Phase One of Training for SOFTIMAGE|DS
MONTREAL, Feb. 5, 1998 — Softimage Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft Corp., today announced it has completed the first phase of implementing its training strategy for
SOFTIMAGE|DS, with five authorized training centers (ATCs) now open in the United States and Europe. By year’s end, Softimage expects to complete phase two of its training program by opening at least 15 more ATCs in Asia and in other nations worldwide.
SOFTIMAGE|DS, a comprehensive nonlinear production system for creating, editing and finishing high-end videos, is now shipping to customers around the world as a turnkey system with Intergraph Corp.’s StudioZ for SOFTIMAGE|DS. System configurations currently include complimentary training via a coupon included with each system. This coupon is redeemable at an ATC for a single seat of training, which will help customers become acquainted quickly with the SOFTIMAGE|DS environment.
“Our goal for training is to help ensure that SOFTIMAGE|DS courses are frequently available to a broad base of customers, from beginners to more advanced users,” said Mauricio Bussab, training manager for Softimage. “Our first training centers were carefully selected and have an exemplary track record for delivering quality training, while our subsequent partners will continue on this standard of excellence by contributing their expertise in designing special courses to meet the demanding needs of our customers.”
“We are already witnessing a strong demand for SOFTIMAGE|DS training,” said Alan Burger, SOFTIMAGE|DS instructor for Video Symphony, a Los Angeles-based ATC. “This is due, in part, to a growing trend in the industry whereby editors and graphic artists are interested in working with an expanded set of tools. With SOFTIMAGE|DS, all the content needed for projects such as commercials, videos and trailers can be produced in a single environment, and our training courses are designed to teach customers how to take full advantage of the extensive toolset.”
“SOFTIMAGE|DS is one of the most feature-rich systems in the industry – combining the functionality of a full, online post-production company into one product,” said Ben Kozuch, president and CEO for Future Media Concepts, a New York-based ATC. “Receiving training from an ATC enables digital artists to become productive on the system more quickly and to learn techniques that will maximize their creative capabilities from the start.”
Authorized Training Centers
Each SOFTIMAGE|DS ATC’s curriculum and instructor are certified by Softimage and closely monitored for quality control. Students who complete the course will have a comprehensive knowledge of the nonlinear editing (NLE), compositing, paint, audio, special effects and media acquisition functions of SOFTIMAGE|DS. ATCs now open for training include Future Media Concepts (New York), Root6 (U.K.), Tyrell Media Labs (U.K.), Universite de Vallenciennes (France), and Video Symphony (Los Angeles).
To ensure effective and comprehensive training with the availability of SOFTIMAGE|DS, Softimage partnered with key training centers early on and invited them to participate in the beta cycle. All ATCs have completed an exhaustive certification process that included interviews with the instructors and simulated classroom scenarios. They also helped Softimage fine-tune the first two course titles to be offered to the public: DS101, a two-day introduction to editing with DS; and DS201, a three-day compositing and graphics course. Both are immediately available. For more information on SOFTIMAGE|DS ATCs and course options, visit the Softimage Web site at (http://www.softimage.com/) .
About SOFTIMAGE|DS
SOFTIMAGE|DS brings together, for the first time on the Microsoft® Windows NT® operating system, a comprehensive nonlinear production system for creating, editing and finishing high-end videos – all in a unified integrated environment with a common interface. SOFTIMAGE|DS combines the functionality of a full online post-production company into one product at a fraction of the cost. SOFTIMAGE|DS is currently available as a turnkey system with Intergraph Corp.’s StudioZ for SOFTIMAGE|DS.
Company Information
Founded in 1986, Softimage develops software for media-rich applications including video, film, interactive games and CD-ROM applications. Products include SOFTIMAGE|DS (video production), SOFTIMAGE|3D (high-end animation), SOFTIMAGE|EDDIE (compositing) and Toonz (2D cell animation). The company was acquired in 1994 by Microsoft. Additional information about Softimage and Microsoft can be found via the Internet at (http://softimage.com/) and http://www.microsoft.com/ , respectively.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Softimage is a registered trademark of Softimage Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft Corp.
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