CHICAGO, Nov. 4, 1998 — At the Info Online ’98 Conference & Expo, Microsoft Corp. joined in announcing the launch of the Microsoft® HTML Help-Tool Vendor Business Development Program, developed collaboratively by Help University Inc., a provider of cutting-edge training for online information and help developers, and Influent Technology Group, a global producer of learning and networking events targeted for information technology professionals.
The no-cost Microsoft HTML Help-Tool Vendor Business Development Program is designed to enhance the technical and business success of companies that produce help-authoring tools that support Microsoft HTML Help technology. It is open to all commercial and shareware and freeware vendors that support Microsoft HTML Help technology.
”
Microsoft welcomes the efforts of Help University and Influent Technology Group to make the Microsoft HTML Help-Tool Vendor Business Development Program a reality,”
said Tod Neilsen, general manager, developer relations group at Microsoft. ”
Support from help-authoring tools vendors is key to the broad adoption of Microsoft HTML Help technology, the successor to WinHelp. This exciting new program brings early access to HTML Help releases as well as information to a broader group of tools vendors. Combined with the benefits of the MSDN
™developer program, this is a terrific opportunity for all help-authoring tools vendors.”
Member vendors also enjoy substantial exhibit discounts at all Info Online conferences produced by Help University and Influent Technology Group as well as an invitation to join Microsoft’s early adopter program for HTML Help.
A key benefit to member vendors will be the development of a CD-ROM containing trial versions of authoring tool software programs from each member. It will provide help authors with a single, no-cost source for
“test-driving”
and comparing available leading authoring tools before making their licensing decision. The CD-ROM will be available to all participants of Info Online ’99 conferences and through the Info Online conference Web site at http://www.io-conference.com/ .
“Influent Technology Group is committed to supporting the growth of the help development industry, and we believe this program will accomplish that goal,”
said David Holcombe, managing director of Influent Technology Group.
“The sheer amount of new information available to ISVs as a result of their membership in this program, regardless of the size of their business, is staggering. Any vendor of help-authoring tools will certainly want to be a part of this program.”
“This new Microsoft-sponsored program is an innovative way to demonstrate our expanding commitment to vendors, conference attendees and the online communications industry,”
said Alec Sonenthal, president of Help University.
“It is truly a win-win collaboration. We can encourage industry development in HTML Help and provide additional support for the vendor community.”
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“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.
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