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Softvision was a UK-based video production company which produced a wide range of audio-visual–based information and learning programmes (software learning videos〔http://www.trainingpages.com/listings/softvision-training-videos/〕) primarily designed to help users understand and leverage emerging software applications from major software publishers that included Microsoft, Lotus Software, Borland, Novell, WordPerfect, Corel, Software Publishing Corporation, IBM and others. Coinciding with the emergence of Windows-based software, Softvision developed a unique video format that featured an “expert” from the actual software publisher alongside the Softvision presenter who played the part of a typical software user. Over the course of a 3-hour video, viewers were shown many features of the software and how to use them utilising a style that was more akin to a TV talk show than a training film. Softvision’s approach to making difficult concepts easy to follow was welcomed by the software industry (at the time software was relatively difficult to use and the training market immature) and many leading CEOs willingly provided introductions to videos featuring software from their companies. Guests included Bill Gates (Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft), Steve Ballmer (Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft), Jim Manzi (Chairman, President and CEO, Lotus), Philippe Kahn (Chief Executive Officer, Borland), Paul Brainerd (co-founder, Aldus), George Korchinsky (General Manager, Symantec Corporation, Michael Cowpland (Chief Executive Officer, Corel), Paul Grayson (co-founder, Micrografx) and Edward Zander (Chief Operating Officer and President, Sun Microsystems). ==History== Softvision was founded in 1990 in Sweden by Anders Larsson who was running a small advertising agency that handled the Microsoft account. In order to become familiar with the various Microsoft software packages, he asked one of the Microsoft trainers to go through each product in detail while he recorded it with a video camera which would allow him to view it again when time permitted. This gave birth to the idea of creating a similar concept for a wider distribution. The first Softvision product, a 3-hour learning video featuring Microsoft Windows and based on a dialogue between an expert and a new user was launched and became an instant success. In 1991, Anders brought Lars Welinder (a Swedish entrepreneur based in the UK who had previously worked with Anders Larsson to launch an international business-to-business communications agency) to Softvision to develop the business into a European commercial enterprise. In 1995, the group was consolidated into a new company: Softvision Group Plc and further capital was raised in a private placing with the aim to secure more progressive growth. The group then consisted of wholly owned subsidiaries in the UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal and Scandinavia. The following year the Softvision Group successfully obtained the listing of its shares on the OFEX trading facility in London. In April 1997 Softvision was acquired by Global Communications Plc, a UK-based publishing company. Some of the original Softvision team went on to form Itvision, a company developing tailor-made information applications using video streaming for “Just-in-Time” distribution on the Internet and corporate Intranets. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Softvision」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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