- Asymetrix
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Asymetrix (later called Asymetrix Learning Systems Inc.[1]) was a US computer software company. The company was founded by Microsoft founder Paul Allen in 1984, and produced a number of software products covering web, presentation, and e-learning markets. In 2004 it became part of SumTotal Systems.
Asymetrix headquarters were in Bellevue, Washington. The first ten years were spent on R&D. The company produced a number of Windows software packages including ToolBook, Asymetrix 3D F/X (a tool for creating 3d graphics and animation, later called Asymetrix Web 3D)[2], and Compel (a graphical presentation and prototyping program).[3] Asymetrix also produced a variety of screen savers for a short period.
In the late 1990s the company started developing learning management software. Titles included Asymetrix Librarian and the e-Learning Network - an early software as a service product.
In June 1998 Asymetrix held an initial public offering, selling three million shares at a price of $11 per share, and was listed on the Nasdaq exchange with the ticker symbol ASYM.[4]
In 1999 the company was renamed as click2learn.com.[1] The company went on to acquire many other companies and products in the e-learning space. One company acquired was Meliora which made Ingenium, another e-learning software product.
In 2003 the company announced its intention to merge with its competitor Docent, with click2learn's shareholders receiving slightly more than half of the stock in the merged company.[5][6] The merger completed in 2004,[7]. The combined company is now known as SumTotal Systems and is headquartered in Mountain View, California. At the time of the merger, click2learn employed over 300 people and Docent a further 170.[5]
References
- ^ a b "Asymetrix renamed click2learn.com", Puget Sound Business Journal, October 11, 1999
- ^ "Asymetrix Web3D 2 review", Tom Arah, Designer-Info.com
- ^ "Design and Implementation Considerations for an Interactive Multimedia Kiosk: Where to Start", Cranston, Clayton, and Ferrands, Central Queensland University, 1996
- ^ "Asymetrix generates little enthusiasm after IPO at $11", Wall Street Journal, (article mirror)
- ^ a b "Click2Learn, Docent ink merger pact", IndiaTimes, 29 October 2003
- ^ "Docent and Click2learn to Merge", Michael Singer, Internetnews.com, October 22, 2003
- ^ "Docent and Click2learn complete merger and launch SumTotal Systems", 22nd March 2004, trainingreference.com
External links
- SumTotal Systems company website
- Asymetrix alumni page
- Gallery of renders done with Asymetrix 3D
Categories:- Software companies based in Washington (state)
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