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From: webacity on 24 Oct 2007 10:12
Hi
I'm aware of the ending of authorware development cycle. I'm sure there has
been very interesting debates on this issue. I have a slightly different
question.
We are not focused on the online aspect of Authorware, only on local version
which run on cds we distribute. So, I guess the only limiting factor on the
longevity of our material are the new OS that will be coming out. I know this
is difficult (possibly stupid:) question as nobody has a crystal ball on new
OSs, but does anybody have an educated guess on how long authorware could
theoretically run on before newer OS before it encounters difficulties?
Over the last couple of years, I've just switched from an old Toolbook version
to authorware 7, and I wonder whether I should be planning another switch
ie.'Captivate' in the next couple of years.
Our old Toolbook version was able to run from win 95 --> Xp before having a
few minor problems in terms of installation. That in my view is quite a long
time. I guess all new Os will have some compatibility mode built in, so this
could extend the lifespan for longer?
So far I haven't told my boss about the demise of Authorware. If I told them
they might panic. If I can argue that Authorware will run fine for at least
five years, I think they would be okay about it. btw, how often do new OS
usually appear?
Fortunately I think I built my Authorware material without any fancy stuff
i.e. flash built in, video etc. It just bog standard Authorware features.
cheers
Jon

From: Erik **AdobeCommunityExpert** on 24 Oct 2007 10:49
I just saw a headline about Microsoft's next OS version, I think...or
maybe it was their next version of IE... I dunno.
Since Vista just came out, unless it dies quickly like Windows ME did
(and it doesn't seem to be nearly that bad), I suspect it'll be at least
5 years before the next OS comes out.
I'd imagine if you search for Windows Roadmap, or something like that,
you'll get a better idea.

Authorware already has a couple small issues with Vista but, overall,
seems to work fine. I think the biggest issue will be when Windows hits
pure 64bit and drops 32bit support, but I can't imagine that will be any
time soon. Heck, doesn't XP still have some limited 16bit support?
Though I doubt actual 16bit applications will work on it...

Anyway, IMO, I sure think it likely that Authorware .exe's have a few
years left, if not 5 or more. HOWEVER, who knows what changes MS could
make to the OS that would break something...

I don't think I'd rely on any such prediction. Far better to start
finding your alternative approach now and be sure you're ready to
transition to it smoothly when/if published Authorware files just aren't
viable any more.
Erik

webacity wrote:
> Hi
> I'm aware of the ending of authorware development cycle. I'm sure there has
> been very interesting debates on this issue. I have a slightly different
> question.
> We are not focused on the online aspect of Authorware, only on local version
> which run on cds we distribute. So, I guess the only limiting factor on the
> longevity of our material are the new OS that will be coming out. I know this
> is difficult (possibly stupid:) question as nobody has a crystal ball on new
> OSs, but does anybody have an educated guess on how long authorware could
> theoretically run on before newer OS before it encounters difficulties?
> Over the last couple of years, I've just switched from an old Toolbook version
> to authorware 7, and I wonder whether I should be planning another switch
> ie.'Captivate' in the next couple of years.
> Our old Toolbook version was able to run from win 95 --> Xp before having a
> few minor problems in terms of installation. That in my view is quite a long
> time. I guess all new Os will have some compatibility mode built in, so this
> could extend the lifespan for longer?
> So far I haven't told my boss about the demise of Authorware. If I told them
> they might panic. If I can argue that Authorware will run fine for at least
> five years, I think they would be okay about it. btw, how often do new OS
> usually appear?
> Fortunately I think I built my Authorware material without any fancy stuff
> i.e. flash built in, video etc. It just bog standard Authorware features.
> cheers
> Jon
>

--
Erik Lord
http://www.capemedia.net
Adobe Community Expert - Authorware
http://www.adobe.com/communities/experts/
------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.awaretips.net - samples, tips, products, faqs, and links!
*Search the A'ware newsgroup archives*
http://groups.google.com/group/macromedia.authorware
From: Steve Howard on 24 Oct 2007 12:23
> Heck, doesn't XP still have some limited 16bit support? Though I doubt
> actual 16bit applications will work on it...

Vista has Win 95 available in Compatability mode, so let's go guessing
(assuming?) that future OSs have something similar.... if that's the case,
existing Authorware CD-based content could tentatively have a 10 year
lifespan or even more. But that is forEVER in computing terms, and who's to
say that computers will even have CD drives in 10 years? I'd go with the 5
year guesstimate to be safe, but be wary of actuallly *counting* on 5 years.

>> Over the last couple of years, I've just switched from an old Toolbook
>> version to authorware 7, and I wonder whether I should be planning
>> another switch ie.'Captivate' in the next couple of years.

I have little doubt that Adobe will continue to agressively develop
Captivate, but don't expect it to gain all of the features of Authorware.
You may not push all the features of Authorware, but you certainly would
quickly reach the limit of Captivate 3.

But don't overlook the possibility of combining Captivate with Flash. By
doing this you can exploid the rapid development and simplicity of Captivate
with the full power of Flash ... which to all intents and purposes has very
few limitations compared to Authorware and several significant strengths ...
including the fact that it's still alive ;-)

Steve


--
Adobe Community Expert: Authorware, Flash Mobile and Devices
http://www.magnoliamultimedia.com

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