SITE is a new hardware-independent computer-based training software suite from Siemens-Nixdorf Information Systems Ltd, which has been designed with the mission to encourage large retailers to integrate computers into their training programmes. The Bracknell, Berkshire-based subsidiary claims that SITE is the first training system that can be distributed across machines from different hardware vendors on networks. The courses offered, says Siemens-Nixdorf, can be tailored to meet the needs of various organisations, such as finance, retail and government, to match training needs to operational needs, according to company training head Jim Wilson. SITE incorporates a high-level development language designed for use by non-professional programmers. Wilson says that it can be used to develop training programmes for a range of environments, including equipment-related training, product launches, product knowledge and general office administration. Full development support is claimed to be incorporated into the system, including author training, lesson development and hardware consultancy. SITE is currently being tested in various beta sites including retail companies and one UK government department. The software package comprises two elements – a multi-user authoring system for use by up to four people, which is priced at UKP3,000, and run-time licences for UKP25 per user. Janet Rothwell, who chairs the Forum of Technology in Training, says that acceptance of computer-based training is still a low 7%.
