Software to Create an Interactive CD-ROM or DVD With a Professional Appearance

Two Distinct Markets

There are two major CD-ROM markets you must consider when you publish. The vast, worldwide, consumer market and the massive business market.

The consumer market is likely to purchase one CD-ROM for personal or family use, and if they like it you have every chance of getting a repeat order for new titles that you may publish from time to time.

The business market can purchase multiple copies of your CD-ROM, or commission you to create and publish a CD-ROM to their specification.

Each market has a number of sectors, and the new CD-ROM publisher should select the market sector where they can expect the greatest success. If you have expertise in producing company training manuals, stick to that market until you have the resources to expand.

Authoring Software

Good quality authoring software can be very complex and subsequently be very costly. You must try a number of demo programs until you find the software that is ideal for your project.

You may find it better for your first CD-ROM or DVD project to work with a software expert, who you may find in the 'developer' section of each publisher's Website. This can save you a lot of time, and help you to produce a top-quality DVD or CD-ROM.

Software Links

The following links are to some of the most popular authoring software programs available.

• Macromedia Authorware
• Macromedia Director
• Intelamedia Dazzler
• Asymetrix Toolbook Instructor
• e-Learning Authoring Software [Directory]
• Multimedia Authoring Software [Directory]
• CREATE Together
• Media Chance
• Platypus Multimedia Author
• Virtual Cinema
• Visviva Authoring Studio
• TK3 Products Author

Please let me know of authoring software that is missing from this list. Also, if any of the above links become outdated, please advise...

I have personally used Macromedia Authorware for the past 10-years, and I find it very easy to learn and use, and it will produce excellent, fault-free software packages. They also have a good network of developers and users, who compile usefule modules for the software, many of which are free of charge!

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