18:06:03

DA Group announce partnership with MediaCorp

e-learning company revealed as first Certified Development Partner

Scotland, 11th June 2003, DA Group a world leader in virtual agent technology has announced a partnership with MediaCorp a software and content developer for the e-learning industry. The partnership is the first to be signed as part of DA Group?s recently announced partner programme.

MediaCorp, identified as one of the fastest growing technology companies in Scotland by Scottish Enterprise, now plans to embed DA?s virtual character engine in its e-learning software. The partnership offers up the potential for virtual teachers accompanying MediaCorp?s education products, which include tools for assessment, content management, learning and verification.

MediaCorp CEO, David Elder said:

?Avatar technology has a lot to offer the e-learning community. People tend to respond best to a speaking individual to retain information. The inclusion of a human figure gives the user something to focus on and generally helps them to absorb more information. Previously this has been an expensive technique with the need for an actor and embedded video or a specialist animation company to design each movement at great expense.

?DA Group?s avatar technology offers a much richer experience for the user. By using DA?s technology we are able to add a level of interactivity and personalisation that previously wasn?t possible.?

DA Group has developed a virtual agent engine with rapid animation capabilities. It means creating high quality animation is now much easier and much cheaper. Any upgrades in the software can also be installed quickly, efficiently and more cheaply than most traditional video communications methods. This flexibility means that e-learning companies can offer a better level of service to their clients.

DA Group CEO, Michael Antliff said:

?It is great news to have signed up MediaCorp as a development partner.

?At DA Group we believe we have developed solutions which can add value to a wide range of applications. For the e-learning market place the business benefits of our technology are clear. MediaCorp has recognised those benefits and we look forward to working closely with them in the future.?

MediaCorp will be attending DA?s product launch at the bfi London IMAX? on 18th June, 2003.

Notes to Editors:

About DA Group
DA Group (DA) is one of the world?s leading intelligent communications providers, creating virtual agents for a range of customer-facing applications, running across all digital platforms, from web through mobile phone, digital TV, PC, ATM and kiosk.

Established in 1990, DA became the trailblazer in the field of virtual character technology ten years later as the architects of Ananova, the world?s first virtual newscaster (now owned by Orange). It went on to create virtual TV presenters, TV comedians and email readers.

Now DA?s virtual agents and character animation products are being integrated into a comprehensive range of communications solutions including mobile multimedia messaging, e-learning mentors, avatar marketing, public information access kits and customer services systems.

Based in Glasgow, with 50 staff, DA?s client list includes BBC Prime, The Scottish Executive and Jim Beam. Still led by its founder, CEO Mike Antliff, DA Group is listed on the Alternative Investment Market and has the support of leading City institutions.

About MediaCorp
MediaCorp develops content and software for the elearning industry. With a background in training and instructional design, the company has been identified by Scottish Enterprise as one of the country's fastest growing independent technology companies and recently opened a dedicated elearning centre of excellence in Lanarkshire.

MediaCorp promotes blended learning solutions, using the best elements of instructor led, self paced, directed and (of course) online learning. Through experience, the company has learned to recognise the value of existing content because it knows its clients know their business best. MediaCorp provides tools to manage and deliver existing content more effectively and get the best value from it.

MediaCorp's software can be used for assessment, learning, verification and content management, and is currently finding a wide range of business applications at home and in the export market.
http://www.mediacorp.co.uk/MediaCorp.htm
get real:get virtual
get real:get virtual, is DA Group?s showcase of virtual character technology and product launch and will be held at the bfi London IMAX? on 18th June 2003. To register for the event go to www.dagroupplc.com
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