Kallidus 8.4 uses state-of-the-art technology to simplify sign on to Cloud learning
e2train has launched a new version of its Kallidus 8 learning and performance management system with extra features for managers, learners and learning professionals. A state-of-the-art identity provider tool offers remote single sign on and fingerprint registration. Reporting is extended so managers can get data directly to their mailboxes.
e2train has launched a new version of Kallidus 8, its flagship learning and performance management system. From a technology and companywide view, the most interesting development will be the system’s new state-of-the–art authentication tool. This enables learners to use single sign on protocols on externally hosted systems. They can even sign in remotely using fingerprint or retina scanning.
Learning professionals will welcome the integration with the WebEx online classroom system. This will enable them to create single ‘blended’ courses combining classroom, e-learning and live online sessions. Meanwhile all managers will benefit from new reporting capabilities that will enable them to receive regular reports automatically into their mail in-boxes.
The new state of the art authentication process, called Kallidus Identity Provider (KIP), enables all products in e2train’s learning suite to share login and user data information securely. The new process will simplify single sign on whether the system is ‘behind the firewall’ or in the ‘Cloud’. Users will be able to log in on a remote system using any form of identity accepted by process. That includes fingerprint or retina scanning. This will be especially useful to those wanting to run high-level assessments or exams online. KIP uses industry standard protocols, such as WS-Trust, WS-Federation, SAML and Geneva, to create the universal access procedures. This simplifies integration and interoperability with non-Kallidus systems.
The new version of the LMS works seamlessly with the Cisco WebEx online meeting suite. The system treats WebEx lessons the same as classroom events. That means trainers can add and schedule WebEx meetings as part of a blended learning course. Learners can be booked onto the session and notified by Kallidus LMS. The sessions have the same booking functions as other classroom training events. Learners may join WebEx sessions using their LMS learning plans. That means the LMS will record attendance as part of the course. Trainers will be able to set up a complete programme of classroom, e-learning, assessments, self-submitted work and WebEx as one course.
e2train has also improved reporting. Managers can now receive reports directly into their mailboxes in PDF or Excel formats. Trainers can schedule reports using the Kallidus Reporting Module based upon on-going date ranges. Typically, that will be monthly or weekly though the date range is variable. Each report can be automatically set-up to go to any number of email addresses on a pre-assigned date.
Other additional features include:
• New built-in email template library and customisable HTML templates. These make it easier to set up and customise course alerts. For instance, directions to a course classroom can be aligned with an event.
• The previous content import wizard application is replaced with one built directly into the LMS. The new wizard will take a zipped up content package, upload it, unpack it on the server, detect the type of the content and ask the user to verify and name it, It will then create the new course and associated lessons. There are no other add-ons or downloads required for this functionality to work.
Improvements to Kallidus Performance
Within Kallidus 8, Kallidus Performance also gets some significant and detailed updates. One of the most welcome will be the greater control managers now have over the look and feel of the form. HTML gadgets can also be used to improve the corporate style. More control of the layout of the review form is also available. You can hide sections of the form if not needed. You can also reorder the form’s items so the presentation is more logical.
Reviewers can now also add a gadget to the Kallidus 8 homepage that will enable managers to track the progress of the form. That means users can, at a glance, see any updates or comments.
Other updates include a start date for staff review forms, a default carry forward option for objectives, better audit trails to follow review comments and easier form sign off procedures
Kallidus 8 is already one of the most popular full service learning and performance management systems in the UK. At its launch, users praised Kallidus 8 for its ability to integrate with informal learning applications. It also added a reporting module which provides vivid graphical reports of learning and performance data. To view a datasheet that explains the new features of Kallidus 8. Go to: www.e2train.com/system/files/downloads/kallidus_upgrade.pdf.
Kallidus 8.4 is available now to both existing and new customers.