Alchemy Training Acquires Multimedia Studio; Changes Name

WebKnowHow
Wednesday, June 21, 2006; 02:36 AM

Alchemy Training Systems has acquired affiliate Alchemy Studios and renamed the combined company Alchemy Systems. Following last year's acquisition of Avatar Technology, the company now employs 60 in the creation and deployment of professional development solutions.

Alchemy Studios, located in Wimberley, Texas, was founded in 1996 and boasts one of the few fully-equipped soundstage and multimedia production studios in Central Texas. Capabilities include design and deployment of customized educational tools, video production, motion capture and web content creation. Austin-based Avatar Technology was also started in 1996 and has developed strong capabilities in administration and documentation systems, web design, systems integration and hosting. Customers have included Igloo, New Balance, Prentice Hall, Silicon Labs, Harcourt, Texas Highways Magazine, Multimedia Games, Microsoft, Alereon and GSD&M.

Alchemy Systems offers the Avatar family of learning management solutions and the innovative SISTEM(TM) product, a group-oriented, interactive media training system.

Employing interactive, multilingual computer-based training, SISTEM(TM) is tightly integrated with an online management system that provides automated documentation of learner results. SISTEM(TM) is currently used to train almost 35,000 workers in food processing and food service companies and within the workforce system. Key commercial customers include Tyson Foods, Owens Country Sausage and ARAMARK. SISTEM(TM) is also used in more than 50 workforce centers around Texas and across the country.

The Avatar professional development management system provides a comprehensive software platform that powers professional development automation and web-based learning programs for more than 275,000 professionals in education, government and commercial organizations across the United States. In Texas, Avatar products are used in over forty school districts and educational service centers including Austin, San Antonio, Fort Bend and Round Rock. National customers include Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Memphis City Schools, and National School Board Association. In May, Alchemy announced the award in partnership with Educational Testing Service of a five-year contract to deploy a state-of-the art online teacher assessment and certification system for the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

A privately-held partnership, Alchemy Systems boasts strong backing from a number of angel investors led by Austin-based IDM Partners. More information about Alchemy and an interactive demonstration of its products are available at http://www.alchemysystems.com .