Attachments, such as white papers and Excel spreadsheets, are easy to append using a menu-driven interface. Once the presentation is complete, the user e-mails a link to recipients. Experience Inc., a Boston-based software firm that helps automate online college recruiting, needs to train the university career centers that buy its products. The product has worked really well. Brainshark needs to establish a big footprint before its window of opportunity closes.
Improvements are in the offing.
Brainshark is working to let users upload Microsoft Word documents in addition to PowerPoint presentations. Even the demonstration at Brainshark's Web site sounds like a transmission from citizens band radio. It offers a wider range of products and services than Brainshark. Digital Lava's new HotFoot software and service competes directly with Brainshark and offers more features - but a more complex interface. This service lets users upload and broadcast live PowerPoint presentations.