Web Crossing Inc. is shipping version 3.0 of the Mac OS X compatible Campus Crossing, software for implementing online corporate training or e-learning campuses. The update adds a new Faculty Office component, automatic payment capabilities, Neuron interactive multimedia databases, language localization, enhanced live event capabilities and more.
Campus Crossing is based on the engine of Web Crossing, collaboration server software that offers threaded and linear discussions, integrated newsgroups and mailing lists, full e-mail services, secure communications, personal calendar, real-time chat and live event functionality. Version 5.0 of Web Crossing was released in March.
With Faculty Office administrators now have automated payment and record keeping features. Sysops have access to new options for customization and extensibility without programming. The Faculty Office also provides a private area for each faculty member for preparing course material and storing files, plus access to grade books and attendance rosters.
Interactive multimedia course materials can be created with Neurons, which are shared, database-driven, interactive multimedia modules. They’re designed to assist in the development and addition of visual material.
In Campus Crossing 3.0, faculty and administrators can import and export grade book and attendance records in a standard tab delimited format for working offline. A new fees settlement capability manages “for fee” course payment with automatic settlement via PayPal.
Campus Crossing 3.0 can now be language localized, allowing international and multi-language sites to customize their appearance with any language or multiple language options. It’s also themes compatible for simpler customization.
Administrators can customize all or part of a site with new themes and layouts using the “one-click customization” manager, controlling aesthetics across the entire site or within an individual section. Campus Crossing 3.0 also includes a new WebFiles system for managing server files by mirroring into the file system directly from a Web browser.
The new version is available today as a server hosted solution (ASP) with pricing starting at US$65 per month. For a limited time, licenses of Campus Crossing are also available on an unlimited traffic per-seat basis starting at $295 — or on a traffic-based sliding scale software license starting at $295. Campus Crossing license upgrades are available beginning at $119.