Macromedia Authorware

Macromedia Authorware is a series of web learning applications that were marketed by Macromedia after its predecessor merged with Authorware Inc.

History
Dr. Michael W. Allen of Control Data Corporation (CDC) developed a visual version of PLATO (Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations). When CDC expressed little interest in the project, Allen was permitted to to make a bid for the technology. He then founded the Authorware company in 1984, and soon captured 80% of the computer-based learning market.

Release history
The company's flagship project was first released as Best Course of Action for Macintosh before being renamed to Authorware Professional in early 1992. Authorware Inc. then merged with MacroMind-Paracomp to form Macromedia in March 1992.

Discontinuation
In December 2005, Macromedia itself was acquired by Adobe Systems. On August 3, 2007, Adobe announced that Authorware development would be discontinued as the eLearning market had migrated to its Flash and Captivate products. The final released version was 7.0.2.