Lengthy content integration schedules and problems tracking course-completion data inspired HealthStream to investigate SCORM. They decided that SCORM is a proven and reliable standard and chose Rustici Software’s SCORM Engine as the most efficient way to make the HealthStream Learning Center (HLC) SCORM conformant.

Rustici Software’s SCORM Engine "provided a substantial reduction in the number of learners experiencing difficulties completing courseware," says Marvyn Hortman, HealthStream’s Director of Content Operations. Hortman attributes this reduction to the quality of the SCORM Engine and the intrinsic simplicity of communication between courseware and the LMS under SCORM. "SCORM greatly simplifies the interface between content and the LMS. This simplification is great for increasing interoperability, but it requires a very robust and well-engineered LMS," says Hortman.

HealthStream truly requires an enterprise-class solution. The HLC tracks over 1.1 million learners and routinely processes over 40,000 course completions per day. HealthStream achieves this scalability with its 100-server web farm in conjunction with the Akamai network. Rustici Software and HealthStream collaborated with Akamai’s system engineers to develop a SCORM player which can be deployed to Akamai’s network of 10,000+ servers co-located throughout the world. This application allows HealthStream to achieve unprecedented scalability with minimal investment in hardware and little impact on its core web farm.

HealthStream continues to push the envelope. Together, we added a set of SCORM metadata extensions which dramatically increase courseware compatibility, reduce integration schedules and provide very granular control over how courseware is delivered. This successful collaboration has led to many repeat engagements and referrals to handle content standardizations, LMS improvements, and even custom application development. HealthStream considers Rustici Software to be one of their most valuable and reliable partners.