Wikipedia
Softvision was a UK-based video production company which produced a wide range of audio-visual–based information and learning programmes (software learning videos) primarily designed to help users understand and leverage emerging software applications from major software publishers that included Microsoft, Lotus Software, Borland, Novell, WordPerfect, Corel, Software Publishing Corporation, IBM and others.
Coinciding with the emergence of Windows-based software, Softvision developed a unique video format that featured an “expert” from the actual software publisher alongside the Softvision presenter who played the part of a typical software user.
Over the course of a 3-hour video, viewers were shown many features of the software and how to use them utilising a style that was more akin to a TV talk show than a training film. Softvision’s approach to making difficult concepts easy to follow was welcomed by the software industry (at the time software was relatively difficult to use and the training market immature) and many leading CEOs willingly provided introductions to videos featuring software from their companies. Guests included Bill Gates (Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft), Steve Ballmer (Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft), Jim Manzi (Chairman, President and CEO, Lotus), Philippe Kahn (Chief Executive Officer, Borland), Paul Brainerd (co-founder, Aldus), George Korchinsky (General Manager, Symantec Corporation, Michael Cowpland (Chief Executive Officer, Corel), Paul Grayson (co-founder, Micrografx) and Edward Zander (Chief Operating Officer and President, Sun Microsystems).