eLearning

Upgrade Existing eLearning Courses Using Articulate Storyline and Rise

Upgrade Existing eLearning Courses Using Articulate Storyline and Rise

Most organizations already have valuable training content—but outdated design, poor mobile compatibility, and lack of interactivity reduce learner engagement and compliance effectiveness. Upgrading your existing courses using modern tools like Articulate Storyline and Rise can improve completion rates, mobile usability, and ROI without rebuilding from scratch.

If your courses feel outdated or are not performing well, contact IKHYA – eLearning Solutions Company at info@ikhya.com to evaluate and upgrade your existing courses efficiently and cost-effectively.


Why Should You Upgrade Existing eLearning Courses Instead of Rebuilding Them?

Upgrading existing eLearning courses is usually faster and 40–70% cheaper than rebuilding because the instructional content already exists. Modern tools like Storyline and Rise improve interactivity, mobile compatibility, accessibility, and LMS performance while preserving validated training content, reducing redevelopment time, regulatory risk, and operational disruption across global training programs.

Organizations across the USA, UK, Australia, and UAE face a common challenge: valuable training content exists, but it no longer meets modern technical and learner expectations. The core instructional material remains valid, but the delivery format is outdated.

Instead of discarding this content, upgrading allows organizations to preserve their intellectual property while modernizing the learner experience.

The Hidden Cost of Keeping Outdated Courses

Outdated courses create operational and compliance risks that directly impact training effectiveness.

Common issues include:

  • Poor mobile compatibility (Flash-based or desktop-only courses)
  • Low learner engagement due to static slides
  • Incompatibility with modern LMS platforms
  • Failure to meet accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1, Section 508)
  • Lack of analytics and learner tracking
  • Increased compliance risk in regulated industries

For example:

These improvements occur because modern tools enable interaction, reinforcement, and accessibility.


When Upgrading Is Better Than Rebuilding

Upgrading is the best option when instructional content is still valid but delivery needs improvement.

Upgrade is ideal when:

  • Content accuracy remains valid
  • Regulatory framework has not fundamentally changed
  • Learning objectives remain relevant
  • Visual design is outdated
  • Course uses obsolete technology (Flash, old Captivate versions)
  • Mobile compatibility is missing

Rebuilding is only necessary when:

  • Learning objectives change completely
  • Regulations change significantly
  • Content structure is fundamentally flawed
  • Training strategy changes

Typical Cost Comparison: Upgrade vs Rebuild

Course Length Upgrade Cost Rebuild Cost Savings
30 minutes $800 – $2,000 $3,000 – $7,000 60–70%
1 hour $1,500 – $4,000 $6,000 – $12,000 60–75%
3 hours $4,000 – $10,000 $15,000 – $35,000 65–75%

These estimates are based on global industry benchmarks from North America, Europe, and Australia.


What Can Be Upgraded Without Rebuilding

Most elements of an eLearning course can be upgraded while preserving core instructional content:

Visual Improvements

  • Modern UI redesign
  • Professional layouts
  • Improved typography
  • Modern color schemes

Technical Improvements

Learning Experience Improvements

  • Add interactions
  • Add quizzes and assessments
  • Add knowledge checks
  • Add scenario-based learning

Accessibility Improvements

  • WCAG 2.1 compliance
  • Screen reader compatibility
  • Keyboard navigation
  • Closed captions

Mobile Optimization


Example: Global Compliance Course Upgrade

A UAE-based oil and gas company had 120 legacy safety courses built in older tools.

Upgrade using Storyline and Rise achieved:

  • 65% cost savings compared to rebuild
  • 3x faster development time
  • Full mobile compatibility
  • SCORM and xAPI support
  • WCAG accessibility compliance

Why Articulate Storyline and Rise Are Ideal for Upgrades

These tools are designed specifically for modernizing and upgrading courses efficiently.

Storyline is ideal for:

  • Complex interactions
  • Software simulations
  • Scenario-based learning
  • Custom logic and branching

Rise is ideal for:

  • Mobile-first courses
  • Rapid conversion of slide-based content
  • Microlearning modules
  • Compliance and policy training

Together, they provide maximum flexibility.


How Does Articulate Storyline Upgrade Legacy eLearning Courses?

Articulate Storyline upgrades legacy courses by converting static slides into interactive, HTML5-compatible learning experiences with branching scenarios, simulations, and LMS tracking. It preserves instructional structure while improving engagement, accessibility, and analytics. Storyline supports SCORM, xAPI, and AICC standards, making it ideal for regulated industries and complex global training environments.

Articulate Storyline is the industry standard for upgrading complex and interaction-heavy eLearning courses. It allows developers to rebuild the front-end experience while preserving core instructional content, reducing redevelopment time significantly.

It is widely used across:


What Types of Courses Should Be Upgraded Using Storyline?

Storyline is best suited for courses that require interaction, simulation, or decision-based learning rather than simple content presentation.

Ideal course types include:

Software training

  • ERP training (SAP, Oracle, Salesforce)
  • Internal systems training
  • IT and cybersecurity training

Compliance training

  • OSHA compliance (USA)
  • FCA regulatory training (UK)
  • Workplace safety training (Australia)
  • ADNOC and energy sector compliance (UAE)

Scenario-based learning

  • Customer service simulations
  • Medical decision-making
  • Equipment operation training
  • Leadership and management training

Certification and assessment courses

  • Courses with graded assessments
  • Multi-step evaluations
  • Compliance certification programs

Technical Capabilities That Make Storyline Ideal for Upgrades

Storyline provides advanced technical features that allow legacy courses to be modernized without losing learning effectiveness.

1. Convert Legacy Flash Courses to HTML5

Flash is no longer supported by browsers. Storyline converts Flash-based training into modern HTML5.

Benefits:

  • Works on all modern browsers
  • Works on tablets and smartphones
  • Improves LMS compatibility
  • Improves security

This is critical for organizations upgrading courses built before 2020.


2. Add Interactivity to Static Courses

Legacy PowerPoint-based courses are passive and ineffective.

Storyline allows adding:

  • Click-based interactions
  • Drag-and-drop exercises
  • Decision-based scenarios
  • Interactive simulations
  • Knowledge checks

This improves engagement significantly.

Example:
A US healthcare organization improved learner retention by 52% after converting static slides into interactive Storyline scenarios.


3. Add Software Simulations

Storyline allows recording real software workflows and converting them into simulations.

Simulation modes include:

  • Demonstration mode
  • Practice mode
  • Assessment mode

Used globally for:

  • SAP training
  • CRM training
  • Banking systems training
  • Healthcare systems training

4. Add Branching Scenarios

Branching allows learners to make decisions and see consequences.

Example:

A safety course scenario:

  • Learner chooses unsafe action → sees accident simulation
  • Learner chooses correct action → sees safe outcome

This improves real-world decision-making skills.


5. Ensure LMS and Global Compliance Compatibility

Storyline supports all major eLearning standards:

Standard Purpose Used in
SCORM 1.2 Basic LMS tracking Global
SCORM 2004 Advanced tracking USA, UK, Australia
xAPI Advanced analytics Enterprise organizations
AICC Legacy LMS compatibility Aviation, government

This ensures compatibility with LMS platforms such as:

  • Cornerstone
  • Docebo
  • Moodle
  • SAP SuccessFactors
  • Absorb LMS

Accessibility Compliance Using Storyline

Accessibility compliance is mandatory in many countries.

Storyline supports:

  • WCAG 2.1 compliance
  • Section 508 compliance (USA)
  • Screen reader compatibility
  • Keyboard navigation
  • Closed captions
  • Accessible player controls

This is critical for government, healthcare, and public sector organizations.


Storyline Upgrade Workflow Used by Professional Teams

Professional upgrade projects follow a structured process.

Step 1: Legacy Course Audit

Evaluate:

  • Source files availability
  • Media quality
  • Instructional structure
  • LMS compatibility

Step 2: Instructional and Technical Upgrade Plan

Define:

  • Interaction improvements
  • Visual redesign scope
  • Accessibility requirements
  • LMS standards

Step 3: Rebuild in Storyline Using Existing Content

Reuse:

  • Existing text
  • Existing structure
  • Existing media where possible

Add:

  • Interactions
  • Modern UI
  • Accessibility features

Step 4: LMS Testing and Validation

Test for:

  • SCORM completion tracking
  • Quiz scoring
  • Cross-browser compatibility
  • Mobile compatibility

Step 5: Deployment

Deploy upgraded course to LMS.


How Does Articulate Rise Upgrade Courses for Mobile and Rapid Modernization?

Articulate Rise upgrades courses by converting legacy slide-based content into fully responsive, mobile-first courses that work seamlessly on smartphones, tablets, and desktops. It eliminates the need for separate mobile versions, improves learner experience, and accelerates development by 50–70%, making it ideal for compliance, onboarding, and policy training.

Rise is designed specifically for modern, mobile-centric learning environments.

Unlike Storyline, which focuses on advanced interactivity, Rise focuses on responsive design and rapid development.

It is widely used in:

  • Corporate onboarding programs
  • Compliance training
  • Policy training
  • Microlearning modules
  • Global workforce training

Why Mobile Compatibility Is Critical Today

More than 60% of learners globally access training on mobile devices.

This is especially common in:

  • Healthcare (frontline workers)
  • Retail
  • Logistics
  • Manufacturing
  • Field workforce training

Legacy courses often fail on mobile devices.

Rise solves this problem completely.


Rise Automatically Creates Fully Responsive Courses

Rise adapts automatically to screen size.

No manual mobile development required.

Works on:

  • Smartphones
  • Tablets
  • Desktops
  • All modern browsers

This improves accessibility and completion rates.


Rise Upgrade Workflow

Step 1: Extract Content from Legacy Course

Reuse:

  • Text content
  • Images
  • Video
  • Assessments

Step 2: Convert into Rise Blocks

Rise supports structured content blocks:

  • Text blocks
  • Image blocks
  • Video blocks
  • Interaction blocks
  • Quiz blocks
  • Scenario blocks

Step 3: Apply Modern Design

Rise automatically applies:

  • Modern layout
  • Clean typography
  • Mobile-friendly UI
  • Consistent spacing

Step 4: Publish to LMS

Rise supports:

  • SCORM 1.2
  • SCORM 2004
  • xAPI

When Should You Use Storyline vs Rise for Upgrading eLearning Courses?

Use Storyline when your course requires simulations, branching, or complex interactions, and use Rise when your course needs mobile responsiveness and rapid modernization. Many global organizations combine both tools—Storyline for interactive modules and Rise for responsive delivery—to achieve optimal performance, engagement, and scalability across devices and LMS platforms.

Choosing the right tool directly affects learner engagement, development time, and long-term scalability. The decision depends on technical complexity, learner device usage, and instructional requirements.


Quick Decision Table: Storyline vs Rise

Requirement Use Storyline Use Rise
Software simulations ✔ Yes ✘ No
Branching scenarios ✔ Yes Limited
Mobile responsiveness Partial ✔ Full
Rapid conversion Moderate ✔ Very fast
Compliance training ✔ Yes ✔ Yes
Microlearning Possible ✔ Ideal
Complex assessments ✔ Yes Limited
Interactive learning ✔ Advanced Moderate
System training ✔ Ideal ✘ Not suitable
Policy training Possible ✔ Ideal

When Storyline Is the Best Choice

Storyline should be used when training requires learner decision-making, simulations, or deep interaction.

Example: Healthcare Compliance Training (USA)

Healthcare organizations upgrading HIPAA training need:

  • Scenario-based learning
  • Decision simulations
  • Assessment tracking
  • LMS reporting

Storyline enables:

  • Patient interaction simulations
  • Decision branching
  • Real-world training scenarios

Rise alone cannot deliver this level of simulation.


Example: Banking System Training (UK)

Financial institutions training employees on internal systems need:

  • Software simulations
  • Step-by-step system walkthroughs
  • Assessment validation

Storyline allows screen recording and simulation-based training.


Example: Equipment Safety Training (Australia, UAE)

Industries such as mining, oil, and aviation require:

  • Equipment operation simulations
  • Safety scenario training
  • Risk-based decision learning

Storyline enables realistic training environments.


When Rise Is the Best Choice

Rise should be used when mobile compatibility and rapid deployment are priorities.

Example: Corporate Onboarding Training

Global companies often upgrade onboarding courses to Rise because it provides:

  • Mobile compatibility
  • Fast development
  • Clean modern UI
  • Easy updates

This is ideal for HR onboarding.


Example: Policy and Compliance Training

Rise is ideal for:

  • Code of conduct training
  • Workplace harassment training
  • Data privacy training (GDPR, UK-DPA, UAE-PDPL)

These courses focus on content understanding rather than simulation.


Example: Retail and Field Workforce Training

Retail, logistics, and field employees use mobile devices primarily.

Rise provides:

  • Mobile-optimized learning
  • Faster loading
  • Easy access anywhere

This improves completion rates significantly.


How Global Organizations Combine Storyline and Rise for Maximum Effectiveness

The most effective upgrade strategy uses Storyline for interactive modules and Rise for responsive delivery. Storyline handles simulations and complex learning, while Rise delivers structured content, mobile optimization, and scalability. This hybrid approach improves learner engagement, reduces development cost, and ensures compatibility across global LMS platforms and workforce device environments.

This approach is widely used by enterprise organizations in the USA, UK, Australia, UAE, and multinational corporations.


Hybrid Architecture Model

Storyline handles:

  • Simulations
  • Branching scenarios
  • Interactive assessments
  • Software training

Rise handles:

  • Course structure
  • Content presentation
  • Mobile responsiveness
  • Navigation and layout

Storyline modules can be embedded directly inside Rise courses.


Example: Oil and Gas Company (UAE)

Upgrade structure:

Module Tool Used
Safety overview Rise
Equipment simulation Storyline
Compliance policy Rise
Emergency scenario simulation Storyline
Final assessment Storyline

Result:

  • 68% faster development
  • 100% mobile compatibility
  • Improved completion rates

Example: Healthcare Organization (USA)

Upgrade structure:

Module Tool Used
HIPAA overview Rise
Patient interaction simulation Storyline
Privacy policy Rise
Compliance assessment Storyline

Result:

  • Improved learner engagement
  • Reduced compliance risk
  • Faster global rollout

Example: Global Manufacturing Company (Australia)

Upgrade outcome:

  • Converted 220 legacy courses
  • Used Rise for theory modules
  • Used Storyline for equipment simulations

Result:

  • 62% cost reduction
  • 3x faster deployment
  • Full mobile compatibility

What Is the Professional Step-by-Step Process to Upgrade eLearning Courses Using Storyline and Rise?

Professional upgrade projects follow a structured five-phase process: audit legacy content, define upgrade strategy, rebuild using Storyline and Rise, ensure accessibility and LMS compliance, and perform rigorous testing before deployment. This process reduces cost, protects validated training content, and ensures upgraded courses meet global technical, regulatory, and performance standards.

Organizations that skip structured upgrade workflows often face LMS failures, tracking errors, and compliance risks. A systematic process ensures both instructional quality and technical reliability.


Phase 1: Legacy Course Audit and Technical Assessment

The first step is to analyze existing course assets, technical structure, and instructional quality.

Key audit areas include:

Source file availability

  • PowerPoint (.pptx)
  • Storyline (.story)
  • Captivate (.cptx)
  • Video files (.mp4)
  • Flash (.swf)

Technical compatibility

  • SCORM version
  • LMS compatibility
  • Mobile compatibility
  • Browser compatibility

Instructional quality evaluation

  • Content relevance
  • Learning objectives alignment
  • Assessment effectiveness

Media quality assessment

  • Image resolution
  • Audio clarity
  • Video quality

Audit Outcome Example

Audit Element Status Action Required
Content accuracy Valid Reuse
Flash interactions Obsolete Rebuild in Storyline
Static slides Low engagement Convert to Rise
Assessments Basic Upgrade with Storyline
Mobile compatibility Poor Convert to Rise

This audit prevents unnecessary redevelopment and reduces project cost.


Phase 2: Upgrade Strategy and Tool Selection

After audit, experts define which parts of the course should be upgraded using Storyline or Rise.

Tool selection framework

Course Component Recommended Tool
Software simulation Storyline
Scenario training Storyline
Compliance content Rise
Policy training Rise
Assessments Storyline
Microlearning Rise

Instructional design improvements defined in this phase

  • Interaction enhancements
  • Visual redesign
  • Assessment improvements
  • Accessibility compliance requirements
  • Mobile optimization

Phase 3: Course Rebuild Using Storyline and Rise

This phase converts legacy courses into modern HTML5-based learning.

Storyline upgrade tasks

  • Rebuild interactions
  • Add branching scenarios
  • Add simulations
  • Add assessments
  • Implement accessibility features

Rise upgrade tasks

  • Convert slides into responsive blocks
  • Add interactive elements
  • Apply modern design
  • Optimize mobile experience

Phase 4: Accessibility and Global Compliance Implementation

Accessibility compliance is mandatory in many countries and industries.

Global accessibility requirements

Region Accessibility Standard
USA Section 508, WCAG 2.1
UK Equality Act, WCAG 2.1
Australia Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), WCAG
UAE Government accessibility standards, WCAG

Accessibility features implemented

  • Screen reader compatibility
  • Keyboard navigation
  • Closed captions
  • Accessible navigation controls
  • Proper color contrast

This ensures training is usable by all employees.


Phase 5: LMS Testing and Quality Assurance

Testing ensures courses function correctly across all systems.

LMS testing includes:

  • Course completion tracking
  • Quiz score reporting
  • Bookmarking functionality
  • Mobile compatibility testing
  • Cross-browser testing

LMS platforms commonly used globally

  • Cornerstone OnDemand
  • SAP SuccessFactors
  • Docebo
  • Moodle
  • Absorb LMS

Phase 6: Deployment and Rollout

After testing, courses are deployed to production LMS.

Deployment includes:

  • LMS upload and configuration
  • Learner enrollment
  • Reporting setup
  • Performance monitoring

What Global Technical Standards Must Upgraded Courses Support?

Upgraded eLearning courses must support SCORM, xAPI, HTML5, WCAG accessibility, and LMS compatibility standards to ensure proper tracking, reporting, and accessibility. These standards are mandatory for corporate, healthcare, aviation, government, and compliance training programs in the USA, UK, Australia, UAE, and globally.

Failure to comply with these standards can cause LMS tracking failures, compliance violations, and training audits failures.


SCORM: The Global Standard for LMS Tracking

SCORM allows LMS platforms to track learner progress and completion.

SCORM tracks:

  • Completion status
  • Quiz scores
  • Time spent
  • Progress

Common SCORM versions

Version Usage
SCORM 1.2 Most widely used globally
SCORM 2004 Advanced tracking

Most organizations still use SCORM 1.2 due to LMS compatibility.


xAPI: Advanced Analytics Standard

xAPI provides deeper analytics than SCORM.

Tracks:

  • Detailed learner actions
  • Simulation performance
  • Learning outside LMS
  • Mobile learning activity

Used by enterprise organizations globally.


HTML5: Required for Modern Browser Compatibility

HTML5 ensures courses work across:

  • Chrome
  • Edge
  • Safari
  • Firefox
  • Mobile browsers

Flash is no longer supported and must be upgraded.


Accessibility Standards (WCAG 2.1)

Accessibility ensures courses can be used by learners with disabilities.

Required by:

  • US government agencies
  • UK public sector
  • Australian government
  • Global corporations

LMS Compatibility Requirements

Courses must work with enterprise LMS platforms such as:

  • SAP SuccessFactors
  • Cornerstone
  • Moodle
  • Docebo
  • Absorb LMS

How Much Does It Cost Globally to Upgrade eLearning Courses Using Storyline and Rise?

Upgrading eLearning courses typically costs 40–70% less than rebuilding because instructional content, structure, and media are reused. Global upgrade costs range from $800 to $4,000 per hour of learning, depending on interactivity, accessibility requirements, and media complexity. Storyline upgrades cost more than Rise due to simulation and advanced interaction development.

Understanding upgrade costs helps organizations plan budgets accurately and avoid unnecessary redevelopment.


Global Upgrade Cost Benchmarks by Region

Costs vary depending on labor markets, compliance requirements, and technical complexity.

Region Rise Upgrade Cost (Per Hour) Storyline Upgrade Cost (Per Hour)
USA $1,500 – $3,500 $3,000 – $7,000
UK $1,200 – $3,000 $2,500 – $6,000
Australia $1,300 – $3,200 $2,800 – $6,500
UAE $1,000 – $2,800 $2,500 – $5,500
India / Offshore $800 – $2,000 $1,500 – $4,000

Offshore upgrade providers allow global companies to reduce costs by 40–60% while maintaining quality.


Cost Comparison: Upgrade vs Full Rebuild

Course Length Upgrade Cost Rebuild Cost Savings
30 minutes $800 – $2,000 $3,000 – $7,000 60–70%
1 hour $1,500 – $4,000 $6,000 – $12,000 60–75%
3 hours $4,000 – $10,000 $15,000 – $35,000 65–75%
10 hours $12,000 – $30,000 $50,000 – $120,000 70–80%

Upgrades provide major savings because:

  • Instructional design already exists
  • Content validation is complete
  • Media can be reused
  • Development time is shorter

Factors That Affect Upgrade Cost

1. Interactivity Level

Level Example Cost Impact
Low Slide conversion to Rise Low
Medium Click interactions Moderate
High Branching simulations High

2. Media Quality

Costs increase if media must be recreated.

Examples:

  • Low-resolution images
  • Outdated branding
  • Poor audio quality
  • Missing source files

3. Accessibility Compliance

WCAG compliance increases development time by 10–25%.

Required for:

  • Government organizations
  • Healthcare
  • Public sector
  • Global enterprises

4. Number of Courses

Bulk upgrades reduce cost per course.

Example:

Number of Courses Cost Reduction
1–5 Standard cost
10–50 10–20% lower
50–200 20–35% lower
200+ 30–50% lower

What ROI Do Organizations Achieve by Upgrading Instead of Rebuilding?

Organizations achieve faster deployment, 40–70% cost savings, improved learner engagement, and reduced compliance risk by upgrading instead of rebuilding. Modernized courses improve completion rates, knowledge retention, and LMS tracking accuracy, directly improving workforce performance and regulatory compliance across industries including healthcare, finance, energy, aviation, and manufacturing.

The ROI of upgrading is both financial and operational.


Direct Financial ROI

Example: 100-hour course library upgrade

Option Total Cost
Full rebuild $600,000
Upgrade $180,000
Savings $420,000

Operational ROI

Upgrading improves training effectiveness.

Common improvements:

  • 30–60% higher completion rates
  • 25–50% higher learner engagement
  • 40–70% faster deployment
  • Reduced compliance risk

Real Example: Global Manufacturing Company

Before upgrade:

  • Low course completion: 54%
  • Poor mobile access
  • Limited LMS tracking

After upgrade using Rise + Storyline:

  • Completion increased to 89%
  • Fully mobile compatible
  • Improved compliance reporting

Compliance and Risk Reduction ROI

In regulated industries, training failures can lead to fines.

Examples:

  • Healthcare compliance violations (USA)
  • Workplace safety violations (Australia)
  • Financial compliance failures (UK)

Upgraded courses reduce these risks.


Frequently Asked Questions About Upgrading eLearning Using Storyline and Rise

Can Flash courses be upgraded to Storyline and Rise?

Yes. Flash courses can be fully converted to HTML5 using Storyline and Rise. This ensures compatibility with modern browsers, mobile devices, and LMS platforms.


Can PowerPoint training be upgraded without rebuilding?

Yes. PowerPoint content can be converted directly into Rise or Storyline while adding interactions and modern design.


Will upgraded courses work on mobile devices?

Yes. Rise provides full mobile responsiveness, and Storyline supports mobile compatibility.


Can upgraded courses work with our LMS?

Yes. Upgraded courses support:

  • SCORM 1.2
  • SCORM 2004
  • xAPI
  • All major LMS platforms

How long does it take to upgrade a course?

Typical timelines:

Course Length Upgrade Time
30 minutes 1–2 weeks
1 hour 2–4 weeks
5 hours 6–10 weeks

Do you need original source files?

Source files help but are not required. Courses can be upgraded using:

  • PowerPoint files
  • Videos
  • PDFs
  • Existing SCORM packages

Upgrade Your Existing eLearning Courses with IKHYA – eLearning Solutions Company

Upgrading your courses using Articulate Storyline and Rise can reduce costs by up to 70%, improve learner engagement, and ensure global compliance. Instead of rebuilding from scratch, a professional upgrade preserves your existing content while transforming the learning experience for modern learners.

IKHYA – eLearning Solutions Company specializes in upgrading legacy eLearning courses, Flash courses, PowerPoint training, and outdated SCORM modules into modern, interactive, mobile-friendly learning experiences.

Contact IKHYA today to evaluate your courses and receive a detailed upgrade plan at info@ikhya.com

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