InfoTrends Inc. News Wire

HP Introduces Bundled POS Retail Solution for a Customized In-Store POS Platform

InfoTrends 2008 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EDT

HP introduced the bundled offerings that include all the POS hardware, software, and services needed to get down to business. The new HP POS bundle is based on the recently introduced HP rp3000 POS System and includes everything a retailer needs to customize a complete in store POS platform.

Complementing the HP POS Solution in a box is the Intuit HP Retail Solution, available direct from Intuit and its authorized resellers. The Intuit HP Retail Solution provides robust POS functionality and enhanced software offerings to help small and midsize businesses (SMBs) ring up sales, track customers, monitor inventory and manage overall business operations.

The HP POS Solution in a box includes the HP rp3000 POS System, which features an Intel ( Atom processor. In the box peripherals include the HP Thermal Receipt Printer, HP Cash Drawer, HP POS keyboard with integrated Magnetic Strip Reader, and an HP USB bar code scanner. Retailers can complement their POS system with an optional business monitor, selecting a 15 inch diagonal HP touchscreen, a 15 inch diagonal HP flat panel display or a wide screen flat panel monitor.

Customers also can choose from a host of prequalified POS applications from partner companies including Auto~Star, CAP Software, Fastrack Health Systems, InfoTouch, Intuit, JDA Software, JPMA, MATRA Systems, Microsoft, MICROS Retail, Nova Libra, Oracle, pcAmerica, Retail Pro and Torex. A full listing of verified software partners will be available Nov. 20 at www.hp.com/go/pos isv.

The HP rp3000 POS Solution in a box is expected to be available through HP authorized resellers Dec. 1 for a starting price of $1,499. More information about the offering is available at www.hp.com/go/POS.

The Intuit HP Retail Solution is available now on www.intuitretail.com/hp for a starting price of $1,499.

Kodak Gallery Launches Designer Card Boutique

InfoTrends 2008 — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EDT

Kodak Gallery introduced its Designer Boutique, which features hundreds of exclusive holiday photo card and photo book designs by an array of designers. The Gallery's new boutique brings shoppers a variety of new ways to easily express their individuality and creativity whether they want to send holiday greetings with a traditional look, a funny twist, or a sophisticated flair.

Each designer brand featured in the Gallery's Designer Boutique represents a different style: Simon and Kabuki (hip), Elum (sophisticated), KG Collection (edgy), Sour Cherries (whimsical), Bonnie Marcus (chic), Eric Carle (imaginative), and Martha Stewart (classic). With hundreds of designs that cannot be found anywhere else, holiday card shoppers are sure to find a design to fit their personal style at Kodak Gallery.

With a fresh take on Kodak's vision of "you push the button, we do the rest," Kodak Gallery makes it easier than ever to create high quality, personalized holiday photo cards from its Designer Boutique. Users simply:

Visit www.kodakgallery.com and select from hundreds of exclusive designs in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Choose the design that reflects their personal style. Cards are organized in convenient categories for easy viewing.
Select their favorite Gallery photos and add a personalized message.

Cards and invitations start at 60 cents. Kodak Gallery offers hundreds of exclusive photo card designs in a variety of shapes and sizes so you can be sure that your card will stand out from the rest.

Kodak Showcases OLED Wireless Frame, Professional Film, and Photo Printing Software at Photokina

InfoTrends 2008 — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EDT

Eastman Kodak Company unveiled new imaging solutions for consumers, retailers, and creative professionals at Photokina 2008. The Kodak booth (Hall 5.2) includes digital displays, wireless inkjet printing, new film capture options, and high value photo products.

New products and services from Kodak inspire consumers and professionals to do more with their pictures and take their capture and sharing experience to the next exciting level. In addition to demonstrating the recently announced Kodak Theatre HD Player, Kodak Zi6 Pocket Video Camera, Kodak EasyShare Z1015 IS Digital Camera, and Kodak EasyShare Digital Frames, Kodak introduced:

The new Kodak OLED Wireless Frame, which displays images and videos for a 180 degree viewing experience
The new Kodak ESP 7 and 9 All in One (AiO) Consumer Inkjet Printers, which offer wireless printing and a 10 inch, one touch control panel
The new Kodak Professional Ektar color negative film

In addition to enabling people to easily capture video and still images, Kodak offers retailers adaptive photo printing solutions that provide ease of use, flexibility, and scalability:

Now available in Europe, the Kodak Picture Movie DVD combines original artist music and consumer pictures into a movie, playable on any DVD player, in minutes
Following its market delivery in June, the configurable, easy to use Kodak Adaptive Picture Exchange (APEX) has quickly become Europe�s most widely adopted dry lab solution. The APEX system lets retailers choose the appropriate level of investment and scale capacity as needed, while offering an array of digital printing capabilities.
The new Kodak Picture Kiosk v2.0 Software provides enhanced workflow improvements and new product offerings through off site gifting solutions. The software upgrade includes new retailer friendly features such as intelligent up sells, new attract loops, and the ability for retailers to enter the world of in store photo merchandise without major capital.
Retailers now have access to Kodak�s Graphic Communications Solutions to supply premium quality photo books to meet growing consumer demand. These solutions include the Kodak NexPress Intelligent Dimensional Coating Solutions that reproduces images with a dimensional feel that mimics the surface of items in a photograph.

T-Mobile Unveils Its G1 Android-Powered Mobile Phone

InfoTrends 2008 — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EDT

T Mobile announced the international launch of the Android powered mobile phone in partnership with Google. It is available only for T Mobile customers in two continents, the T Mobile G1 combines full touch screen functionality and a QWERTY keyboard with a mobile Web experience that includes Google products including Google Maps Street View, Gmail, YouTube and others. The T Mobile G1 provides access to Android Market, where customers can find and download unique applications.

T Mobile customers in the U.S. have the opportunity to pre order the T Mobile G1, in limited quantities, at www.T MobileG1.com. The device will be available at select T Mobile retail stores and online in the U.S. beginning Oct. 22, for a price of $179 with a two year voice and data agreement. The T Mobile G1 will be available in the United Kingdom beginning in November, and across Europe in the first quarter of 2009. Countries include Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and the Netherlands.

The T Mobile G1 with Google delivers mobile Web and communications experience in one device. T Mobile, Google and HTC integrated Android and T Mobile services into the phone's form and function. The T Mobile G1's screen slides open to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. The T Mobile G1 comes equipped with a trackball.

With one click contextual search, T Mobile G1 customers in a flash can search for relevant information. A full HTML Web browser allows users to see any Web page the way it was designed to be seen, and zoom in to expand any section by tapping on the screen. With built in support for T Mobile's 3G and EDGE network as well as Wi Fi, the T Mobile G1 can connect to the best available high speed data connection for surfing the Web and downloading information quickly and effortlessly.

With Google Maps, T Mobile G1 users can view maps and satellite imagery, as well as find local business and get driving directions, all from the phone's touch interface. The T Mobile G1 includes Google Maps Street View, allowing customers to explore cities at street level virtually. The Google Maps feature syncs with the built in compass on the phone to allow users to view locations and navigate 360 degrees by moving the phone with their hand. Google Maps Street View is available in many U.S. locations and soon in European countries.

The T Mobile G1 features a HTML e mail client, which syncs your e mail, calendar and contacts from Gmail as well as most other POP3 or IMAP e mail services. The T Mobile G1 allows you to read a Web page while downloading your e mail in the background. It combines Instant Messaging support for Google Talk, as well as AOL, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger in the U.S. The T Mobile G1has access to high speed Web browsing, and a 3 megapixel camera with photo sharing capabilities.

Customers can use the T Mobile G1's 3G and Wi Fi connection to attach and share pictures over email and MMS or download music from web sites, and soon, upload and post pictures to their personal blog. Built in support for YouTube allows customers to see YouTube's originally created content, navigate through YouTube's video browsing categories or search for specific videos.

The T Mobile G1 comes pre loaded with a new application developed by Amazon.com that gives customers access to Amazon MP3, Amazon.com's digital music download store with 6 million DRM free MP3 tracks. T Mobile G1 customers are able to search, sample, purchase and download music from Amazon MP3 to their device.

The T Mobile G1 offers access to the Android Market, which hosts applications and mash ups of existing and new services from developers around the world. Customers can find and download a range of software applications from games to social networking and on the go shopping to personalize their phone. When the phone launches next month Android applications will be available for download on Android Market, including:

ShopSavvy: an application designed to help people do comparative shopping. Users scan the UPC code of a product with their phone's camera while they are shopping, and can instantly compare prices from online merchants and nearby local stores.
Ecorio: an application developed to help people keep track of their daily travels and view what their carbon footprint looks like. With access to tips and tricks, Ecorio allows users to record the steps they take throughout their day to help offset their impact on the environment.
BreadCrumbz: an application that enables people to create a visual map using photos. Customers can create their own routes, share them with friends or with the world.

For more information on the T Mobile G1 in the U.S., visit www.T MobileG1.com. For more information on the T Mobile G1 in the United Kingdom, visit www.T Mobile.co.uk/G1.

Canon Japan Introduces 7 PIXUS Inkjet Printers and New Photo Paper

InfoTrends 2008 — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EDT

Canon, Inc. and Canon Marketing Japan, Inc. announced the introduction in Japan of seven new PIXUS series inkjet printers and the newly developed Canon Photo Paper Gloss Pro Platina (PT 101). The new lineup includes five inkjet all in one models�the PIXUS MP980, MP630, MP620, MP540, and MP480�and two inkjet printer models: the PIXUS iP4600 and iP3600.

The new Canon PIXUS lineup utilizes newly developed dye based inks for richer and brighter color expression, and supports ChromaLife100+. When combined with Genuine Canon photo paper, the ChromaLife100+ system can preserve photos with an album life of more than 300 years. The Auto Image Fix feature, which now also compensates for red eye, detects faces in images and automatically analyzes and categorizes the type of scene in a photograph to optimize print output.

Incorporating Canon�s FINE (Full photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) printhead technology as well as enhanced direct printing capabilities, the new PIXUS lineup delivers ease of use and functionality. Additionally, the new models incorporate a new design that achieves reduced body dimensions.

The new all in one Canon PIXUS MP980, the flagship model of the PIXUS series, offers printing, copying, scanning, and direct printing in an easy to use design. The MP980 offers a maximum resolution of 9,600 x 2,400 dots per inch (dpi), microscopic ink droplets as small as one picoliter, and six color ink system that includes special gray ink. Such features as 3 Size Droplet technology, which efficiently makes use of three ink droplet sizes, contribute to reduced printing times, enabling the MP980 to create a borderless L size photo in 17 seconds.

The multifunctional Canon MP630, MP620, and MP540 each feature a five color ink system that combines four dye based color inks with a special pigment based black ink, and a wide view TFT LCD monitor. The MP630 incorporates a contact image sensor (CIS) with an optical resolution of 4,800 dpi, and can print a borderless L size photo in approximately 18 seconds, and can output an A4 size color copy in around 26 seconds. The MP620 and MP540 are each equipped with a 2,400 dpi CIS and can print borderless L size photos in around 35 seconds, and produce A4 color copies in approximately 31 seconds.

The multifunction Canon MP480 features a 1.8 inch flip up TFT LCD monitor, a 2,400 dpi CIS, and uses FINE ink cartridges, which integrate the printhead with the ink tank. Because the Canon PIXUS MP620 and MP980 accommodate wireless and wired LAN connections, they enable convenient printing regardless of printer location.

The iP4600 and iP3600 feature five color systems comprising four dye based color inks and pigment black ink. The duo produces high image quality prints on both photo and regular paper, with the iP4600 capable of printing a borderless L size photo in approximately 18 seconds, and the iP3600 in around 35 seconds.

In addition to the launch of the seven new PIXUS models, Canon also announced the introduction of Canon Photo Paper Gloss Pro Platina (PT 101). The highest grade of Canon Genuine Photo Paper, Gloss Pro Platina (PT 101) achieves both high quality coloration and absorption by separating the ink absorbing layer, coated with ultra fine alumina particles, into separate color and absorbent layers.

All of these products are expected to be made available to the Japanese market in October 2008.

HP Restructures, Announces Plans to Integrate EDS

InfoTrends 2008 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EDT

HP announced that it will unveil a strategic plan to establish a powerful position in the evolving enterprise market. With the acquisition of EDS, HP has a comprehensive portfolio of IT solutions to help customers manage and transform their technology environments. The company also will announce plans to restructure the EDS business group to streamline costs, invest in growth, and drive shareholder value.

Enterprises are facing an explosion of digital content, aging infrastructure, and constrained resources. Consequently, Chief Information Officers must rethink their technology environments and choose to manage it themselves, outsource it, or receive services through the cloud.

HP intends to implement a restructuring program for the EDS business group that will better align the combined company's overall structure and efficiency with the operating model that HP has successfully implemented in recent years. In addition to making changes to its global workforce to better serve its services customers, HP has identified synergies in corporate overhead functions, such as real estate, IT, and procurement.

The restructuring program will take place over three years and includes a workforce reduction that will streamline the combined company's services businesses. Workforce reduction plans will vary by country, based on local legal requirements and consultation with works councils and employee representatives, as appropriate. Approximately 7.5% of the combined company's workforce, or about 24,600 employees, will be affected over the course of the program, with nearly half of the reductions occurring in the United States. HP will provide employees affected by this restructuring program with severance packages, counseling, and job placement services.

HP expects to replace roughly half of these positions over the next three years to create a global workforce that has the right blend of services delivery capabilities to address the diversity of its markets and customers worldwide.

Once completed, the restructuring program is expected to result in annual cost savings of approximately $1.8 billion. These savings are net of reinvestments in areas including sales coverage, delivery optimization, and emerging markets.

HP will be recording a charge of $1.7 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 relating to the restructuring program, $1.4 billion of which will be recorded as goodwill and $0.3 billion of which will be recorded as a restructuring charge that will be included in HP's GAAP financial results.

RMI Corporation Announces Home Media Solution to Extend Digital Photo Frame Capabilities

InfoTrends 2008 — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EDT

RMI Corporation has announced a complete product solution for Home Media Players (HMP), extending new features and capabilities to the digital photo frame market. RMI�s turnkey HMP application solution drives advanced product capabilities such as video streaming, wireless connectivity, increased on demand content, home connectivity, and enhancing the overall consumer experience.

RMI�s Alchemy based Home Media Player solution offers original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) a faster time to market, lower system cost, and the configurability and performance required to develop Home Media Players with advanced features. The RMI solution leverages the RMI Alchemy Au1200 series of connected media processors, giving OEMs and original design manufacturers (ODMs) the flexibility and the tools necessary to develop and deliver a connected HMP system for consumer usage and overall home connectivity.

The evolution of the traditional digital photo frame into the home media player has already begun with the addition of Wi Fi connectivity to the DPF category. The RMI Alchemy HMP design integrates Atheros� Radio on Chip for Mobile (ROC) AR6002 for WLAN. This single chip solution delivers high throughput and low power consumption for embedded Wi Fi applications.

With the combination of internet connectivity and RMI Alchemy media processors, the following features are now possible:

Streaming IP radio, DVD quality video, and IPTV from Web sites like YouTube, Hulu, and Joost
VoIP and video chat calls
Gadget and widget services for on demand content such as weather, sports, news, traffic, and finance
Interface to social networking sites (Web 2.0)
Online photo and video sharing from popular content sharing sites
Email/Instant messaging/SMS/MMS/RSS reader
TV reception
Pier to pier (frame to frame) content sharing and communication
Complete HMP Application Solution

RMI�s Home Media Player Reference Design Kit is a customizable solution including a reference design board, software board support package (BSP), hardware schematics, documentation, and advanced HMP applications. The HMP Reference Design Board is based on the RMI Alchemy Au1250 Processor. This high performance processor, running at 700MHz, provides the needed horsepower to handle the most challenging HMP applications. The reference design includes all essential hardware functionality including media card interfaces for SD/MMC/MS/xD/CF and a USB flash stick. Additionally, the design also comprehends an audio codec for stereo speakers, a touch screen interface, and Wi Fi connectivity provided by Atheros� AR6002 ROCm WLAN chip. Flash memory and DDR2 RAM are plentiful for both the user (media storage) and the application space.

The HMP Reference Design Kit includes a complete board support package (BSP). The BSP includes the kernel, file system, and tool chain, along with driver support for all peripherals. In addition, the BSP includes a complete media stack for high quality D1 resolution video playback of the internet�s most popular audio and video formats including MPEG 1, MPEG 2, MPEG 4, WMV, DivX, and Xvid. RMI has also established a broad ecosystem of partnerships to enable OEMs to quickly take their HMP vision to market. This ecosystem includes ODMs as well as Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) with a range of capabilities and solutions for the HMP and related consumer media markets.

Virgin Mobile USA to Launch the Shuttle Handset

InfoTrends 2008 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EDT

Virgin Mobile USA and Personal Communications Devices, LLC [PCD] are launching the Shuttle, Virgin Mobile USA's first EV DO handset, designed with high performance for data and content in mind. This handset is available exclusively at Best Buy Mobile and BestBuy.com as of September 28.

Following Virgin Mobile USA's recent acquisition of Helio, the Shuttle will be the first handset enabled to integrate several features from the Helio portfolio. This will include access to social networking communities and other mobile internet sites through partnerships with Accuweather, ESPN, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Yahoo! and more.

The Shuttle is also slated to feature Virgin Mobile's first location based services from uLocate including:

Buddy Beacon, the popular 'friend finder' solution which allows customers to find friends in a crowded city and show where they are and what they're doing; and
Where, the application that delivers local information to easily discover nearby places and things of interest such as locating the lowest gas prices, finding local events, and getting restaurant recommendations.

Offering features such as a 1.3 megapixel camera, 2" screen; video capture, playback and messaging, integrated media player that supports both streaming and sideloaded music, stereo Bluetooth wireless technology, and SD card support, while sporting a S curve design in a compact slider form factor.

With the new Shuttle, Virgin Mobile USA is also introducing its first Mobile Web data packs as add ons to calling plans, as more and more customers access the mobile web and other mobile data services.

Pricing is as follows:

For Monthly Plans: $ 5.00 20 MB Surf the Web, Unlimited VirginXL [WAP deck], $10.00 50 MB and Unlimited VXL
For Pay As You Go: $ 5.00 5 MB Surf the Web, $10.00 20 MB, Unlimited, $20.00 50 MB, Unlimited VXL

The $79.99 Totally Unlimited voice plan provides unlimited calling without roaming charges, activation fees or a two year commitment.

Verizon Wireless Launches SocialLife Service for its Mobile Phones

InfoTrends 2008 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EDT

Verizon Wireless reported that it is offering a new application to give customers one stop access to multiple popular social networking sites on their mobile phones. Called SocialLife, the mobile gateway was introduced on the eve of CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2008 in San Francisco.

SocialLife brings together numerous social networking sites catering to different communities, including MySpace, into one easy to use application. With SocialLife, Verizon Wireless customers will be able to view messages, approve or deny friend requests, post comments, or update status or profiles on their favorite social networking site, all on their wireless phones while on the go.

SocialLife integrates the camera on a customer's wireless phone, so pictures can be taken within the application, then uploaded with "one click" to a customer's selected community site. Photos can also be shared with friends found in the phone's address book.

In addition to MySpace, customers can connect to many other diverse social networking sites, including AsianAve, BlackPlanet, FaithBase, GLEE, LiveJournal, MiGente, Photobucket, Rabble, and MTV Tr3s through the SocialLife interface. Verizon Wireless is working with Intercasting Corp., a mobile social networking company, and utilizing its ANTHEM platform to provide the SocialLife application.

SocialLife can be found in the Community section of Get It Now enabled phones or under the Browse & Download section of the Media Center on some handsets. The application is available for $1.49 monthly access. Without an unlimited data feature, airtime or megabyte charges may apply, depending on the customer's plan.

Domtar Releases New Colors Swatchbook

InfoTrends 2008 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EDT

Domtar has announced the release of its new Colors Swatchbook. Entitled "Make a Splash," this swatchbook features a tropical fish on the cover and introduces the paper�s 15 sherbet like colors. Among the Domtar Colors product line, various colors are available in multipurpose, opaque text, vellum bristol cover, index, and tag varieties.

With its sunny pastel palette�including britewhite, cream, and pastels�Domtar Colors can be used for manuals, menus, folders, and business reports, while adding shimmering impact to flyers, publications, and newsletters. Its wide range of colors, weights, and sizes in smooth and vellum finishes lends itself to an array of possibilities. To broaden users� creative latitude, Domtar Colors� cut sizes (8 1/2xll, 8 1/2x14 and 11x17) in 20 lb. multipurpose and 60 & 70 lb. opaque text are guaranteed on laser and inkjet printers and photocopiers. Made acid free for longevity, the Domtar Colors line is also SFI certified.

The new Domtar Colors swatchbook is now available from Domtar paper distributors throughout North America.

Four Inkjet Press Manufacturers Create the Digital Print De-Inking Alliance to Support Inkjet Recyclability Research

InfoTrends 2008 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EDT

HP, InfoPrint Solutions Company, Kodak's Graphic Communications Group, and Oce N.V. announced their shared commitment to rigorously assess digital print compatibility with current de inking and paper recycling processes worldwide. Together, these firms have formed the Digital Print De inking Alliance (DPDA) to support jointly sponsored research on the recyclability of inkjet printed paper.

Technical representatives from each company have been meeting regularly to define the objectives and scope for needed research. DPDA sponsored studies will be focused on the de inking of inkjet prints, but will also examine that focus in the context of de inking of other print technologies.

The DPDA was founded to sponsor focused, objective research to identify printer, paper, or chemical additive solutions (or a combination thereof), ensuring de inking/recycling approaches that are cost effective and practical and that enhance industry sustainability practices. The DPDA is committed to actively engaging all relevant parties: paper manufacturers, paper recyclers, de inking chemical and equipment manufacturers, and researchers, worldwide.

Roland DGA Introduces VersaUV LEC-300 Inkjet Printer/Cutter

InfoTrends 2008 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EDT

Roland DGA Corp. has introduced a UV inkjet printer/cutter. The environmentally friendly 30" VersaUV LEC 300 inkjet printer/cutter comes equipped with the industry�s latest generation of UV inks and safe, low heat LED lamps. It prints CMYK + White + Clear on a wide range of substrates including foils, metallic, and synthetic papers, BOPP, PE, and PET film for color, texture, and dimension.

Clear coat adds rich special effects ranging from high gloss finishes for area highlights to custom textured effects such as faux leather, crocodile skin, and Braille. VersaUV comes with VersaWorks 3.0 RIP software, achieves 1440 dpi image quality and is backed by Roland�s Two Year Trouble Free Warranty.

Across a range of substrates, the LEC 300 prints CMYK + White + Clear Coat and contour cuts. The LEC 300�s White ECO UV ink creates crisp graphics and text and can be used as an undercoat to enhance the brightness of four color prints.

The VersaUV LEC 300 prints on paper including metallic surfaces for labels, decals, POP displays, and posters. It also prints on offset paper stock for highly accurate proofs, prototypes and comps. The LEC 300 can be used to create original patterns and 3D domed corporate logos directly onto synthetic and natural leathers. Other applications include interior d�cor items such as customized window coverings and tapestries.

The LEC 300 is a versatile pre press and proofing device that can save commercial printers the many costs associated with press downtime. VersaUV shops can also eliminate outsourcing for short production runs for customized graphics and wraps of virtually any shape, size, and texture.

With VersaUV, there are no plates or film to produce. Users simply design on a personal computer, send the file to the printer, and VersaUV automatically prints and digitally die cuts the finished print. Die cutting is achieved through Roland�s integrated print/cut technology that enables printing and cutting in one workflow.

ECO UV ink was especially formulated for the LEC 300�s curing system for curing at all print speeds, delivering high color density and wide gamut. Instant drying and flexible, ECO UV inks do not require degassing and can be stretched and applied around curved surfaces and sharp edges without cracking.

The LEC 300 includes two solid state UV LED lamps arranged in a staggered configuration enabling both matte and gloss clear coat finishes. In addition to a wide range of finishes, ECO UV clear coat improves scratch and chemical resistance for one year outdoor durability. Packaged in no mess 220ml cartridges, ECO UV ink is VOC free once cured.

LEC 300 LED lamps generate very little heat and last up to 10,000 hours, as much as ten times longer than conventional UV lamps. The LEC 300�s LED lamps can also be turned on and off instantly and are ready to use immediately after the printer is turned on.

The LEC 300 is Energy Star certified and automatically enters a low power mode when it is not used for an extended period of time. The LEC 300 requires 320W of power. Accordingly, the LEC 300 can be operated on a standard electrical outlet without an additional power supply.

In addition, the LEC 300 uses a light source that is completely ozone free and emits light in the range called Near UV of the UV spectrum, making it a safe alternative to conventional UV lamps. The LEC 300 carries Roland�s Eco Label.

The LEC 300 comes complete with VersaWorks 3.0 RIP software, developed by Roland engineers for the company�s wide format inkjet devices. Based on the latest Abobe CPSI engine (3018), VersaWorks 3.0 is more robust and precise than ever before and features advanced print server functions allowing users to manage up to four Roland inkjet devices simultaneously. VersaWorks 3.0 also offers support for Roland�s GX series cutters which allows professionals to manage stand alone cutting operations or pair a Roland cutter with a Roland inkjet printer for print/cut applications. A new PerfCut function enables users to produce precision perforated cut lines as well. VersaWorks allows users to select either conventional dual pass or single pass print modes for white ink applications.

In addition, VersaWorks includes proven productivity tools such as the Roland Color System for easy, precise spot color matching, the Max Impact Preset for richer color contrast, and Variable Data Printing. Other VersaWorks features include embedded ICC profile support, ink level adjustment tools, software proofing capabilities, and advanced cropping, tiling and nesting options. VersaWorks supports Windows 2000/XP and Vista.

The VersaUV LEC 300 is priced at $49,995 and is available through Authorized Roland Resellers.

Open Text to Acquire Captaris

InfoTrends 2008 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EDT

Open Text Corporation and Captaris, Inc. announced a definitive merger agreement in which a wholly owned subsidiary of Open Text will acquire Captaris. Under the terms of the agreement, Captaris shareholders will receive cash consideration of approximately $131 million in total, or $4.80 per share in exchange for their Captaris stock. The companies expect the transaction to close by the end of the calendar year, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Captaris's shareholders and anti trust approvals.

Captaris's software products include document and data capture solutions that let customers convert paper documents to digital content, and manage associated processes. The acquisition will expand Open Text's partnership offerings by creating tighter integration with Open Text's invoice management solutions that work with SAP and Oracle. Captaris also offers business information and delivery solutions built on the Microsoft .NET framework, which integrate, process, and automate the flow of content.

onOne Software Announces Plans for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Plug-In Support

InfoTrends 2008 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EDT

onOne Software, Inc. has outlined its plans to deliver support for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 software, the photographer's toolbox for managing, adjusting, and presenting large volumes of digital photographs. Development will center upon select products in the onOne Software line of Photoshop plug ins.

onOne Software plans to make versions of PhotoFrame Professional Edition, Genuine Fractals Print Pro, PhotoTools Professional Edition, and FocalPoint compatible with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom by the end of 2008. Each of these plug ins will provide users with integration between the respective plug in and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.

Registered users of onOne Software�s PhotoFrame Professional Edition, Genuine Fractals Print Pro, PhotoTools Professional Edition, and FocalPoint will be alerted to the availability of Lightroom support and how to update their product as each plug in is updated and released.

PhotoTools Professional Edition is a flexible Photoshop plug in that utilizes the power of Photoshop Actions to provide a complete library of effects created by professional photographers Kevin Kubota and Jack Davis and onOne Software. Each effect from the library of over 250 effects may be previewed, stacked, and blended together just like filters over a camera lens to improve creativity. Its built in batch processing engine improves photographers� productivity.

Genuine Fractals Print Pro is the industry standard for resizing images in Photoshop and can resize digital images over 1,000% with no loss of detail or sharpness. Thanks to onOne Software�s patented algorithms, it allows photographers to create poster sized prints from almost any image.

PhotoFrame Professional Edition allows users to create border and edge effects. Frames can be combined to create thousands of combinations of edges, including authentic film and other artistic mediums.

FocalPoint is the latest plug in from onOne that simulates selective focus and tilt shift lenses, helping photographers selectively blur and/or vignette an image to focus a viewer�s attention on the primary subject of visual interest.