A Robust Platform for Distributing Digital Content
Preview Systems, Inc. and Convera Corporation announced that the Convera Internet Software Integrity System (ISIS) has been integrated into the latest version of the Preview ZipLock for Media platform. As a result of the integration, ZipLock for Media 3.5 now offers content producers, distributors and retailers a more robust platform for distributing digital content online by providing extended support for leading media technologies. Convera ISIS is a software solution designed to enhance the secure online distribution of premium digital content, such as
music, video, documents and books.
Breakthrough Translation Software Released by IBM
IBM unveiled software that it hopes will make it easier and faster for workers around the world to communicate over the Internet despite language barriers. IBM WebSphere Translation Server enables Internet service providers and other businesses managing their own servers to translate Web pages, email and chat communications between English and German, French, Spanish and Italian. The software also translates words from English to Chinese, Japanese and Korean, but not in reverse. The software, which was tested at financial giant Deutsche Banc Alex Brown, will be available in March and translates at
a rate of 500 words per second, with speeds varying based on processor speed and system configuration. IBM executives say the software will allow their customers to do more business over the Internet on a global scale. The software runs on Microsoft Windows NT, Sun Solaris and IBM's version of Unix, AIX, and can connect with Lotus Domino, a Web-messaging server, and Lotus Sametime, an instant- communications server. Lotus is an IBM subsidiary. IBM WebSphere Translation Server is priced at $10,000 per processor.
Kinesis Offers Advanced Ergonomic Keyboard
Kinesis Corporation announced the latest addition to its line of high-performance ergonomic computer keyboards: the EvolutionTM fully adjustable keyboard family. Evolution keyboards consist of left and right modules connected only by a cable, so each module can be independently adjusted. User benefits include enhanced productivity and accuracy, reduction of tension on the hands, wrist and forearms and very little adaptation time. A chair-mounted and desktop version will be offered, but the most exciting development is the new track-mounted version. The Evolution family has its heritage in the Interfaces keyboard, originally developed by medical professionals and produced by Cramer, Inc, a Kansas City manufacturer of high quality seating and related items. Kinesis was recently granted exclusive rights by Cramer to manufacture and market the keyboard.
Sun Expands Storage Options
Sun Microsystems Wednesday unveiled its Sun StorEdge T3 Array, a hard drive supporting Windows NT, HP-UX, IBM AIX, and Linux. As a result, Sun customers with these operating platforms can connect to the Internet anytime and anywhere on any device, the company said. The StorEdge T3 for Workshop Array price begins at $37,000 for 16 gigabytes and $150,890 for Enterprise. Shipping will begin later this month.
Sony Enters Bluetooth Fray
Electronics manufacturer Sony has developed a miniaturized module that will enable Bluetooth to be used in cameras, television and other electronic devices. Bluetooth is the technology that uses radio frequency to create short-range radio links between electronic devices. A Sony spokesperson quoted by Anywhereyougo.com said the "InfoStick" device, which is just a prototype, is being adapted for use in the "MemoryStick" space common on many appliances.
MemorySticks, mini memory expansion and storage devices used in a variety of digital products, are about the size of chewing gum. When appliances are Bluetooth-enabled using these miniaturized modules, they will be able to exchange information via radio waves within a maximum range of 32 feet.
America West Airlines Latest to Offer WAP
America West Airlines said it would make its travel information available to customers with wireless devices. Now, travelers on American West who use a Palm, Blackberry or wireless application protocol (WAP)-enabled phone will be able to access real-time flight status, flight schedules and frequent flier account activity. The airline has partnered with Everypath, a mobile software platform and services provider, to develop and deploy the wireless application. Last week, British Airways made a similar announcement, making it the first carrier in the UK to allow its customers to use
WAP.
Epson Goes Wireless
The small but expanding wireless printing market got another player today with Epson America, Inc.'s announcement that it will be offering a new wireless print server. The company is demonstrating its wireless Ethernet printing--which is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2001--at the Macworld Conference and Expo in San Francisco this week. Epson said its new print server will let users print wirelessly to Epson networkable inkjet printers that are 150 to 300 feet away via a local area network (LAN) connection. Using the 802.11b chipset standard, data will be transferred to the printer at up to 11 megabits per second (Mbps). In addition, the system allows users to print from different floors or rooms because the 802.11b communication standard does not require a clear line of sight.