Xerox and Partners Announce Nine Applications Built on EIP

BOSTON -- Xerox Corporation (NYSE: XRX) and five business partners are rolling out new software that gives users of Xerox office multifunction systems greater customization, added workflow capabilities and enhanced security.

In addition to Xerox, business partners such as Equitrac Corp., Nuance Communications Inc., Omtool Ltd., Streem Communications LLC and X-Solutions are announcing new versions of their own workflow software products that do everything from tracking how many pages are being printed on an MFP to automatically routing documents to predefined locations, be they repositories, e-mails or network folders.

The Xerox and partner offerings were unveiled at AIIM/On Demand, a major conference and exhibition for the document imaging industry. All are built with Xerox's Extensible Interface Platform (EIP), which was released in October 2006. EIP enables developers to build applications that simplify office work processes such as providing access to common business forms directly from the MFP, printing on demand, and much more. Personalization and customization are key elements of EIP. With this platform, MFP programs can be built that give users single sign-on access to applications specific to a company's, workgroup's or individual's needs or requirements.

"Customers are no longer looking for a box that simply prints, faxes, scans and copies, they want a system that can improve their work processes and deliver a competitive advantage," said Brian Bissett, international consultant and editor of The MFP Report. "This new realm of solutions enabled by Xerox's Extensible Interface Platform is critical to capturing share in the MFP market."

EIP is based on standard Web tools that allow for quick programming and offer developers a wide range of possibilities. One new application by Xerox provides access to MapQuest at the MFP. Users can find and print directions directly from the system's touch screen, bypassing their PC entirely. Another application lets people with a subscription to the New York Times receive daily feeds right at the MFP where they can easily be printed. Both programs will be available for free download starting in June.

In addition to these products, Xerox announced SMARTsend™ Pro, enabled by Xerox EIP, and the Xerox Secure Access Unified ID System™.

The new version of SMARTsend Pro is an update to Xerox's scanning software that lets users scan hard copy documents to e-mail addresses, repositories, FTP folders, network folders, Web URLs or remote printers. Users can preview newly scanned documents from the MFP's display for accuracy and then store them in Xerox DocuShare™, Microsoft Corp. SharePoint or Windows folders, without the need for a pre-defined template. People can then use the MFP's touch screen to browse and print those documents.

The Xerox Secure Access Unified ID System is designed for organizations such as healthcare companies, financial services firms and educational institutions looking to more tightly secure their sensitive records. With this system, which combines card readers and software, users can access Xerox MFPs after swiping or waving their ID card in front of the card reader on the MFP. For added security, a PIN or password can be built into the software. The Secure Access system can integrate with an organization's existing employee badge ID system.

A key feature of Secure Access Unified ID is Follow-You™ print, which lets users securely print to the most convenient Secure Access-equipped MFP on the network. Users simply print the document to a secure print queue and then go to any Secure Access-equipped MFP. With a wave of their ID card, they can print the document, print multiple copies, delete the print or securely store it to print later. No longer does sensitive information sit in the MFP tray, waiting for the rightful owner to collect it.

"Everyone wants to make work easier and help reduce the time and money spent handling documents," said Roger Ellefson, manager of Solutions Marketing, Xerox Office Group. "EIP-enabled software allows customers to adapt the MFP to the way they work. By customizing the system so that users only see the buttons they need, our programs make document management faster, easier and more accurate."

In conjunction with the new EIP-enabled applications, Xerox announced a new developers program as part of the Xerox Business Partner Program. With a quick member application and basic contract, developers gain free access to EIP software development kits. They can also take advantage of Xerox technical, sales and training support offerings.

Business partner applications
The following applications, the first third-party programs developed with EIP, were disclosed at AIIM/On Demand:

• Equitrac Office and Equitrac Express software from Equitrac enable offices and educational institutions to track, measure and control how many pages are printed, copied or scanned by individuals or departments. Such capabilities are particularly important for offices subject to regulations like Sarbanes-Oxley and HIPAA.
  
• Scan to PC Desktop EIP Edition, from Nuance, enables office workers to customize the scanning menus and tasks they will see at the MFP, reducing the steps needed to scan and save information. This effectively turns the MFP into the user's own personal document management system.
  
• AccuRoute, from Omtool, is an enterprise capture, conversion, distribution and archiving platform that enables businesses to manage complex document handling and routing requirements efficiently and cost-effectively. Equipped by EIP, it can now be accessed directly from the Xerox MFP touch screen.
  
• Streem Connect, from Streem Communications, now offers a centralized communications management system for secure scan-to-fax, e-mail and broadcast notification. This can be used to send, receive, print, archive and track information through the MFP. With the product, government, healthcare and educational institutions can deliver critical information, such as patient information, student performance and more, securely, and with immediate results.
  
• ScanFlowStore with Interactive Client from X-Solutions is scanning software for small and medium-sized businesses that aims to provide error-free document routing. Traditionally, scanned documents must be manually named and distributed, a tedious and error-prone process. With Interactive Client, users select a file name and destination from easy-to-use, pre-programmed tabs found on the MFP's touch screen, reducing distribution errors and simplifying document processes.

Pricing and availability
List prices for Xerox Secure Access start at $795. It is available immediately in North America and Europe, and will be available in developing markets beginning May 1. SMARTsend Pro, enabled by Xerox EIP, is available immediately worldwide. List prices start at $4,499. Current SMARTsend Pro users can download the new features free from www.xerox.com/smartsend. Both Secure Access and SMARTsend Pro are sold in North America through direct sales, authorized agents and Xerox TeleWeb. Xerox's Extensible Interface Platform is available on the Xerox WorkCentre™ 200 series departmental monochrome multifunction systems and the WorkCentre 7300 series color multifunction systems. It will also be made available on future WorkCentre color and black-and-white MFPs.

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