ProStor InfiniVault – Storage AND Savings

ProStor InfiniVault – storage AND savings.

I blogged about the ProStor InfiniVault about one month ago.  As a reminder, the InfiniVault is a data preservation and protection system which allows you to optimize how you manage/handle your data.  It combines sophisticated software with industry endorsed removable hard drive technology.  You may ask: How does this technology move from our existing storage system to ProStor translate to the bottom line?  How can it save us money?  Here are some sound examples for cost reduction both tangible and intangible:

Economic Savings**

• Lowest cost storage – tape costs up to 2x more, optical costs up to 4x more, and fixed disk costs up to 40x more
• Infinite capacity – the RDX removable disks are virtualized behind the online disk allowing inactive data to be removed from the system while still appearing online to applications and users. This reduces operating cost and power consumption, while enabling incremental
  expansion of storage when it’s needed and at the best price in the market
• Self-protecting – the system can automatically make 1 to 4 copies of data on RDX removable disks and/or replicate to another ProStor InfiniVault, automating disaster protection. The meta-data is maintained online for easy search and retrieval, even when the data is removed from the system and sent offsite
• Multiple vaults – users can partition the online disk file area for multiple departments or projects rather than purchasing separate systems, thereby reducing capital expense
• Backward/Forward compatible – unlike tape or optical storage solutions, you will never need to swap-out a drive to read the data from an RDX disk
• Reduced backup costs by 50% – shorter backup windows, faster time to recovery, lower cost of protecting data, and fewer resources to manage backups are consumed
• Lower power and cooling costs up to 75% – data on spinning disks is a major power user, and within a ProStor InfiniVault the RDX disks spin-down when not being accessed
• Faster response to eDiscovery requests – saves time and money in responding and helps avoid potential penalties
• Improved operational efficiencies – fewer IT resources (people and equipment) are needed because you don’t need to manage multiple tiers; no data to disk, tape or VTL anymore
• Ease of use – because it is addressed as simple NAS storage, installation can be done in 30 minutes or less. Once online, the information management software implements your policies automatically
• Set and forget GUI – once vaults are defined and retention policies are set, the ProStor InfiniVault does the rest
• Data compression – data is compressed where possible 2:1 (on average) to reduce the amount of storage that needs to be purchased
• File level data de-duplication – digital fingerprint is used to identify duplicate files and only store one instance, reducing the total amount of storage that needs to be purchased
• Reclaim capacity on primary storage – less primary storage has to be purchased now and in the future**

As you can see, the economic reasons to migrate over to ProStor are numerous.  Contact our Sales Department for more information or a quote.

Ian Hundtofte

Inside Sales/ImageSource

**Source: ProStor Systems

An Innovative Blend…ILINX® Capture with Canon ScanFront 220 / 220P

This week I wanted to highlight a great ImageSource combo that delivers an All-IN-ONE system that is perfect for Workgroup Capture.  This blended technology provides a comprehensive state-of-the-art scanning solution for any organization, regardless of size.

ILINX® Capture is a powerful web based application that allows you to capture information any place, any time.  It can be used for ad hoc and production scanning and indexing.  All you need is access to a browser and you can capture documents from anywhere in the world!

With ILINX Capture you can import and process emails, faxes and business documents and it is easily integrated with third-party and legacy systems. Once released from the scanner, the documents enter the ILINX Capture workflow system; allowing access to documents and batches from a thin web client.  ILINX Capture was a winner of the 2010 Product Innovation Awards -  Network Products Guide.

Now blending ILINX Capture with Canon ScanFront 220 / ScanFront 220P scanner, this allows you to plug your captured information directly into your office network.  With the user-friendly touch screen, you can scan directly to e-mail, FTP, shared folders or USB memory and it releases to a comprehensive workflow system that is assessable from any browser. 

Worried about security and access to your network? The Canon ScanFront 220 / ScanFront 220P has robust security features offering fingerprint authentication with easy remote management.

Check out the demo of how it works on You Tube - you will see how easy it is to apply innovation in your workflow processes!

For more information see the PDF below.

Dynamic Duo – ILINX Capture & Canon ScanFront 220P

Megan Lane
Inside Sales
ImageSource Inc.
Phone 360.943.9273
iPhone 360.481.5946
www.imagesourceinc.com

  

Shedding a little more light on the new Fujitsu fi-6800

I have blogged before about the Fujitsu fi-6800′s reduced footprint, the LED technology that it uses, and the many environmental friendly qualities it has, but there are other features that must be pointed out.  As you can imagine, when a company so well respected and influential in the ECM world as Fujitsu releases a new product, a lot of thought and engineering goes into it beyond just making it faster.  The fi-6800 is packed with features that enhance productivity that was based directly on customer feedback.

I saw a recent live demo of this model and it is impressive.  It’s look, size, footprint.  How quiet it is.  It also became evident, that this scanner is also easier to use than the fi-5900C, the previous mid-volume production heavyweight manufactured by Fujitsu.  This scanner weighs a mere 70 pounds compared to 100+ pounds of other scanners and its compact size makes it physically the smallest in its class.  This scanner was designed with this in mind:  bring production scanning from out back to up front without obviously disturbing the front of office business environment.

This scanner was also designed with batch scanning efficiency in mind.  For example, it can be equipped with a pre or post scanning imprinter depending on the need, and features an active stacker which controls paper speed as it exits the scanner to keep documents orderly and neat.  The front operator panel has a document counter and a batch counter too.  It is intelligently designed featuring an intuitive LCD operator panel which can be programmed in seven different languages.

Speaking of intuitive technology, the scanner offers Intelligent Multi-Feed Function (iMFF) and Automatic Image Quality Checker (aIQC).  According to Fujitsu, “iMFF allows for instant detection of a multi-feed or multilayer document, such as taped-on receipts or sticky notes added to a document. This function transports the document that has caused the alert to the exit path of the scanner, and presents both the physical document as well as the scanned front and back side images to the user so they can decide whether rescanning is required.”  The Automatic Image Quality Checker allows for document batches to be processed without interruption because it marks images virtually with potential missing data (for example folded corners) and others that might indicate multi-feed incidences.  This allows the user to check through the earmarked images and either re-scan or validate without interrupting the image order.

Lastly, the scanner comes equipped with an impressive full suite of bundled software including Adobe Acrobat 9 Standard, Kofax VRS 4.5 Professional with enhanced barcode recognition, ScandAll PRO with Scan to Microsoft Sharepoint, and QuickScan Pro Demo.  The fi-6800 fits well into any Document Management and Enterprise Content Management solution.

Once again, Fujitsu steps out into the limelight and into the front of the pack with production level document scanning for the world.

Ian Hundtofte

ImageSource

  

Centralized, de-centralized or outsourced capture – some surprising results!

In-Process Capture… Centralized Production Scanning… De-Centralized Distributed Capture… the discussions on which strategy is best for a company when addressing their document capture needs can have interesting outcomes. 

There seems to be no “right” answer, the technology choices for capture are continuously growing and changing and a company’s Enterprise Content Management (ECM) needs can be very specific.   A recent research study by AIIM produced some surprising results when they reviewed the issues and potential benefits of different approaches to document capture.  Document capture encompasses document scanning, image correction, recognition of text, barcodes, form fields etc. and output to an appropriate format for subsequent processing or archive storage.

One surprising and interesting outcome that AIIM states in their introduction of the report; “The report concludes that there is a move back to centralized scanning operations, along with a greater investment in capture and recognition software to automate date capture and indexing processes.”  At ImageSource, we have also seen an increase in companies utilizing the newer model of “distributed scanning” – at the local level to office staff processing the capture documents. The value of capturing something at point of origination and placed into an imaging business process earlier does save time and money.

Allow your business needs to dictate they type of capture solution that makes business sense for your organization.  This may include multiple avenues. Many of our customers utilize both centralized and de-centralized capture – depending on their specific business needs.   We have also seen companies move towards an increase in distributed/ de-centralized capture for their 3 – 5 year strategic ECM plan.

 So how do you work out what is the best approach for your needs? And it can vary from department to department within the company!  This is one of the greatest challenges the C-Level and IT staff come across when developing an ECM strategic technology plan. As an independent ECM  Integrator, ImageSource is uniquely qualified to help discover the ideal mix of Capture technology to conquer business challenges.  We help chart a strategic course, whether the business requires in-process capture, production scanning, distributed capture or mailroom solutions.

One other surprising result of the AIIM study was the statistics that shows a very strong return on investment (ROI) and compelling case for scanning and capture investments.  Capture is an enabling process that is a combination of improved user access to information and reduced costs.  The study showed that ROI for capture was reported within 12 months to 18 months! That is a significant and impressive return!  Yet the study shows that justifying ROI is still a huge impediment to adoption -one that many of our customers face when presenting the case to change “how things have been done”. 

The greatest benefit of research is that it stimulates all the interested parties into discussion and planning mode.  So what ECM strategies will your company implement – centralized, de-centralized/distributed capture or outsource it!

Megan Lane
Inside Sales
ImageSource Inc.
Phone 360.943.9273
iPhone 360.481.5946
www.imagesourceinc.com

  

Character versus Reputation!

I was reading a professional colleague’s blog before New Year’s Eve and was surprised at a quote that highlighted the difference between “Character versus Reputation”.  Matt Younquist – Career Horizons recited a quote from Coach John Wooden which said;

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

Working at a company (ImageSource Inc.) whose expertise is providing full-service Enterprise Content Management integration, the concept of Character versus Reputation is enacted every single day.  ImageSource provides infrastructure and services that streamline information processes using advanced paperless technologies.  Our goal is to help customers leverage their information assets through document imaging, distributed capture, workflow and integration with existing business software systems.  Our comprehensive approach, including analysis, training and support, will advance efficiencies, security, compliance and competition through your entire organization.

We work side by side with our customers to incorporate change within an organization and the many challenges that come hand in hand with this process.  Often when ImageSource is being considered for a project, our reputation precedes our presentation based on existing customer referrals and the large list of successful project implementations.  However, the true character of a company, its culture and people shines or fizzles when unexpected challenges arise throughout the life of the customer/vendor relationship.  ImageSource has proven that character is more important than reputation (even though they are inexplicably linked), and the proof shines via our customer loyalty, our expertise and continued success. 

Another quote comes to mind from Coach John Wooden; “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you are capable.” I believe each person at ImageSource strives to achieve this every day and that our customers return the favor.

Check out Coach John Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success” model – it is something to aspire towards as a company and as an individual. May your New Year be as successful as ours will be and have fun considering whether character or reputation is more important!

Megan Lane
Inside Sales
ImageSource Inc.
Phone 360.943.9273
iPhone 360.481.5946
www.imagesourceinc.com

  

Document Capture Tools

Scanning your documents into a Document Management System is a great way to improve efficiency and reduce the amount of paper in your office.  And, depending on what kind of paper you are scanning, there are lot of document capture tools available.  Tools such as Full Text OCR, Zonal OCR, and ICR can greatly reduce time spent indexing and validating your documents once they are scanned.

Full Text OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is software that captures every character in the document being scanned and processing it into a fully searchable PDF.  One effective use of this technology is when government users needing to search hundreds of pages of agendas and meeting minutes for a certain topic.  The process of searching these documents is quite time-consuming and most OCR processing occurs overnight when there is less use on the company’s day-to-day activities. 

Zonal OCR is similar in that it captures information, but in this case, the software is programmed to look in the same location or “zone” every time.  This is helpful when scanning in documents where the information is in the same location, such as an invoice number.  Most invoices are in a set format so zonal OCR is very effective in this scenario.  When the operator is validating this information, the Zonal OCR zooms in on the zone area that has been predetermined where the information is captured from so they can easily read if the information captured is correct or not.  Hence, one of the biggest advantages of Zonal OCR is that it improves the efficiency of searches which translates into a savings of both time and money.  Some software available that features Zonal OCR also allows the user to draw a box to establish a zone around required text rather than typing in keywords therefore allowing the document to be automatically indexed.

ICR (Intelligent Character Recognition) is the ability for the software to read hand-written information and process this into searchable information.  This is especially beneficial in the financial industry.  And although this tool can be very useful in some situations, the error rate is much higher because handwriting is so varied from person to person. 

Andrea Latham, CDIA+
Inside Sales
ImageSource, Inc.
Phone 360.943.9273
www.imagesourceinc.com

  

Going Green with Document Imaging

Green business isn’t just talk anymore!  Many companies today are working on Green Initiatives to make them more environmentally friendly.  One popular initiative is to go “paperless” and implement a document imaging system.  What could be more environmentally friendly than saving some paper, hence saving trees?  Document management reduces paper creation, storage requirements, and travel costs.  Online forms and signature eliminate paper at the source.  There are many resources on Green Initiatives in the document imaging world provided by participating in groups such as AIIM, ARMA, and attending conferences that discuss these initiatives such as the ImageSource conference, “Nexus.”

When it comes to deciding what kind of scanners you need for your document imaging system, many companies are taking a harder look at which manufactures are producing environmentally friendly equipment.  Some concerns include what type of chemicals used in the products, energy-saving modes, duplexing options, and if the manufacture recycles.  Compared to other office equipment, (According to the EPA)  a scanner consumes significantly less energy than a photocopier, resulting in lower green house gases.

American office workers use four million tons of copy paper annually, equivalent to 10,000 sheets of copy paper per worker.  If the United States were to reduce office paper by 10%, 1.6 million tons of greenhouse gases could be eliminated, the same as removing 280,000 cars from the road.  As more companies implement document management systems, their paper creation and use goes down and therefore create less greenhouse gases.  Although our world is far from being completely paperless, we are surely making great strides in that direction and lessening our footprint on the environment in the process.

 

Andrea Latham, CDIA+

Inside Sales

ImageSource, Inc.

Phone 360.943.9273

www.imagesourceinc.com

Yes, There is Such a Thing as a Wide Format Scanner

For many companies and government agencies, there is a great demand for a scanner that can accommodate documents larger than 11 x 17”.  Engineering companies, architectural firms, assessor and land use departments all have large format documents they deal with on a daily basis.  The most common large format documents for these users are blueprints, maps, and architectural drawings but other uses include graphics, fine art and photography.  Trying to find, store, and organize all these huge documents can be painstaking and space consuming, so in comes the large format scanner to the rescue! 

The large format scanner comes in a variety of sizes for max scan width, the most coming being 36”, 42”, and 54”.  You can also choose between Simplex/Duplex and Monochrome/Color options.  Models with different speeds and resolutions also help customize your large format scanner solution.  For example, if you need to scan in a color map with a lot of detail, you will want a color scanner with very high resolution.  Large Format scanners are available with up to 9600 dpi. 

Software is  available that assist with the scanning, processing and organization of your images.  Some software even allows the scanner to integrate directly with CAD applications enabling blueprints to be scanned, edited and digitally stored.  And most large format scanners include a 2-year on-site warranty, although most are virtually maintenance free – few, if any consumables are needed to maintain the optimum performance of the units.

ImageSource, Inc. can provide information on many different large format scanner manufacturers such as Vidar, Contex,  and Graphtec.  Regardless of the brand, you can integrate large format scanners seamlessly into your existing document imaging system giving you maximum flexibility for digitizing documents of any size.

Andrea Latham, CDIA+

Inside Sales

ImageSource, Inc.