Irvine, Calif., Oct. 29, 2003: inFORM Decisions, Inc., recognized for iSeries e-Forms software solutions, today announced the completion and release of a new low-cost iSeries driver for Toshiba e-STUDIO Multi-function Printers. iDriver is now available through Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc.'s(TABS) worldwide distribution network.
iSeries-AS/400 shops seeking extended print functionality to improve the appearance of their documents can now turn to Toshiba's e-STUDIO Multi-function Printers (MFPs). With iDriver, the e-STUDIO's extensive printing, output and finishing capabilities, including laser printing, color, output bin selection, hole punching and stapling can be accessed through a native interface from an iSeries workstation.
Prior to the introduction of the iDriver, the MFPs of most vendors required an external Wintel-based component to pass commands extraneous to HP-PCL that controlled extended printer functionality. This additional component add edexpense, complexity and a point of failure to the configuration.
With the inFORM Decisions developed iDriver, users can now access the advanced functionality of TABS e-STUDIO products. Commenting on the product's ease of use, TABS Group Director Michael Alpert says, "It's akin to a windows environment when you select file, and then select print. The user sees a dialog box that presents several options which control the e-STUDIO's finishing features." Alpert interviewed a number of potential development partners before contracting with inFORM Decisions to do the work on iDriver. InFORM was selected because of their experience in the development of print and eDocument related software for iSeries-AS/400 computers.
inFORM developed the iDriver from a spec drafted by Alpert's engineerin team. Dan Forster, President of inFORM Decisions, says, "This was right up our alley. Writing drivers is actually a subset of what we do." inFORM Decisions develops automated and secure electronic check and forms software, as well as other eCommerce solutions for iSeries-AS/400 and NT Client-Server environments. inFORM's offerings integrate with existing applications and reduce material and labor costs. Forster adds, "We have done a great deal of custom development work like this already. Increasingly, I'm seeing vendors who you would not traditionally associate with the iSeries space, adapting their offerings so they can capture untapped market share."
Since e-STUDIO equipment can now be easily integrated into iSeries environments; and laser quality presentations, full-color reports and customized forms are known to give a significant edge to businesses that produce them, TABS management feels that the iDriver will be a powerful competitive lever in the iSeries-AS/400 space now estimated at 490,000 machines.
e-STUDIO printers are also widely used since they offer stand-alone copy functions and connect to Wintel-based devices. By loading the iDriver, companies that also have iSeries-AS/400 hardware can send spool files directly to departmentally placed e-Studio printers and get more from their hardware investment. "Now users within an environment can actually print to the device right around the corner to them," adds Alpert.
iDriver is sold exclusively by Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. under license from inFORM Decisions, Inc. The MSRP for iDriver is approximately $4,000. One copy supports an unlimited number of MFPs. iDriver can be upgraded to inFORM's complete iSeries forms management solution called iDOCS.
For additional information on the iDriver; e-STUDIO Multifunction Products; or Toshiba America Business Solutions call 1-800-GO-TOSHIBA, or visit www.copiers.toshiba.com. For more on inFORM Decisions and their products, call 1-800-858-5544 or visit
www.informdecisions.com.
The TABS iDriver will be demonstrated at the Washington (DC) Area Midrangers Group conference on November 7, 2003.
About inFORM Decisions, Inc.
inFORM Decisions develops, markets and supports leading edge automated and secure eForm, electronic check and, ePayment systems for iSeries-AS/400 and NT Client-Server environments. inFORM Decisions software consistently wins industry awards for best products in their class. These solutions integrate seamlessly with existing applications and dramatically reduce material and labor costs for inFORM Decisions' worldwide client base. inFORM Decisions develops their products with modularity in mind and delivers systems that are tailored to aclient's needs. inFORM Decisions is a privately held corporation based in Irvine, California.
inFORM Decisions, Inc.
20331 Aventura
RSM, California 92688
(800) 858-5544 or (949) 709-5838
Fax: (949) 709-5839
www.informdecisions.comAbout Toshiba America Business SolutionsToshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. (TABS) manages product planning, marketing, sales, service support and distribution of copiers, facsimiles, multifunction printing products, network controllers and toner products throughout the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. Headquarteredin Irvine, Calif., TABS comprises four divisions: the Electronic Imaging Division, Toner Products Division, Document Solutions Engineering Division and Toshiba Business Solutions (TBS), a subsidiary which operates a network of acquired office equipment dealers. Named the most favored manufacturer in seven of the past eight years by the Business Technology Association (BTA), Toshiba's entire product line, customer support and marketing distribution policies are a marker for the industry. Among the many other awards garnered in recent years, Toshiba was named the "Copier Manufacturer of the Year" by the Marketing Research Consultants (MRC) in 1997, 1998, 2001 and 2002 and received the CIO Web Business award for its leading edge intranet site in 1998, 1999 and 2000. TABS is an independent operating company of Toshiba Corporation, the sixth largest electronics/electrical equipment company and the world's 62nd largest company in terms of sales. Toshiba Corporation is a world leader in high technology products with more than 300 major subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide. Fiscal year revenue in 2002 was approximately $47 billion.
For more information on Toshiba copier, facsimile, multifunction printing products, network controllers or toner products, or for a dealer in your area, call1-800-GO-TOSHIBA or visit the TABS Web site at
www.copiers.toshiba.com.