Imaging News — June 2005

Contents:

• JBIG2 Compression Relieves Storage Concerns: Reduce file size by up to 100:1
• Win a 256MB USB Drive by providing us feedback on your image conversion needs
• Upgrades available to v.9.0 for Java or v.14.0 for Windows and .NET
• Visit us at TAWPI 2005
• Tech Tip: Working with Compressed Images

JBIG2 Compression Relieves Storage Concerns

JBIG2 compression is immediately available for Snowbound's RasterMaster Windows Imaging SDK, and .Net Imaging SDK. Using RasterMaster you now have the ability to build powerful applications for image and document compression that result in speedier downloads and more efficient storage. (JBIG2 support for Java will be available in Q3.)

JBIG2 is an industry standard b&w image compression method that yields extraordinarily good results. A true JBIG2 plug-in can deliver compression rates of up to 100:1 compared to an uncompressed B&W TIFF image. This is made possible by using symbol recognition and substitution to achieve dramatic compression results. Any black & white image can be compressed using JBIG2 including Group 4, MO:DCA, PDF, TIFF, and more.

Adobe Acrobat PDFs can be further compressed by converting black and white images to embedded JBIG2 files. This reduces the file to a much smaller size making it easier and faster to store, download and transmit without sacrificing image quality. PDF files with embedded JBIG2 can be read by Adobe Acrobat 5.0 or higher.

Because of its compression capabilities JBIG2 can be used as an alternative format for faxes and scanned documents. When a file is scanned the compression algorithm searches for groups of pixels that are arranged in similar shapes and uses them to define a symbol. Rather than retaining information on the placement of each pixel, a table is created for common symbols. This allows users to see incredible reductions in file sizes of both single and multi-page documents.

Evaluate RasterMaster v.14.0 Now — Experience for yourself how RasterMaster can enhance your applications with powerful document imaging capabilities.

Give us feedback on your document/image conversion needs and we'll give you a 256MB USB 2.0 Flash Drive.

Be one of the first 20 respondents to complete our latest survey and you'll receive a free 256MB USB flash drive. We are interested to know how you are using image conversion technology and what are some of your conversion requirements and challenges.

Snowbound works closely with our customers to understand your requirements and deliver solutions that will address your imaging needs. We continually enhance our technology to produce industry-leading solutions that deliver results. Your feedback is invaluable and we’d like to thank you for continuing to help us in this process.

Snowbound on the Road

Visit Booth #223 to see how our imaging technology can help you enhance your Check 21, HIPAA, or Sarbanes-Oxley applications.

If you are attending the TAWPI 2005 Conference held July 24-27 in Baltimore, MD, make sure to visit Snowbound Software (Booth #223) and see our powerful imaging technology in action. We will be showcasing our powerful Web viewers for content and document management systems as well as our latest enhancements to our RasterMaster imaging SDKs. We look forward to seeing you!

Please contact us to set up an appointment for a demonstration at TAWPI.

RasterMaster Upgrade Now Available for Java

Snowbound Software has released RasterMaster v.9.0 for the Java Platform. This upgrade delivers exciting new features to further enhance your imaging-based applications. If you have a current Snowbound Software Maintenance contract, you can upgrade to version 9.0 at no charge. Upgrades to RasterMaster v.14.0 for Windows including .NET, UNIX, and Macintosh are also available.

Some of the new enhancements* include:

• Format reading support for RTF, JBIG2, and Microsoft Word (MS Word and RTF are currently only available in Windows and .NET)
• Text extraction for MS Word, PCL, PDF, and AFP (Currently only available for Windows and .NET)
• IMG_save_document() function for saving searchable PDF files (Currently only available for Windows and .NET)
• True Type and Type 1 enhanced font support in PDF
• Ability to upgrade to future versions easily with a new generic naming convention

Beginning with these versions, we will no longer be including the version number in the product name. For example, in the previous version of RasterMaster for Windows, the file named "snbd13cm.dll" will now be named "snbdm.dll". This will permit you to upgrade your library without having to rename your projects.

* Depending on the product package that you own, some of the enhancements may be considered optional. Charges will apply for the optional formats if you do not currently have them with your existing library.

Contact us for upgrade information.