It allows you to associate up to 9,999 electronic documents with a single UNIX database record simply by executing a UNIX command, with no modification to the UNIX data required. With ImageLink you can:

• SCAN single or multiple-page electronic documents from paper with a standard PC scanner and automatically "attach" them to the current UNIX database record
• FILE any existing UNIX or PC files under the UNIX database record (Word, Excel, PDF, CAD, digital photos, UNIX reports, etc.)
• BROWSE all documents associated only with a single UNIX record and add notes and a custom description to each document
• E-MAIL any combination of documents related to a record
• DISPLAY an image related to the current UNIX database record "live" in a fixed window controlled from UNIX as users move from record to record in the UNIX database (ex: inventory photos)

Most importantly, rather then requiring an external Windows-based system for indexing (i.e. saving and finding documents), ImageLink enables you to use your own UNIX database as the index system!

How does it work?

By simply executing system commands from your UNIX database, you can quickly and easily add electronic document support to any PC accessing the UNIX system with a terminal emulator. Since your UNIX software controls the naming of the "key" document for each record, associating it with a database record is easy and reliable.

What does it require me to change in my software?

You only need to add a few lines of programming to enable users to press a key to scan, view or file documents. If you want to use the "fixed window" feature of ImageLink to display different images as users move from record to record in the UNIX database, you would only need to add programming to execute a system command at each record. Also, since ImageLink only requires you to issue UNIX system commands, there is no programming language requirement at all - i.e. it can be implemented in any UNIX package written in any programming language.

What is the PC interface like?

ImageLink includes a powerful, yet simple and friendly Windows interface. Below are some sample screens from the program.

With standard electronic document software, a separate, usually Windows-based index system is provided for you to save and then later locate the documents. Often, the user is even required to manually enter key information about the document being created in order to associate it with the data. ImageLink is vastly different from these packages because:

What are some key features of this product?

• Standard inexpensive TWAIN PC scanners are supported for creating electronic documents from paper documents
• Multiple-page scanned documents can easily be created and saved as a single PDF file
• Single-page scanned documents can be saved as either JPEG or PDF
• Both letter (8.5" x 11") and legal (8.5" x 14") page sizes are supported in the generated PDF files
• PDF files can be viewed and printed from inside of the ImageLink window (similar to viewing a PDF in a web browser). This feature greatly enhances the product because it enables users to walk through JPEG, BMP and PDF files seamlessly. NOTE: This feature requires the full Adobe Acrobat (not just Acrobat Reader)
• Non-JPEG, BMP or PDF documents can be opened with the file's associated application (ex: Word, Excel, AutoCad, etc.) - with an option to save any changes made to the PC document back to the UNIX data!
• A "browse" window enables jumping directory to any related document
• A description can be assigned to a document when scanning or at a later time
• Custom notes can be added to any document (append-only or full modification) and printed
• Documents can be deleted, with the ability to undelete the last deleted document for that UNIX record
• Documents can be selectively protected from deletion
• Any existing PC files can be added to a particular UNIX database record interactively with an image previewer and the ability to open the file with its associated application (all configurable). The original files can be optionally deleted, left intact or refiled into a "Filed" sub-folder as they are filed.
• A utility is included for filing existing UNIX files under a database record
• A utility is included for copying or moving all UNIX documents from one database record to another. One use for this utility would be to "carry" data as a project progresses, for example, moving from a quote to an order to an installation.
• Scanner settings (i.e. size, dpi, colors, etc.) are specified in the UNIX configuration program so users cannot modify them (an option for using the scanner's interface software is also included)
• Both creation and modification date and user information is maintained by the program and displayed in the document details and browse screens
• Extensive centralized configuration is provided and controlled by the UNIX server and even includes the ability to assign permissions based on UNIX login name and also specify what PC file extensions are allowed
• A separate UNIX utility is included for automatically gathering all images relating to a particular record (along with an optional PDF file) and e-mailing them as attachments to a single message with our FineLine Internet MailServer.

What is the hardware configuration requirement?

This software requires that all PCs to use the product be connected to the UNIX server over a local TCP/IP network or VPN. Note that the PCs must either have static IP addresses on the network or use the FineLine PC Tether or Samba software to determine the dynamic IP address.

What UNIX platforms are supported?

• SCO OpenServer 5 / 6
• SCO UnixWare 7
• Linux
• IBM AIX

How is this product licensed?

This product is licensed by a single UNIX server and the number of PCs that will scan, file or view documents or images. The IP address or computer name of each PC is registered with the software.

What is the pricing for this product?

NOTE: All prices are subject to change without notice.