Virginia Beach, VA — June 13, 2005 — Atlas Systems, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of the stand-alone version of their Odyssey electronic delivery software. The software uses the Odyssey protocol distributed by Atlas Systems and integrated in the OCLC ILLiad software package. The Odyssey software will be available for FREE via a download from their website www.atlas-sys.com.
According to Atlas Systems president M. Jason Glover, “While we were working on the Odyssey software, we were also trying to find a way to hasten the implementation of the open Odyssey protocol and get efficient and cost effective electronic document delivery to as many libraries as possible. When we began reviewing pricing models it became obvious that those goals could be met if we were to set the example and distribute Odyssey at no charge.”
Odyssey features
The Odyssey software allows for the transmission and receipt of electronic documents between other Odyssey sites, sites using OCLC ILLiad, and sites using other software packages that implement the Odyssey protocol. It uses the standard TWAIN scanner drivers that come with most scanners and works with black and white, grayscale, color, or any combination of these scanned formats. Upon receipt, the documents can be printed, automatically converted to .pdf format, or saved in the original .tif format.
In addition, a new messaging service has been added to the protocol. Mr. Glover added, “One of the most common issues encountered in delivering electronic documents is the need to fix incomplete or unreadable scans. With the messaging service, you simply respond to the sending institution from within Odyssey. Upon receipt of the revised or additional pages you just merge them into the original document.”
The Odyssey software has been in the hands of beta testers for several weeks. “As the development process went along, we were able to expand upon the basic Odyssey protocol,” said lead developer Curtis Poston. “We received great feedback from our beta sites on both the software and the electronic delivery process. The end result is a much more robust set of parameters that should work well with any other vendors who look to implement the protocol. We are finalizing the revised protocol documents now and hope to have them posted before the upcoming ALA conference in Chicago.”
Odyssey availability
Atlas Systems will be distributing copies of the Odyssey software (while supplies last) at the Chicago ALA meeting in booth #2405. After the show, the software will be available by download at www.atlas-sys.com.
For more information, please contact Dan Specht at dspecht@atlas-sys.com.
