Amgraf has just released an updated version of our popular electronic and Internet forms software to add improved methods for connecting both input and output databases to intelligent forms. Internet forms are ideal containers for data collection and presentation. OneForm Plus software now makes it fast and easy to develop and deploy these database-connected forms.
As a example of the power of this technology, we have created an interactive data capture and presentation demonstration that you can access from our website at http://www.amgraf.com/pages/dbdemo.html. This demonstration shows database connectivity through the simultaneous updating of four separate reference data tables.
Now, you can design, develop and deploy database-connected forms with ease.
OneForm Designer Plus Stationery Option - Version 2
We also made tremendous progress with our Online Ordering software during the quarter.
Numerous improvements to the Stationery Option enable your online order forms to be much more dynamic and colorful. For instance, end-users can now upload logos (and photos) from their hard drive, over the Internet, and have the logos appear on the layout. The logos can then be interactively resized and repositioned as desired.
Imprinted text can also be resized and repositioned. In addition, the density of imprinted text can now be varied by percentage from white to solid color.
Try the new software yourself by clicking http://www.amgrafonline.com and following the instructions.
MECCA 2000 Version 3.00 Release a Success!
We announced the release of MECCA 2000 Version 3.00 last quarter and all registered customers have received the upgrade. We have received many complements about the update and only a few reported problems have been reported.
Over 50 enhancements, bug fixes and new features are bundled into this new release. Many of the improvements are a direct result of suggestions and requests from you, our User Group. We really appreciate the feedback and will continue to strive to meet all your needs!
Amgraf Offers Quick Start Program
Not yet a OneForm user? For a limited time, Amgraf will serve as your expert IT resource to help you get your first two I-forms launched, including online data capture and database connectivity. We back you up while you gain experience in Internet Forms technology. Here's how it works:
- You agree to license at least one copy of Amgraf's OneForm Designer Plus software, including our standard training and support services. You can then concentrate on learning to use the software while we put it to work for you immediately.
- Send Amgraf several of your organization's paper and/or PDF business forms that are actively used for regular transactions or procedures. The samples should be 1-2 page forms with standard workflows and calculations, such as invoices, employment applications and expense reports.
- During your training session we will evaluate and select two of your samples as the Quick Start forms (additional forms can be added for a small charge) and proceed to convert them to Internet Forms. If you wish, we will host these I-forms for free on Amgraf's servers, and collect and forward submitted form-fill data to you as it is captured.
- Within 90 days, we will transfer the Quick Start I-forms, including all server scripts and database tables, to your Webmaster at no charge. By that time you will be skilled in I-forms system development and be ready to take on even bigger projects.
This offer is good through August 31, 2003. Contact us for more information.
BFMA Symposium 2003, Denver, CO
The 34th International Symposium of Forms and Information Systems will be held at the Adams Mark Hotel in downtown Denver this May 18-22, 2003. This is “the” place to be for forms designers, analysts, managers and all persons with an interest in business forms. Amgraf is a significant participant and sponsor again this year. We will conduct a tutorial, tabletop demonstrations, and private demonstrations throughout the conference.
Amgraf will also provide speakers on a variety of topics, including Building and Hosting an I-Forms Portal, Implementing E-Forms Within an Established Forms Management Program, and The Four Components of a Form.
For information and registration, visit http://www.bfma.org
Adobe Introduces Acrobat 6.0
Adobe has announced the release of Adobe Acrobat6.0, the latest release of its popular document creation software. Acrobat 6.0 is actually three products: a light version called Acrobat Elements, a standard version and a high-end version for engineers and other design professionals.
Amgraf supports the creation of Acrobat forms that can be used with just the free Reader. Designers can draw, map and create the scripts and database connections within OneForm Plus, then use the files to assemble a finished dynamic form for widespread deployment. Users benefit because they can print, save, email and submit data with just the free Reader.
Amgraf believes this new release will enhance the value of OneForm Designer Plus by increasing its flexibility and scope. Amgraf is a member of the Adobe Solutions Network.
Florida Updates SNAPS II Agreement with Amgraf
Due to customer demand, Amgraf has added its popular MECCA 2000 software, training and support services to the Florida agreement that allows all government agencies at all levels to buy licenses and services with no additional bidding requirements.
The Statewide Negotiated Agreement Price Schedule II (SNAPS II) is a fast-track method for establishing non-mandatory, non-exclusive agreements for state agencies, local governments and the university system throughout Florida. The purpose of the agreements is to enable Florida’s governmental agencies to acquire newer technology with a minimum of hassle.
The addition of MECCA 2000 enables agencies to acquire full design capabilities, especially for designing secure documents and protecting these documents from counterfeiting and alteration.
Kansas City Star Breaks Ground in Downtown KC for $199 Million Press Building
Amgraf is now in the midst of a huge development project initiated by the Kansas City Star newspaper company. Our building sits on the corner of 15th and Oak Streets, and directly across the street from us is the new site for the Star to locate their next-generation printing presses and production facility. We are pleased that the Star has made this commitment to downtown Kansas City, and look forward to the opening of the new operation in 2005.
To learn more, click on this link: http://www.kcstar.com/cam. You can even see a real-time webcam image of the construction site by navigating through the above link. Amgraf’s building can be seen in the upper-right corner of the imaged area.
Progress Report - Census Bureau
Amgraf recently received an order from the United States Bureau of the Census (BOC) in Suitland, MD to enhance the OneForm Designer Plus (OFDP) software to share metadata with the Decennial Information Base for Exchange Administration and Management (IBEAM) to streamline the production of questionnaire forms. (Metadata is the content necessary , i.e. question text strings, to identify and capture the real census data.) Under terms of the order, Amgraf is providing consulting and programming services to add new functionality for importing and exporting form designs as eXtensible Markup Language (XML) data files.
The core functionality specified in the development agreement for XML Import and Export has now been delivered by Amgraf and is undergoing production testing.
We also wish to send congratulations and best wishes to James L.Hughes who is retiring from the BOC after serving 42 years. Jim was responsible for bringing the latest forms design technology to the Census Bureau.
Upcoming Trade Shows
Amgraf will again exhibit at the Document Management Industries Association (DMIA) Solutions 2000 conference in Kennesaw (Atlanta), GA May 16-19, 2003. We look forward to seeing all our customers and friends, and showing both MECCA 2000 and OneForm Designer Plus! Visit http://www.dmia.org for more information.
Amgraf will exhibit and make a presentation at the upcoming PDF Conference to be held in Bethesda, MD June 2-4, 2003.
Look for Amgraf at the Missouri Municipal League conference in Kansas City this September 7-10 in Kansas City, MO. http://www.mocities.com.
Essociates Group will demonstrate OneForm Plus at the California League of Cities conference in Sacramento, CA September 8-9, 2003. http://www.cacities.org.
We also expect to participate at the Florida Government Expo 2003 in Tampa, FL September 24-26, 2003. http://www.floridagovernmentexpo.com.
Progress Noted at NASPO and DSA
The North America Security Products Organization (NASPO) held another meeting in March to begin the long process of developing standards for security document printers and technology providers. This timely effort will help buyers select printers that agree to abide by the standards, thus making documents more secure and reliable. It is a complex process, but more necessary now. Did you know that the so-called “breeder documents”, such as birth certificates (which enable to acquisition of other identification documents) or quite insecure today? Forgery and counterfeiting remain huge problems and standards are desperately needed.
Franklin Garner serves this new organization as Treasurer.
The Document Security Alliance has also been organized by the new Department of Homeland Security to encourage government and industry to collaborate to prevent document counterfeiting and fraud. Amgraf is an active participant in this effort.
Welcome To New Amgraf Customers
New Amgraf customers include:
Axel Johnson, Inc. - Stamford, CT
Chris Pieper - Cary, NC
Frontier Insurance - Ft. Worth, TX
John Harland Company - Salt Lake City, UT
Olinger Graphics, Inc. - St. Paul, MN
Featured Employee - Jon Garner
Through Jon's 19 years with Amgraf and his Unix expertise, he is a great asset to the company. For the past five years, he has held the position of Manufacturing Manager and gladly assists with hardware/software technical support. One of his main responsibilities includes the manufacturing and installation of MECCA 2000 Systems. Because of this, he has traveled all over our great country.
Jon and his wife Artie have three children - Jerimey, Jeffrey, and Jenny - and one granddaughter, Kara. Naturally, she has become the delight of their weekends.
