Information Bulletin 2010/1-2

Refer more info and new datasheets on the FusionPro suite - Desktop, Direct, Server, Links and the re-named MarcomCentral (formerly FusionPro Web).

FusionPro and DirectSmile Integration

Printable has just announced the integration of DirectSmile with the FusionPro and MarcomCentral product suite. is a software company that invented what is called "image personalisation". See the Press release (pdf).

DirectSmile enables the creation of incredibly eye catching and intelligent marketing materials without the need for internal investments in hardware, software, and development resources - allowing designers to create extremely photo-realistic personalised imagery for use in 1-to-1 marketing campaigns. For example, a person's first name might appear in clouds floating in the sky or perhaps written in pebbles on the beach - see more examples and test it yourself online.

Have all your questions answered, see the FAQ (pdf)

Request a demo of any of the FusionPro, MarcomCentral products and DirectSmile.

HELIOS Updates: Time Machine Backup and ScriptAssistant

HELIOS have updated their website - there are two new customer focused sections. In the INDUSTRIES section, HELIOS benefits are discussed for seven different industries. The SOLUTIONS section profiles these HELIOS solutions: Future of DTP, HD Color, Image Processing, Proofing, WebShare Connectivity, PDF Production, Workflow Automation, Enterprise Fileserver, and Printing.

See also the new WebShare Flash demo.

* Time Machine Backup image creator
HELIOS EtherShare UB+ customers with the latest updates installed can select and use HELIOS volumes as Time Machine backup devices. Apple's Time Machine detects EtherShare volumes and creates an HFS disk image in the volume root folder to be used as a backup disk for that user. The benefit is that OS X's built-in Time Machine saves the backup files into this disk image, instead of creating millions of loose files on the server. Pretty much like working with a USB backup disk - easy to use for every Mac user. Restoring can also be done right from the Mac OS X boot DVD.

One drawback is that these images are unlimited in size. So admins want to limit the size of each disk image, to manage the disk utilisation of the backup disk. This inspired HELIOS to develop the HELIOS Time Machine Image Builder, to create custom disk images with a specified size.

* HELIOS ImageServer UB+ ScriptAssistant
ScriptAssistant simplifies the configuration of hot folder based automated workflows for image repurposing, PDF preflighting, printing and proofing. In combination with HELIOS Tool Server, remote workstation applications can also be integrated into HELIOS prepress server software processes.

HELIOS ScriptAssistant is a free utility that simplifies the creation of hot folder scripts for HELIOS Script Server and Tool Server. Automating processes is now possible for any user, without the need for special scripting knowledge.

More details and to get your free copy.

Technical Hints and Tips - Cumulus and HELIOS

* Cumulus File Filters
Cumulus does not have a specific File Filter for .svg files but Cumulus uses the XML filter to import the file data.

Speaking of metadata... the latest Canto blog Term of the Month is entitled: Metadata Write-Back - Embedding metadata into assets.

By default, Cumulus stores metadata in catalogs, which are separate from assets. This offers a number of advantages over systems that force you to store metadata inside assets, but sometimes storing metadata inside assets is important. Fortunately, Cumulus enables you to do both! This Term of the Month explains what metadata write-back is, when it makes sense, and why it's so important that Cumulus offers write-backs as option, not a requirement. More...

And there's more... Add License Info (and More) to Every Photo You Distribute: Canto Cumulus can add metadata right inside your photo files, which means no matter where those files go, it will be clear who owns them, how they may be used and, best of all, how to contact you for further license or purchase info. Learn how you can make sure your important notices go out with every photo you distribute. Download the Power Tip PDF.

* HELIOS Easy access to system error messages
When customers detect a server problem, inspecting the system messages should be the first step. HELIOS Admin offers an easy way to inspect messages, via the Lists > System Messages menu. The HELIOS 'psyslog' tool is the command line version.

The HELIOS 'psyslog' command collects all the system messages from various log files and compiles them into a single listing. The HELIOS command 'psyslog -f' shows all current system messages, and also lists new messages as they are issued. This is very helpful to diagnose problems. It works as well when HELIOS is installed on Windows - much easier than the Windows system Event Viewer tool.