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IBM Expands Its Digital Rights Management Technology

NAB -- IBM today announced new software that enables customers to digitally protect and secure copyrighted and digital content for content management, distribution and e-commerce applications. The new Electronic Media Management (EMMS) software now includes support for open standards and can secure all types of digital media, including audio, text, video, and streaming media.

With today's announcement, IBM brings Digital Rights Management (DRM) to its enterprise content management portfolio in recognition of the growing need for businesses to protect and deliver digital content. Companies worldwide are faced with growing amounts of rich media -- and the challenge of managing, securing and distributing that data is mounting. According to IDC, the digital rights management (DRM) market is expected to exceed $1 billion by 2006.

Formerly a standalone offering for the music industry, EMMS version 2 supports a broad range of media types, including text, image, and video, in addition to audio files, and is now a key component of the IBM Digital Media solutions architecture. This expanded capability provides customers from diverse industries -- from healthcare and finance to media and entertainment -- with an information infrastructure that enables them to access, capture, integrate, manage, analyze, and securely distribute all forms of digitized content to build and deploy e-business solutions.

IBM's expanded platform is built on open standards including XML® and Java®, allowing applications to exchange data freely and securely. Support for open standards enables customers to integrate EMMS seamlessly into their existing IT infrastructure. EMMS is also a component of IBM's new Service Provider Delivery Environment (SPDE), a framework based on open industry standards to help bring next generation services such as voice, text, Internet services and the delivery of content to customers faster, easier and at lower cost.

With EMMS, Hollywood and entertainment content creators can share digital assets and assign rights to a broader range of content. In healthcare, a provider can transfer digitized patient records between doctors, without compromising the security of these protected records. Similarly, banks and financial institutions that process requests from consumers for mortgages and loans can use EMMS to protect this personal information and allow status updates and approvals to be accessed only by authorized individuals. Government agencies that generate video from surveillance technology or scanned satellite images can benefit from EMMS's rights management capability, which may be used to prevent theft, unauthorized use and access, and ensure authenticity of the content.

Today's announcement of EMMS version 2 introduces:

IBM Software integration: Tighter interoperability with IBM Content Manager and other middleware components, including IBM VideoCharger for streaming video, DB2 database software, and the WebSphere family of server products.

Extensive device support: Allows for the delivery of secure content to a broader range of devices, including PCs, PDAs, CDs, retail kiosks, set-top boxes, mobile communicators and consumer electronics components, such as game stations.

Streaming video and audio, and additional plug-in support: Integrates with IBM's Content Manager VideoCharger technology to help provide a secure streaming solution. Also provides support for Microsoft Windows Media Player.®

Additional media type support: In addition to supporting music files, EMMS now provides support for media types for both businesses and consumers including audio, text, image, and video, including pdf and Open-eBook® formats.

Supports a wide range of business models: Enables companies to drive new revenue across all forms of digital content with subscription-based models, rentals, pay-per-view, kiosks, and super distribution.

User authentication capability: Allows for only those authorized users to access sensitive information through support of delivery options that provide a controlled access infrastructure for and between enterprises. This technology prevents theft, unauthorized use, controls access and ensures authenticity of content.

Software Development Kit (SDK): This includes client and content preparation modules for independent software vendors (ISVs) and developers to use in facilitating the integration of content across various types of clients and applications.

Industry Support

-- "We at ION Systems are one of the first companies to install the entire EMMS software solution to both sell secure eBook formats from our GalaxyLibrary.com web site and to offer EMMS mastering, hosting, retail and clearing services to content owners. Integration of the EMMS client application with our eMonocle reader allows the industry standard OeB file format to be securely distributed and viewed comfortably by all users regardless of their vision or physical challenge," said Jill Thomas, CEO of ION Systems.

-- "Rimage and the EMMS team worked closely to enable EMMS to support the Rimage CD-R publishers in the medical, banking and finance, government, retail, and
entertainment markets, as well as emerging new markets that require the production of digital content on an on-demand basis," said Dave Suden, chief technology officer, Rimage. "Together, Rimage and IBM help meet customers' needs for customized, on-demand digital information, which span the range from high to low CD-R production volumes, incorporate robotics, advanced software, and sophisticated color printing technologies."

-- "IBM's approach to common standards allows us at Mobipocket to integrate new EMMS security functions with our OeB reader technologies, extending EMMS secured content to a wide range of PCs and mobile devices, including PDAs and Smart Phones," said Thierry Erethes, president and CEO of Mobipocket."

Availability

EMMS version 2 will be available worldwide on April 30, 2002.

Michael Gosney
ION Systems, Inc.
800.983.6397 Cell 415-531-9977
Lesia Figueira, IBM
914.642.4880 Cell 914.263-1571

ION SYSTEMS, INC. Licenses IBM’s
Electronic Media Management System (EMMS)

Crystal City, MO (February 21, 2002): ION Systems, Inc. announced today that it has licensed IBM’s Electronic Media Management System (EMMS) for secure distribution of content to their popular eMonocle viewer. ION, a global innovator in usability-focused on-screen reading technology and ePublishing services, will deploy EMMS to provide comprehensive and flexible digital rights management (DRM) for the secure distribution and sale of a wide variety of electronic content available through GalaxyLibrary.com™.

GalaxyLibrary™ is an end-to-end ePublishing solution for content owners that provides conversion, management and distribution of digital content in all popular file formats for PCs, handheld devices, print-on-demand, Braille and traditional print. IBM’s EMMS system adds a state-of-the-art DRM component to the GalaxyLibrary system.

"We are pleased to have ION Systems join our growing list of technology partners as part of the recently announced Digital Media Factory, says Scott Burnett, Marketing Director for IBM Global Digital Media Group." "ION’s use of IBM’s technology will enable them to distribute content securely to their growing customer base."

"IBM is among the most trusted Digital Rights Management providers in the marketplace", said Jill Thomas, CEO of ION Systems. "ION Systems built a strong relationship with IBM, as we planned the implementation of the EMMS DRM behind GalaxyLibrary™". Publishers want to support flexible business models for a wide range of media types coupled with security features, and IBM has delivered that technology."

In addition to using EMMS for GalaxyLibrary content, ION is launching an ePublishing Service Bureau for companies who need to distribute secure digital content. Companies can now realize the benefits of content protection by working with GalaxyLibrary to service their custom content distribution needs.

ION’s DRM enabled eMonocle application provides the ability to securely display the industry standard Open eBook (OeB) file format. With its patented non-scrolling, font resizing interface, the eMonocle XML viewer allows users to easily control their reading experience regardless of platform, physical challenge or visual impairment. As part of its ePublishing Service Bureau functionality, ION is bundling eMonocle as one of three viewers with an EMMS Client Library application to provide secure viewing of OeB, PDF and handheld device formats.

About EMMS

EMMS is a comprehensive electronic media distribution and digital rights management system designed to support a broad range of media types. EMMS provides the foundation for new business models created by the digital delivery of assets and offers a rich set of security features designed to protect the intellectual property rights of content owners throughout the delivery process. EMMS has an open architecture to allow technology advances in audio compression, encryption, formatting, watermarking, and end-user devices and applications to be integrated. EMMS is part of IBM's broad based digital media management portfolio, which offers comprehensive, enterprise-wide solutions for creating, managing, storing and distributing digital assets. Additional information on EMMS can be found at www.ibm.com/software/emms.

About ION Systems, Inc.

ION Systems, Inc. is a global innovator in usability-focused on-screen reading technology and ePublishing. A privately held software development company founded in 1992, ION Systems develops scalable, integrated solutions that help enterprises build and enhance relationships with all consumers of content. ION’s patented on-screen reading technology facilitates and enhances a person's ability to automatically and intelligently customize their reading experience on any device, regardless of their vision need or physical challenge. ION utilizes IBM’s EMMS Digital Rights Management behind its GalaxyLibrary.com digital publishing system, and leverages it to securely render eBooks and other eContent inside ION's eMonocle reader software. To learn more about ION Systems, visit www.IONSystems.com.

Contact Information:
Vikki Holmes
ION Systems, Inc.
Tel. 800.983.6397
Cell 425.503.6797

ION SYSTEMS, INC.ä FORMS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH
CONSOLIDATED GRAPHICS, INC.

(February 11, 2002)---Crystal City, Missouri. ION Systems, Inc. announced today a strategic reseller agreement with Consolidated Graphics, Inc., the largest sheet-fed and half-web commercial printing company in the nation. ION Systems is a global innovator of Usability Relationship Management (URM) software solutions that allow the user to customize and optimize the onscreen reading experience, while enhancing the usability and assimilation of digital information. Consolidated Graphics’ national sales force will resell ION’s patented technology and services in conjunction with their commercial printing services to trade associations, corporations and government entities.

Consolidated Graphics will enhance its service offerings and broaden its customer base by reselling the ION solutions. Entities that require compliance with Section 508 or accessibility services for their visually impaired community are well suited for the ION solutions. ION’s innovative technology solutions place the end-user in control of the reading experience by providing font resizing (up to 144 point), graphic enlargement (up to 8 times the original size), and background/contrast manipulation (for low-vision and dyslexic users). ION software solutions enhance and optimize the reading experience for all users by eliminating scrolling, placing text in easy to read columns, and providing special features for professionals and advanced researchers. Content is securely delivered to any reading device or operating system, and is available to a full audience of users – including the visually impaired.

"Today, businesses are looking for ways to differentiate the service and product offering they provide," said Ed Neumann, National Director, Electronic Product Development. "By reselling ION’s solutions alongside ours, we can access a broader customer base."

Consolidated Graphics chose ION Systems due to its innovative solutions to on-screen reading usability relationship solutions. The agreement includes a sales strategy that begins Q1, 2002, and will include an innovative, sales training program of Consolidated Graphics’ sales force.

"Consolidated Graphics is the first company to not only grasp, but also to embrace, the convergence of the print and electronic worlds," said Jill Thomas, founder and CEO of ION Systems, Inc. "They offer excellence in printing to paper. Through this partnership, they will provide excellence in digital printing to the computer screen."

About ION Systems, Inc.

ION Systems, Inc. is a global innovator in usability relationship management (URM), empowering people to easily access and use digital information. A privately held software company founded in 1992, ION Systems develops scalable, integrated solutions that help enterprises build and enhance relationships with all consumers of content. ION facilitates and enhances a person's ability to customize their experience of digital content regardless of the their device, platform or physical challenge. To learn more about ION Systems, visit www.IONSystems.com.

About Consolidated Graphic, Inc.

Consolidated Graphics, Inc. is the largest sheet-fed commercial printing company in the United States. Through its network of locally managed printing companies in 25 states, the company produces high-quality, customized printed materials for a broad customer base that includes many of the most recognized companies in the country. Consolidated Graphics also offers an extensive and growing range of digital and Internet-based services and solutions marketed through CGXmedia. Consolidated Graphics is focused on adding value to its operating companies by providing financial and operational strengths, management support and technological advantages associated with a national organization.

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Neal Kuniansky
Director of Marketing & Sales
Duxbury Systems, Inc
Tel: (978)-692-3000
Fax: (978)-692-7912
Email: neal@duxsys.com
Web site: www.DuxburySystems.com

For Immediate Release

Sighted, Low Visioned and Blind are Now Served by ION System’s GalaxyLibrary.com™ ePublishing Service with the Addition of Duxbury Systems' Braille Translation Technology.

Agreement Gives the Blind Community, Simultaneous Electronic Content Access Using Braille Reading Devices, from ION's GalaxyLibrary.com ePublishing Service

Crystal City, MO and Westford, MA September 25th, 2001 ION Systems, Inc., a secure ePublishing service provider, announces an agreement with Duxbury Systems Inc., the leading provider of braille translation technology, to provide an ePublishing solution for blind readers. Duxbury's technology will be applied to ION's GalaxyLibrary.com ePublishing service by adding the .brf file format as a purchase option to the blind. With addition of the braille .brf format, ION now extends its publishing capabilities to nine popular electronic formats including the ION Online Reader^™, ION eMonocle Reader^™, ION Download, OeB, Microsoft Reader^™, Adobe eBook Reader^™, Palm Pilot^™ and HTML. The ION Online Reader and ION eMonocle Reader support low visioned users with various on-screen font-resizing capabilities up to 144 points.

By integrating Duxbury's translation technology into ION's automated conversion process, publishers now can submit a single content file to GalaxyLibrary.com and have the option to choose any of the nine available formats in which to publish in all markets; sighted, low visioned and blind. Future formats that will be supported include PDF (large print books), Adobe eBook™, Gemstar eBook, and Windows CE.

Joe Sullivan, President of Duxbury Systems, Inc., stated, "We have dedicated 26 years developing technology to better serve the blind and see a perfect fit with ION's GalaxyLibrary.com service."

Said Jill Thomas of ION Systems, "For almost ten years we have serviced all users, sighted, low visioned and blind, as part of our mission statement. The Duxbury agreement allows us to meet our goal and become the first to market and create simultaneous access of all digital content. Now if a user has perfect eyesight, wears bifocals or has no eyesight, they have access to all the content in GalaxyLibrary. This is an important step towards servicing the education and business markets.

About Duxbury Systems, Inc.

Duxbury Systems, Inc. is the world leader in braille translation, transcription and production software with over 26 years of braille software experience. Duxbury's is the only braille software compatible with all Windows, Macintosh, and DOS operating systems. DBT WIN supports braille translation for over 35 languages. DSI produced the world's first commercially available braille translation software in 1975, before DOS, Windows, or Macintosh operating systems. Joseph Sullivan, the founder and President has been recognized for his contributions to braille around the world. Duxbury continues its mission of making access to information in braille as simple as possible in order to foster literacy, education, and independence for individuals that are blind.

About ION Systems, Inc.

Founded in 1992, ION Systems, Inc., is a privately held company based in Crystal City, MO. It specializes in the development of Internet interface software for simultaneous use by sighted, low visioned and blind users. GalaxyLibrary.com is a secure ePublishing service of ION Systems that provides an end-to-end virtually any format in, any format out ePublishing solution for publishers, retailers and end users. GalaxyLibrary.com uses ION's patent-pending eMonocle ^tm Reader technology which allows content to be re-flowed so text and graphics can be adjusted by individual users, maximizing comprehension and retention over other readers available today. The ION eMonocle Reader's unique design maximizes readability by allowing text on-screen to be resized from 4 point to 144 point font size on demand, exceeding the Americans with Disabilities Act standards for the low visioned. Key to ION's strategy is being an IBM business partner. To experience ION Systems’ patent-pending technology in action, visit http://www.ionsystems.com or http://www.galaxylibrary.com.

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