New Web Site Technology Provides Association with Additional Income Stream and Complete Protection

The encryption capabilities afforded by FileOpen Publisher™ now allow HI to sell PDF files with assured control over document distribution, preventing unauthorized copying or redistribution of valuable intellectual property - a key concern of most publishers.

"We developed a secure process that appears completely seamless to the customer," said Robert Asdal, executive director of HI. The FileOpen Publisher software assigns paying customers an authorization unlocking key code, which they submit only once. The authorization code provides confidential and exclusive access to the standards or any other similarly encrypted PDF files ordered from HI’s E-store.

Recognized as the single reference in North America for comparative data of pump types and applications, HI pump standards, all approved by the American National Standard Institute, contain information unavailable from other sources. According to Asdal, "We did not want to lose control of our document or our publications revenue stream as we moved to selling PDF versions of our standards."

HI pump standards are designed for anyone involved in pumps, including users, consultants, contractors, construction firms, manufacturers of pumps, seals, motors, instrumentation and controls. The complete set of HI standards includes 23 documents, over 1,200 pages in length, making an electronic version more favorable than hard-copy manuals. Standards are available individually, as four different pump type sets, or in a complete set. HI’s new downloadable PDF files and a complete CD-ROM version feature ready accessibility, easy to use index, and full text Adobe search capabilities. Electronic versions of the standards are proving to be a popular product.

Seamless Integration

The process for purchasing HI products on-line is fully automated. First, the customer chooses the documents while visiting the HI E-store. Then the customer receives the documents via HTTP download. The customers automatically receive a special authorization unlocking key code via email, as part of their order confirmation. Customers enter this code during installation of the packaged document on their hard drive. Once authorized via the Internet, the PDF document can be viewed only on the computer in which it was installed, and cannot be copied or transferred to another computer. Customized programming, online payment configuration, and the HI E-store were provided by Crescent Technologies of North Brunswick, NJ.

Increased Revenue, Secure Products

Sales of encrypted PDF files via HI’s E-store have not only enabled the Institute to develop a new stream of revenue, but the encryption function is also providing real security.

"FileOpen Publisher is protecting HI’s intellectual property by preventing the copying of purchased files even after they have been decrypted and installed on the customer’s computer," added Asdal. He also points to cost savings of selling products on-line.

"By selling products via HI’s E-store, we save on customer service-related staffing, the costs associated with printing and shipping documents, and inventory maintenance," he said. "The transfer of funds is also more expedient. Using CyberCash™, a customer’s account is automatically debited and HI credited during the E-store sales process."

The 83-year old Hydraulic Institute, the largest association of pump producers in North America, services member companies and pump users by providing product standards, and forums for the exchange of industry information. For more information on the Hydraulic Institute and its line of products available through the E-store, visit the HI website at www.pumps.org. Requests may also be faxed to (973) 267-9055 or mailed to 9 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Visitors to the HI web site are invited to sign the HI Guest Book to receive future notices of new standards, ongoing energy savings tips and updates of educational offerings.

For more information about preserving intellectual property via online sales of secure electronic documents, visit www.crescent-technologies.com or contact Hesham Tamraz, president of Crescent Technologies, Inc., at (732) 940-1857 or email at info@crescent-technologies.com.

Founded in 1997, FileOpen Systems is the leading developer of secure PDF publishing solutions. The company’s products include FileOpen Publisher™, FileOpen WebPublisher™, and FileOpen PersonalPublisher™. A longtime partner of Adobe Systems through the Adobe Developer Program, FileOpen’s products are used in publishing, education, corporations, and manufacturing concerns worldwide. For more information, please visit www.fileopen.com or contact Diana Holm via email at diana@fileopen.com.