FileOpen Systems Launches Expanded Product Line at Seybold Boston 2000 Introduction of WebPublisher and PersonalPublisher targets new markets

BOSTON, Mass., February 9, 2000
FileOpen Systems Inc., developers of the popular secure publishing software FileOpen PDF, announced two new products today at Seybold Seminars Publishing 2000. FileOpen WebPublisher' is a powerful server-based encryption and authentication system for high-volume distribution of electronic documents. FileOpen PersonalPublisher' is a simple software kit that puts secure publishing into the hands of individuals. The company also announced that it has renamed its flagship product from FileOpen PDF to FileOpen Publisher' and introduced several new features. "We are proud to announce two new products that leverage the core FileOpen security technology and tailor it to both large and small publishers," said Sanford Bingham, president of FileOpen Systems Inc. "With the introduction of WebPublisher and PersonalPublisher, we are firmly establishing FileOpen Systems as the foremost provider of secure digital publishing solutions." WebPublisher: Meeting the demands of high-volume publishers FileOpen WebPublisher was developed in response to a growing need among publishers to establish Web-based document vending systems that protect against piracy. These publishers require a 'lights-out', server-based system for batch-encrypting PDF documents according to end-user data. The result is FileOpen WebPublisher, an industrial-strength Web server product that dynamically handles the encryption, packaging, and delivery of documents to end-users. One such publisher, Net4Music, is using FileOpen WebPublisher to revolutionize the way sheet music is purchased, distributed, and controlled. Visitors to www.net4music.com can select from thousands of sheet music titles and purchase them by the printout. After a one-time registration in which the user downloads the compact WebPublsher installer, the Net4Music site turns into a one-click vending system for customized, secure documents. On the server end, FileOpen WebPublisher encrypts the documents on the fly, typesets a custom message on the cover, and delivers the documents to the user. At the client end, the FileOpen plug-in invisibly monitors printing through Adobe Acrobat Reader and notifies the user when it is time to purchase more printouts at the publisher's Web site. The FileOpen PDF WebPublisher Server, compatible with Windows NT Server 4.0, is licensed on a one-time, per-site basis. FileOpen Systems does not charge a royalty for use of the software. The Client, compatible with all Windows 32-bit platforms as well as Macintosh PPC, is freely distributed with no per-seat charge. Custom enhancements, integration services, upgrades, and maintenance are optional and will be charged separately. PersonalPublisher: Simplifying secure publishing for individuals FileOpen PersonalPublisher was created for individuals who would like to self-publish a book or article and make sure that copies are not distributed without their permission. A streamlined version of FileOpen Publisher, PersonalPublisher encrypts one document at a time and generates an installer that self publishers can distribute. This installer locks the document to the end-user's machine, safeguarding the publisher's work from illicit redistribution. FileOpen PersonalPublisher will be released in Q2 2000. The software will be sold directly as well as through Internet software distribution channels. FileOpen PDF updated, renamed FileOpen Publisher The company also announced a new version of FileOpen Publisher, formerly known as FileOpen PDF. Version 2.3 of the popular secure publishing software includes new features for restricting printing down to individual pages within a document, as well as metering printing activity so that publishers can charge customers each time a document is printed. By popular demand, FileOpen Publisher now includes the ability to make documents open only from a specific Web site, prohibiting the saving of local copies. An evaluation version of FileOpen Publisher 2.3 is currently available for downloading at www.fileopen.com/download.html.