Cardiff Software Introduces TELEform Elite: High Performance Data Collection System Combines Existing Form Recognition With Electronic Filler; Powerful New Addition to Teleform Line Targets Companies Processing 2,500 - 25,000 Forms Daily.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 1, 1996--Cardiff Software, Inc., a leading provider of data collection solutions, today announced TELEform Elite, a powerful, high-end extension to the company's award winning TELEform family of forms processing software.

The networked-based, Windows 95/NT program was introduced this morning at the Association for Imaging & Information Management (AIIM) Conference and Exhibition in Cardiff Software's Booth No. 2431.

"TELEform Elite furthers Cardiff Software's mission of providing cost-effective data collection, no matter what format the data is in," said Joseph C. Larson, president of Cardiff Software. "Previously, customers with mid-level forms processing volumes had to choose between manual keying with dozens of data entry clerks or purchasing limited functionality, $10,000 per seat paper forms processing programs. TELEform Elite gives them a cost effective, automated option that handles existing forms and includes electronic and fax-based forms as a bonus."

Taking on all Forms of Data

The Elite version of TELEform has the ability to collect information from existing forms, forms designed in TELEform and electronic forms. TELEform's Designer scans in existing forms and automatically creates an electronic imprint of the document for identification. The user then employs rubberbanding tools to map out individual recognition fields. The software's sophisticated line removal and image pre-processing features enable users to create computer readable, electronic templates of existing paper-based forms.

"For companies that create and process their own forms, TELEform continues to be the de facto standard," explained Dennis Clerke, vice president, sales and marketing at Cardiff Software. "With TELEform Elite's existing form recognition, we now offer the logical system for companies that process large volumes of existing forms."

Elite can also process forms completed on-screen using Cardiff Software's new TELEform Filler module, which was designed for remote PC users to fill in a form on-screen and transmit the completed form to a central Reader via modem or the Internet.

Production Level Forms Processing

Like TELEform, TELEform Elite is a Windows 95/NT program. The Elite system, however, leverages the 32-bit operating system with an enhanced network module that processes incoming forms at 2-3 times the speed of the standard Teleform Reader. This throughput is complemented by Cardiff's Tri-CR(R) technology. Tri-CR uses multiple recognition engines working with artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic and advanced analysis procedures to produce accuracy unequaled by any stand-alone ICR engine.

"Elite is a true production-level application," continued Larson. "Its throughput speed and accuracy are unmatched in the LAN environment.

Elite is also optimized for high speed scanners. Elite will be running with production level scanners in the booths of Fujitsu (No. 1153), Canon (No. 1217), and Bell & Howell (No. 1602). "TELEform Elite is an ideal software vehicle to show off the speed and paper handling capabilities of the Fujitsu 3099 scanner," said Pam Doyle, ISV program Manager for Fujitsu. "In the forms processing arena, it is the only PC-based program with the processing power to keep up with the 3099."

Accelerated Verification

TELEform Elite's High Speed Verifier offers three modes of correction: Character, Field and Form Correction. In Character Correction mode, a stream of questionable or mismarked characters from a batch of forms is presented to the user. An experienced data entry professional can verify up to 20,000 characters per hour. Field Correction mode lets users view questionable characters in the context of its field, allowing for greater accuracy when correcting ambiguous characters. When using the Form Correction mode, users are presented with the original image of the form being corrected and its associated data in a split-screen display.

The Verifier's powerful management reporting tools provide statistical information on system-level throughput, batch processing checks, and individual operator performance. Additionally, TELEform Verifier features a host of validation functions, including: field specific control of accuracy levels, numeric range tests, validations against existing databases or user-defined dictionaries, and TrueAddress(TM) for automatic validation of address fields with street-level precision. Once verified, data collected by TELEform Elite can be automatically sent to numerous databases, including FoxPro, Microsoft Access, and ODBC compliant databases.

Consulting Services Support

TELEform Elite is supported by a multi-tier network of professionals that includes Cardiff's Technical Support Staff, Consulting Services Division (CSD) and Platinum value added resellers (VARs). The CSD was formed by Cardiff in 1995 to develop custom solutions based on the TELEform platform. Platinum VARs are Cardiff channel partners with extensive document imaging and forms processing experience. All Platinum VARs have undergone thorough, hands on TELEform Elite training at Cardiff's training facility at its San Marcos headquarters.

Pricing & Availability

TELEform Elite will be available in May 1996, with a suggested retail price of $4,995, which includes Designer, Reader and Verifier modules as well as TELEform Filler. Additional Reader modules are priced at $2,995, Verifier modules at $1,495 and TELEform Filler at $349. TELEform Elite requires a Pentium PC or higher, 16MB of RAM, a compatible scanner, fax modem or fax server, and Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows NT.

Company Information

Cardiff Software, Inc., headquartered in San Marcos, Calif., is the leading global supplier of data capture solutions. Designed to improve and accelerate business processes, Cardiff's products are optimized to create, distribute, and read information from paper-based and electronic forms with unmatched accuracy and system performance. The company's product line includes TELEform(R) for Windows, Windows 95 and Windows NT, TELEform Elite and TELEform Filler. For more information, contact Cardiff Software at 800/659-8755. -0-

Note to Editor: Teleform and Cardiff Software are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cardiff Software, Inc. (c) 1991-96 Cardiff Software, Inc. Other products are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Color slides and .PCX files of Teleform screen captures are available.

CONTACT: Cardiff Software Inc., San Marcos

Tim Dubes, 619/761-4515

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