Iterated Systems Announces MediaBin, the First Cross-Media Image Production Platform for Brand Management.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 30, 1999--

Automated Image Production, Distribution and Management Enables

Companies to Reuse Images for Infinite Output in Web and Print

Iterated Systems, Inc., a leading developer of next-generation digital imaging systems, today announced the MediaBin(tm) platform, the first cross-media solution for image production, repurposing and distribution. MediaBin is a server-based image processing platform that automates and manages high-volume image production for print and e-commerce. Using MediaBin, corporations will be able to apply the same supply chain techniques used for products to the brand images that represent those products.

The MediaBin platform was designed for brand-centered corporations, cross-media publishers, photo stock houses and any other organizations that depend on the efficient, accurate and timely utilization of image assets. MediaBin provides:

-- Automated post-creative image processing--particularly in high volume and with tight deadlines

-- Control of brand-centric images across media types such as catalogs or e-commerce

-- User collaboration in image production workgroups

Corporations spend approximately $1.2 trillion each year to maintain brand awareness. Industry analysts agree that a solution that enables cross-media image production can save millions. As reported by GISTICS, Inc., one global manufacturer estimated that it could save $70 million a year through the ability to repurpose image assets for output to various media.

"We like Iterated's STiNG(tm) technology, and we are excited about the new MediaBin platform," said Grady Preston, vice president of operations for Wy'East Color, a leading prepress and digital imaging company in Portland, Ore. "Our clients need high-quality brand images in many forms, and they like the idea of getting what they need from a core image asset. We like the idea of using the technology to build closer relationships with our customers."

"We have gotten a terrific response to the MediaBin platform," said John Bacon, CEO of Iterated Systems. "Corporations are being inundated by the volumes of images needed to proliferate their brands in all the outlets available now. E-commerce has become a critical sales channel, but print is still a necessity. The automation and repurposing that MediaBin offers enables companies to focus on their message rather than the mechanics of cross-media production."

About MediaBin - Maximizing the Value of Core Image Assets

The MediaBin platform frees desktops for creative work by off-loading the time-consuming, post-creative tasks to the server. And unlike desktop-based image processing tools, MediaBin is a high-volume, NT-based, mid-tier application server designed to support image-processing for large numbers of distributed clients.

The MediaBin server provides an expandable library of high-performance, best-of-breed image transformation functions. With a point-and-click interface, users can easily combine functions to orchestrate common workflow tasks. Once created, tasks can be stored on the MediaBin server, ready for use in a workgroup or to feed e-commerce sites.

MediaBin provides a patent-pending image tracking system that allows precise control of an organization's core image assets. Users can automatically update images derived from source assets--across Web sites, ad campaigns, or wherever interrelated images must be updated.

MediaBin efficiently stores images and their embedded data from numerous popular file formats, including Adobe Photoshop PSD and EPS, JPEG, GIF, BMP and TIFF. Once stored in the MediaBin repository, an image can be retrieved in any supported format with no loss of fidelity. MediaBin also preserves the Photoshop layers, clipping paths and channels, allowing each layer to be cataloged, accessed and otherwise treated as a core image asset. Layers can be flattened in any desired combination. Images stored in the MediaBin repository can be searched by keyword information or according to the visual similarity to a given "query" image.

MediaBin Benefits

-- Elimination of Redundant Work, Rapid Return on Investment--Resolution-independent server enables the repurposing of a single image asset for multiple output resolutions.

-- Simultaneous Deployment of Images for Web and Print Campaign--Managed collaboration between virtual teams speeds time-to-market by enabling delivery of images Overnet, not Overnight(SM). Regulated access, privileges and security for teams offer control over images.

-- Time Savings Through Automation--Automated image processes include STiNG-based image quality and resolution management and a task builder for combining and saving processing tasks.

-- Optimal Control Over Image Assets Through Automated Tracking and Updating--Derivative management functions automatically generate derivative images from core assets for cross-media campaigns. Derivatives are automatically updated as assets change.

-- Maximized Efficiency Using Server-Based Image Processing--Off-loading computer-intensive functions to the server frees desktop systems for more productive work and speeds time to market.

-- Optimized Storage and Delivery--Resolution independence, database connectivity, content-based file compression and content searches offer optimized storage and delivery to designers and brand managers.

-- More Creative Freedom for Designers--MediaBin makes possible a "content-driven" workflow, which lets designers focus on creative ideas rather than technology limitations.

About Iterated Systems

Iterated Systems, Inc., Atlanta, Ga., is a leading developer of software for cross-media production, helping corporations use digital images efficiently and consistently. With award-winning STiNG(tm) technology, Iterated's products generate reusable, repurposable image assets that can be converted to industry-standard formats for print and online media at any resolution. Iterated's unique advances have provided graphics users with resolution-independent, storage-efficient images since 1987. Iterated Systems and STiNG received a 1998 Publish magazine Impact Award, given to recognize innovations and breakthroughs in the publishing industry. For more information, contact Iterated Systems at [e-mail] or 404/264-8000. Visit the Iterated Web site at www.iterated.com.

Iterated Systems, MediaBin, and STiNG are trademarks of Iterated Systems, Inc.