Hate tapping keys? Go digital

PUNE: For those who dread the thought of sitting in front of the computer hitting unfamiliar keys, there is hope in the form of a digital pen and digital paper. Pune-based Impact Systems plans to bring this technology to India by October this year in association with the Swedish company Anoto AB. Anoto's digital camera technology and image processing in real time enables matter written on digital paper to be transferred directly to a computer. Impact Systems has a primary focus on document management and is a signature partner of Documentum.

The digital pen developed by Nokia, Logitech and Maxell, looks like any other, barring the fact that it is a little fat in shape. The digital paper looks like normal paper, but closer inspection reveals pattern of tiny dots. Each application of the paper has a unique graphical design embedded in its pattern. The top corner of every sheet of paper has an identifying capability for every application. Once the form is complete, it can be transmitted directly to a computer or database and no longer requires to be interpreted by somebody who then enters the information, which prevents incorrect entry of data. Moreover, it can be reproduced in the same form onto the computer.

Impact (India) MD, Dhananjay Datar said that his company had developed a graphic kit and would give it with dots to a printer. "We take care of the software required for the digital paper," he explained and added that the company would develop own applications to bring down costs and increase volumes. Datar also informed that they are currently talking to a few printers who could take on this job. The company initially plans to target the healthcare segment in India.

According to Anoto AB Global Country Agent and Sales Director Key Accounts, Kjell Glorvigen; by 2004, companies in the US alone would use more than 100 billion forms. He added that while its Indian partner Impact Systems is exploring the healthcare market, enterprises and businesses in transportation and logistics, banking and financial services and pharmaceutical companies could also make use of this technology.