Those of you who have been with me from the beginning, who have followed me from the heady, expectant days of youth to the chastened threshold of middle age--those who, in other words, visit this page on a regular basis to catch the latest goings-on from EnvisionWare, Inc.--will probably have figured out by now that The Man in the Purple Shirt works for the Professional Services Department. You may have heard of--or even known--Field Commander Kristin Sjulson, who led our fine department through many a bracing winter campaign, or, before and sometimes beside her, the gallant Nova Chase, who now heads the EnvisionWare Departments of Support and Quality Assurance with grace and candor. Well, once again, a new leaf has been turned over (as the old-timers say), and I am here to announce a NEW Director (or, as I like to say, Supreme Commander) of Professional Services: the brave and bold Cheryl Morgan. All hyperbole aside, Ms. Morgan is an exceptionally qualified choice to lead our department, and my colleagues and I are very much looking forward to working with her as we enter our next phase of delivering to, and partnering with, public libraries worldwide. Here is the official press release:
Atlanta, GA, November 28, 2011 – EnvisionWare, a leading provider of self‐service and
library efficiency solutions, announced today the appointment of Cheryl Morgan as Director
of Professional Services.
In this role, Cheryl will oversee customer implementations for EnvisionWare hardware and
software products. She and her team will also work with customers to determine the best
configurations, settings, and options based on their needs and goals.
“For technology to work as efficiently and effectively as possible, we must work in
partnership with our customers to understand their objectives and challenges,” said
EnvisionWare COO Scott Fothergill. “Cheryl brings practical, hands‐on experience with
implementing and managing library technology. We are proud to have her leading our
professional services team.”
Prior to joining EnvisionWare, Cheryl spent nine years at Forsyth County Public library in
Georgia, where she was Assistant Director for Information Technology. Before that, she
spent three years as Library Systems Specialist and Network Field Engineer for Interface
Electronics. Cheryl has also worked in academic libraries, serving as Technical Services
Librarian for Howard Community College in Maryland and Catalog and Systems Librarian
for Trinity College (now Trinity University) in Washington, D.C. She holds a Master of
Science in Library Science (MSLS) from Clarion University in Pennsylvania and a Master of
Science in Administration (MSA) from Trinity College.
“I get great satisfaction in helping libraries leverage technology to provide better service to
their communities,” said Morgan. “I look forward to working with our customers to help
them accomplish their customer service goals.”
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
"Gentleman Farmer" John Himes Crowned Director of EnvisionWare Sales in Private Ceremony
Okay, okay...The Man in the Purple Shirt will concede that he is getting a little carried away in the spirit of the moment, but...anyone who has dealt with EnvisionWare for any extended period of time has probably come in contact with John Himes, and can therefore echo my sentiment that this man is universally loved. So...your humble scribe will now get out of the way and let the official announcement speak for itself:
Atlanta, GA, November 9, 2011 - EnvisionWare, a leading provider of self-‐service and library efficiency solutions, announced today the appointment of John Himes as Director of Sales and Library Business Development. Previously, John served as manager of sales for EnvisionWare’s Western Region.
“John has consistently served as an advocate for our customers to ensure we meet and exceed their expectations for service and responsiveness,” said EnvisionWare COO Scott Fothergill. “We welcome John to the management team and look forward to working together to deliver a stellar customer experience throughout our organization.”
In this new role, John will assume Al Coalla’s responsibilities in overseeing sales. He will also have expanded responsibilities for creating business development strategies and processes to support EnvisionWare’s broader plan, which is focused on customer service.
“John has established strong and loyal relationships with our customers and prospective customers. He also has a proven track record of responsiveness and a deep understanding of customer needs,” said CEO Mike Monk. “He is the right person to lead our sales team and make certain our business development efforts are in alignment with our company’s strategic vision of providing the best service, products and customer satisfaction within the industry.”
Before joining EnvisionWare in 2004, John spent two years with Digital Access Control, an EnvisionWare reseller. He also spent ten years at Xerox Corporation as Practice Director for Xerox Connect, the company’s technology consulting division.
“I’ve spent the last ten years getting to know our customers and prospective customers in the West so that we could offer products and solutions that best meet their unique challenges and needs,” said Himes. “In this new role, I look forward to partnering with our customers at a national level, and to helping libraries become more efficient and essential within their communities.”
About EnvisionWare
EnvisionWare is a leading provider of self‐service and library‐efficiency solutions. Today, over ten thousand libraries use EnvisionWare products to enrich their service offerings and to empower their customers to do more for themselves. EnvisionWare offers twenty‐two systems, including PC Reservation® computer management, LPT:One™ print management, and OneStop™ for self‐service circulation. For more information about EnvisionWare, visit www.envisionware.com.
“John has consistently served as an advocate for our customers to ensure we meet and exceed their expectations for service and responsiveness,” said EnvisionWare COO Scott Fothergill. “We welcome John to the management team and look forward to working together to deliver a stellar customer experience throughout our organization.”
In this new role, John will assume Al Coalla’s responsibilities in overseeing sales. He will also have expanded responsibilities for creating business development strategies and processes to support EnvisionWare’s broader plan, which is focused on customer service.
“John has established strong and loyal relationships with our customers and prospective customers. He also has a proven track record of responsiveness and a deep understanding of customer needs,” said CEO Mike Monk. “He is the right person to lead our sales team and make certain our business development efforts are in alignment with our company’s strategic vision of providing the best service, products and customer satisfaction within the industry.”
Before joining EnvisionWare in 2004, John spent two years with Digital Access Control, an EnvisionWare reseller. He also spent ten years at Xerox Corporation as Practice Director for Xerox Connect, the company’s technology consulting division.
“I’ve spent the last ten years getting to know our customers and prospective customers in the West so that we could offer products and solutions that best meet their unique challenges and needs,” said Himes. “In this new role, I look forward to partnering with our customers at a national level, and to helping libraries become more efficient and essential within their communities.”
About EnvisionWare
EnvisionWare is a leading provider of self‐service and library‐efficiency solutions. Today, over ten thousand libraries use EnvisionWare products to enrich their service offerings and to empower their customers to do more for themselves. EnvisionWare offers twenty‐two systems, including PC Reservation® computer management, LPT:One™ print management, and OneStop™ for self‐service circulation. For more information about EnvisionWare, visit www.envisionware.com.
Monday, November 14, 2011
EnvisionWare announces Expanded Customer Service Resources
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Kathryn Spier-Miller
315-380-8600
kathryn@ksmcg.com
EnvisionWare Announces Expanded Customer Service Resources
First Phase of Strategic Plan Focused on Service
Atlanta, GA, November 4, 2011 – EnvisionWare, a leading provider of self-service and library efficiency solutions, announced today an expansion of the company’s field support technical resources. The addition of 200 independent field technicians is the first phase of a strategic plan focused on improved customer service and satisfaction.
EnvisionWare's global support staff operates from Company service locations throughout the United States and Australia. The new field technicians will supplement existing US field staff. The technicians are trained to troubleshoot and service a full range of hardware from the EnvisionWare Coin/Bill Acceptor (CBA) to sophisticated sorting systems. EnvisionWare employees will continue to serve as the primary point of service and advice for customers.
According to EnvisionWare COO Scott Fothergill, the plan to expand the company’s field support resources has been in development for several months and is part of a broader strategy focused on customer service. The expanded support model went through rigorous testing and piloting to ensure the results met and exceeded expectations for customer service and technical support.
“Our team has an incredible depth of knowledge about our products and a long history of working in libraries and with our customers,” said CEO Mike Monk. “By expanding our technical services in the field, our staff can continue to offer personalized service, backed by a responsive and skilled technical support team.”
About EnvisionWare
EnvisionWare is a leading provider of self-service and library efficiency solutions. Today, over ten thousand libraries use EnvisionWare products to enrich the service offerings of their library and to empower their customers to do more for themselves. EnvisionWare offers twenty-two systems, including PC Reservation® computer management, LPT:One™ print management, and OneStop™ for self-service circulation. For more information about EnvisionWare, visit www.envisionware.com.
Contact:
Kathryn Spier-Miller
315-380-8600
kathryn@ksmcg.com
EnvisionWare Announces Expanded Customer Service Resources
First Phase of Strategic Plan Focused on Service
Atlanta, GA, November 4, 2011 – EnvisionWare, a leading provider of self-service and library efficiency solutions, announced today an expansion of the company’s field support technical resources. The addition of 200 independent field technicians is the first phase of a strategic plan focused on improved customer service and satisfaction.
EnvisionWare's global support staff operates from Company service locations throughout the United States and Australia. The new field technicians will supplement existing US field staff. The technicians are trained to troubleshoot and service a full range of hardware from the EnvisionWare Coin/Bill Acceptor (CBA) to sophisticated sorting systems. EnvisionWare employees will continue to serve as the primary point of service and advice for customers.
According to EnvisionWare COO Scott Fothergill, the plan to expand the company’s field support resources has been in development for several months and is part of a broader strategy focused on customer service. The expanded support model went through rigorous testing and piloting to ensure the results met and exceeded expectations for customer service and technical support.
“Our team has an incredible depth of knowledge about our products and a long history of working in libraries and with our customers,” said CEO Mike Monk. “By expanding our technical services in the field, our staff can continue to offer personalized service, backed by a responsive and skilled technical support team.”
EnvisionWare is a leading provider of self-service and library efficiency solutions. Today, over ten thousand libraries use EnvisionWare products to enrich the service offerings of their library and to empower their customers to do more for themselves. EnvisionWare offers twenty-two systems, including PC Reservation® computer management, LPT:One™ print management, and OneStop™ for self-service circulation. For more information about EnvisionWare, visit www.envisionware.com.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Customer and Product Updates
King County Library System Selects EnvisionWare
KCLS, voted Library of the Year 2011 by Library Journal and Cengage, has selected EnvisionWare's computer and print management solutions, PC Reservation® and LPT:One™. "PC & Print Reservation is one of the most impactful and visible systems to our library patrons," said Jed Moffitt, director of information technology services. "With so many technology initiatives on our plate, we needed an established, reliable, and mature system with a team we could count on. EnvisionWare has an outstanding reputation for customer service and dependability. Their system is also flexible enough to handle our unique technology needs, including our open source ILS.”
Authentication and Accounting Module (AAM)™ - Product Release v. 3.17
This new version of AAM provides compatibilty with Server 2003/2008/2008R2, Vista and Windows 7 on 32 and 64-bit platforms. Registry settings will automatically migrate into a preference file -- the configuration interface remains unchanged. This new version is designed to automatically support any released version of MySQL as well as MS-Jet/Access.
LPT:One™ Print Cost Control - Service Pack Release v. 4.7.2
The 4.7.2 Service Pack incorporates the latest hotfixes for version 4.7 and it adopts the latest version of EnvisionWare System Monitor, which is now protected against downgrade and designed in conformance to the certified file structure for the latest versions of Windows.
What's Ahead
Over the course of the next three months EnvisionWare will deliver several new products and updates:· EnvisionWare eCommerce Services™ v. 3.0
Includes new processors and multiple implementation architectures, major system enhancements including multiple methods of controlling itemized fines as well as improved handling of itemized fine payment for touch screen kiosks.
· EnvisionWare Media Case Controller (EMC2)™ v. 251Delivers speed, improved user interface and system recovery capabilities for customers with Clear-Vu and Kwik Cases.
· EnvisionWare RFID Suite™ v 2.3Provides support for additional proprietary vendor data models including older models in order to assist customers that are migrating from other systems to EnvisionWare. Delivers the latest interface for EnvisionWare Media Case Controller (Spectrum and Kwik Models).
A new and improved user interface for staff offers more intuitive operation, keyboard interaction and self healing workflow for incomplete sets. There are speed, workflow and other enhancements that affect operations with most major ILS commercial and open source platforms.
· OneStop™ Service Pack v. 1.10A new and improved user interface for staff offers more intuitive operation, keyboard interaction and self healing workflow for incomplete sets. There are speed, workflow and other enhancements that affect operations with most major ILS commercial and open source platforms.
Includes fixes and improvements for issues reported by customers and is compatible with version 2.3 of the EnvisionWare RFID Suite
· PC Reservation® Service Pack v. 3.5.11Major performance enhancements are the focus of this service pack along with a number of improvements requested by customers
· PC Reservation® V4 UpdateNew options for control menu layout, font size and default locations and other system improvements requested by customers
· New EnvisionWare Conversion OptionsComplementing the current choices for the powerful Mobile Station and the kit that adds conversion to existing staff stations, EnvisionWare will deliver a new Portable Conversion Cart in three models: One includes a table computer, another offers a laptop and the third uses existing customer laptops. All Carts provide 8 hours of in-stack battery life, automated tag dispensing and rapid conversion capabilities. EnvisionWare has recently introduced another new option for turnkey tag installation/conversion which permits worry-free migration to RFID at remarkable speed and with a 100% performance guarantee.
There are more updates and releases planned than are listed here. Starting today, product release announcements will also be posted on the home page of the EnvisionWare Customer Center.
Every day more than 10,000 libraries world wide use EnvisionWare solutions to improve self service and library efficiency.
To read more about these products visit http:/www.envisionware.com. Customers can download new releases from the Customer Center. If you would like to learn more please complete a contact request and one of our consultants will respond to your needs.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Green Gold Library System Selects EnvisionWare for RFID
Contact:
Kathryn Spier-Miller
315-380-8600
kathryn@ksmcg.com
Green Gold Library System Selects EnvisionWare for RFID
Atlanta, GA, September 1, 2011 – EnvisionWare, a leading provider of self service and library efficiency solutions, announced today that Green Gold Library System in Louisiana has selected EnvisionWare as their RFID provider. This is an expansion of their existing EnvisionWare services, which include EnvisionWare’s computer and print management solutions, PC Reservation® and LPT:One™.
Green Gold Library System, which circulates approximately 2.5 million items per year, includes eleven parish libraries: Bienville Parish, Bossier Parish, Caddo Parish, Claiborne Parish, DeSoto Parish, Grant Parish, Lincoln Parish, Natchitoches Parish, Sabine Parish, Webster Parish, and Winn Parish.
“The decision to select EnvisionWare for RFID was unanimous,” said Ron Heezen, director of the Green Gold System and executive director of Shreve Memorial Library. “The company has an outstanding reputation for customer service and a track record of solid technology solutions. We visited with EnvisionWare customers throughout the country, and their seamless and efficient RFID implementations were just what we ‘envisioned’ for our own libraries.”
Caddo Parish, which includes Shreve Memorial Library and twenty-one branch locations, and Bossier Parish, which includes eight branch locations, are the first of the libraries to move forward on the EnvisionWare RFID contract. Installation will include RFID tags and conversion stations, self-service circulation, inventory management, and automated materials handling (AMH).
As part of their review process, Shreve utilized a proprietary ROI modeling system to determine if RFID was right for them. The library also identified and implemented alternative revenue streams, like the PeoplePlus program, to help offset the costs for such library innovations. PeoplePlus, which is accessible through the library’s home page, is a discount card program for prescriptions, dental and vision care, and other health-care costs. The library receives a portion of the revenue generated through the program, while providing the community with an alternative to the rising cost of health care.
“During these tough economic times, the library needs to operate as cost-effectively as possible, while still providing outstanding service to our community,” said Heezen. “RFID enables us to increase efficiencies on the back end, so that we can focus on providing outstanding resources and support to our community.”
“Our team is dedicated to making certain our products and customer service are the best in the industry,” said EnvisionWare Vice President Mike Monk. “We could not have asked for better references from our customers, and are thrilled that Green Gold has selected us as the RFID provider of choice for their system.”
About EnvisionWareEnvisionWare is a leading provider of self-service and library-efficiency solutions. Today, over ten thousand libraries use EnvisionWare products to enrich their service offerings and to empower their customers to do more for themselves. EnvisionWare offers twenty-two systems, including PC Reservation® computer management, LPT:One™ print management, and OneStop™ for self-service circulation. For more information about EnvisionWare, visit www.envisionware.com.
Kathryn Spier-Miller
315-380-8600
kathryn@ksmcg.com
Green Gold Library System Selects EnvisionWare for RFID
Atlanta, GA, September 1, 2011 – EnvisionWare, a leading provider of self service and library efficiency solutions, announced today that Green Gold Library System in Louisiana has selected EnvisionWare as their RFID provider. This is an expansion of their existing EnvisionWare services, which include EnvisionWare’s computer and print management solutions, PC Reservation® and LPT:One™.
Green Gold Library System, which circulates approximately 2.5 million items per year, includes eleven parish libraries: Bienville Parish, Bossier Parish, Caddo Parish, Claiborne Parish, DeSoto Parish, Grant Parish, Lincoln Parish, Natchitoches Parish, Sabine Parish, Webster Parish, and Winn Parish.
“The decision to select EnvisionWare for RFID was unanimous,” said Ron Heezen, director of the Green Gold System and executive director of Shreve Memorial Library. “The company has an outstanding reputation for customer service and a track record of solid technology solutions. We visited with EnvisionWare customers throughout the country, and their seamless and efficient RFID implementations were just what we ‘envisioned’ for our own libraries.”
Caddo Parish, which includes Shreve Memorial Library and twenty-one branch locations, and Bossier Parish, which includes eight branch locations, are the first of the libraries to move forward on the EnvisionWare RFID contract. Installation will include RFID tags and conversion stations, self-service circulation, inventory management, and automated materials handling (AMH).
As part of their review process, Shreve utilized a proprietary ROI modeling system to determine if RFID was right for them. The library also identified and implemented alternative revenue streams, like the PeoplePlus program, to help offset the costs for such library innovations. PeoplePlus, which is accessible through the library’s home page, is a discount card program for prescriptions, dental and vision care, and other health-care costs. The library receives a portion of the revenue generated through the program, while providing the community with an alternative to the rising cost of health care.
“During these tough economic times, the library needs to operate as cost-effectively as possible, while still providing outstanding service to our community,” said Heezen. “RFID enables us to increase efficiencies on the back end, so that we can focus on providing outstanding resources and support to our community.”
“Our team is dedicated to making certain our products and customer service are the best in the industry,” said EnvisionWare Vice President Mike Monk. “We could not have asked for better references from our customers, and are thrilled that Green Gold has selected us as the RFID provider of choice for their system.”
***
About EnvisionWareEnvisionWare is a leading provider of self-service and library-efficiency solutions. Today, over ten thousand libraries use EnvisionWare products to enrich their service offerings and to empower their customers to do more for themselves. EnvisionWare offers twenty-two systems, including PC Reservation® computer management, LPT:One™ print management, and OneStop™ for self-service circulation. For more information about EnvisionWare, visit www.envisionware.com.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
LPT:One 3x: We're Going to the End of the Line (But It's All Right)
Does anyone remember the Edison wax cylinders? I'm guessing not, as they were already past their market peak by 1915 and officially went out of production in 1929. But in their day, those wax cylinders were the height of recording technology. The great Thomas Edison himself ushered in the era of home audio in 1877 by warbling “Mary Had a Little Lamb” into a cylinder recorder, and by the turn of the century you could pick up all the hottest tracks by Caruso and Ma Tiger Lily at your nearest general store.
Eventually the wax cylinder was replaced by the phonograph disc (which, in the Man in the Purple Shirt's opinion, has never been surpassed—but that's a subject for another blog), and the world moved on. Whatever passed for “support” in those days for the wax cylinder player was discontinued after 1929.
EnvisionWare is coming to a similar cutoff point with regards to its support of the LPT:One™ 3x line, which was officially replaced by LPT:One™ 4x back in 2006 (a lifetime ago in the software world). We have continued to support the Legacy (3x) product in subsequent years, but in this current world of Windows 7 and 64-bit, it is no longer a practical system.
For those customers who may still be using LPT:One “Classic,” as I like to call it, we have prepared a document that outlines the superiority of 4x and some options for helping make the (inevitable) switch as painless as possible. Welcome to the future!
 |
| The Past |
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| The Future |
Monday, August 15, 2011
EnvisionWare Announces Conclusion of Patent Litigation With 3M
Duluth, GA - August 12, 2011 - 3M Company and EnvisionWare, Inc. have entered into
a confidential settlement agreement that completely resolves all issues raised in the
lawsuit between them filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota on June
22, 2009.
In the dispute, 3M sought damages by claiming that EnvisionWare infringed three of
3M’s U.S. patents relating to use of RFID and related technology in libraries, and
EnvisionWare responded by alleging that the 3M patents were not infringed and were
invalid.
About EnvisionWare:
EnvisionWare is a leading supplier of self service and efficiency solutions for libraries
around the world. The Company serves more than 10,000 libraries with technologies
ranging from PC Reservation® computer management to turnkey RFID systems. The
Company operates from its headquarters near Atlanta, Georgia and from an Asia-Pacific
center in Adelaide, Australia. Sales and support services are also delivered from
regional locations around the United States and from Strategic Partners in Canada,
Europe, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Malaysia.
Press contact:
Michael J. Monk
Vice President
2855 Premiere Parkway | Suite A
Duluth, GA 30097-5201
+1 678-382-6590
mmonk@envisionware.com
EnvisionWare and PC Reservation are registered trademarks of EnvisionWare, Inc. 3M
is a trademark of 3M Company.
a confidential settlement agreement that completely resolves all issues raised in the
lawsuit between them filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota on June
22, 2009.
In the dispute, 3M sought damages by claiming that EnvisionWare infringed three of
3M’s U.S. patents relating to use of RFID and related technology in libraries, and
EnvisionWare responded by alleging that the 3M patents were not infringed and were
invalid.
About EnvisionWare:
EnvisionWare is a leading supplier of self service and efficiency solutions for libraries
around the world. The Company serves more than 10,000 libraries with technologies
ranging from PC Reservation® computer management to turnkey RFID systems. The
Company operates from its headquarters near Atlanta, Georgia and from an Asia-Pacific
center in Adelaide, Australia. Sales and support services are also delivered from
regional locations around the United States and from Strategic Partners in Canada,
Europe, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Malaysia.
Press contact:
Michael J. Monk
Vice President
2855 Premiere Parkway | Suite A
Duluth, GA 30097-5201
+1 678-382-6590
mmonk@envisionware.com
EnvisionWare and PC Reservation are registered trademarks of EnvisionWare, Inc. 3M
is a trademark of 3M Company.
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