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Coming in August 2006
Thout 2.0 renamed as dotReader IMPORTANT UPDATE: OSoft has partnered with OpenReader.org to develop an OpenReader enabled reader based in part on existing ThoutReader™ architecture and technology. Using the requirements set forth by OpenReader, the new ThoutReader™, called dotReader, is being re-written from the ground up to take full advantage of the OpenReader format. Why OpenReader?OpenReader is a standard open source XML documentation format that improves upon OEBPS 1.2, a six year old standard that is out of date and out of touch with today’s consumer and publisher requirements. XML is a non-proprietary, unencumbered, cross-platform, vendor-neutral, international standard administered by W3C. It is a storage and exchange format that, when properly used, cleanly separates the content from the presentation — a huge advantage to both publishers and end-users. The OpenReader format addresses the #1 complaint by e-book customers – lack of standardization and cross-platform compatibility. The OpenReader format provides an integrated solution to documentation without being married to any particular platform.
Please call us to discuss how OSoft and our partners can improve your workflow, reduce publishing costs, and provide a better end-user experience with your e-books or other documentation. Recent accolades for ThoutReader™| John Blossom (industry analyst - Shore Communications) - article | "Then why in the wake of all of this am I more excited about a piece of open source software from a garage startup in Tacoma, Washington than all of the wizardry rearing its head in Las Vegas? Because it has the outlines of how publishers can actually control their fate in the midst of a rapidly changing marketplace for premium content". more
"The ThoutReader™ brings together many of the best features of other readers into one platform."
Dave Howell, Chief Innovator, Founder & Chairman of the Board of Rosetta Solutions. | |
Building dotReader from scratch
dotReader will be built in Perl and offer the following capabilities: - Open source.
- Cross-platform - will support most operating systems as well as the majority of PDAs and tablets.
- Modular architecture - allows for easy integration of third-party plugins.
- Customizable user interface - simple enough for K-12 yet capable of handling the demands of higher education, serious researchers, and archivists.
- Support of embedded multi-media.
- Capable of reading multiple formats with ability to add additional formats via plug-ins.
- Enhanced search capability - both internal and external.
- Backward compatible with existing ThoutReader content - get a head start on the new format!
OpenReader format and documentation conversion
dotReader will be based on the OpenReader (XML) documentation standard because it fulfills the widest needs of publishers, readers, retailers, librarians, archivists, and other groups. Without implementation, a "standard" holds no value. That is what happened with OEBPS 1.2. OSoft and OpenReader are pleased that the following document conversion businesses have openly endorsed and will support OpenReader. 
| | |  | Rosetta Solutions’ simplifies and automates the convergence of print and digital content. Rosetta Solutions' services (powered by the patent pending RosettaMachine™) include process automation for digital publishing, content management, document conversion, collaboration, versioning, archiving, storage, workflow processes and distribution all within a single Web-based system. | | |  | codeMantra is a technology-driven company providing digital content services and distribution management to the publishing and information industries. A dedicated team of publishing and information industry professionals works with our clients to implement workflow efficiencies, create additional content distribution opportunities, and provide custom-tailored content solutions. | | |  | Publishing Dimensions provides innovative solutions to assist publishers in generating revenue through evolving digital content channels. Their solutions include cost-effective conversion of content from electronic and paper sources into eBook and print-on-demand files, and placement of content into publisher-specified channels of distribution. |
For a complete list of OpenReader ensorsers, click here.
OSoft's Goal
OSoft intends to offer dotReader to the e-book community consisting of publishers, hardware manufacturers, and consumers as a universal, non-proprietary documentation format based on OpenReader's XML standards. dotReader allows for flexible yet "consumer friendly" DRM. Third-party plugins will ensure continued development and growth of the reader.
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