Press Release:
SecuraBook eBook Server released

Brisbane, Australia, March 6, 2001 -- Absolute Data Group Pty Ltd (ADG), a leading provider of Publishing solutions, today announced the release of its XML powered SecuraBook eBook Server as part of a joint venture with Sydney based software company Inter X Computing Pty Ltd. SecuraBook eBook Server is a versatile Digital Rights Management Server for Publishers and Document Managers, powered by XML. Running as a Web-based application on Windows® NT®, SecuraBook eBook Server enables you to use the Internet to sell and distribute eBooks and Documents in any format, down to the chapter level. Publishers can now quickly create online eBook stores, or create Portals that on-sell eBook Publishing Services to small publishers and individual authors.

Using your web browser, you can quickly create searchable catalogues and web pages, without the need for any programming knowledge. The eBook Server is designed to sell copyright protected titles and generate new markets, while promoting new and existing paper based books, by distributing free titles and previews. Microsoft® Reader, Palm® Pilot, Adobe® PDF (Portable Document Format) and even Audio books can be easily delivered to hand held devices and personal computers. SecuraBook eBook Server also allows authenticated contributors to submit eBooks and documents that they have created, and then define how these eBooks are sold, all via their web browser.

"Flexibility to provide as many different formats as possible is very important to publishers and consumers alike," said Michael Halter, Services Manager at ADG. "I feel at this point in the evolution of the eBook industry, eBooks should also be available in varied formats and on mixed devices wherever possible, to avoid consumers feeling pressured to read eBooks in one particular format. Subsequently we can support any file type, including SoftBook, Adobe PDF, Microsoft Reader and our own Copyright protected format for PDF".

All this flexibility is easily managed without the need for complex 3rd party database products, or the staff to manage those systems. SecuraBook eBook Server comes standard with an XML (Extensible Mark-up Language) database engine. Should integration with a SQL compliant database be required, connectivity with SecuraBook eBook Server is available. Once installed, eBook Server can be fully maintained by authors and editors, without any knowledge of Windows NT, database security or internet technologies.

"As our system is suitable for self publishers thru to large portals, we are also very aware of the cost pressures eBook Publishers are under. Subsequently we don't use a commission or "per download" pricing model, rather our software is sold for a one off cost, with an optional "Annual Support Program" said Michael.

Availability

SecuraBook eBook Server will ship in March 2001 at an introductory price of $2100 US.

About Absolute Data Group

Absolute Data Group (ADG) was founded in 1997 with a background in Military documentation and an extensive knowledge of SGML and XML technologies. ADG customers now span many industries, including Telecommunications and Publishing. In the Commercial Aviation sector, ADG's experience in critical aircraft documentation has also led ADG to be a preferred partner to Ansett, Air New Zealand and British Aerospace, among others.

For more information please visit http://www.absolutedata.com.au