Imation and BlueBolt To Establish Digital Color Standard for Interiors
OAKDALE, Minn.--April 9, 2001--Imation Corp. and BlueBolt Networks today announced the incorporation of Imation Verifi(TM) Accurate Color technology into BlueBolt Studio, a software tool for interiors industry professionals that facilitates the specification process for interior finishes. Verifi technology modifies color images to compensate for the differences inherent in the way monitors display color. By integrating the Verifi system with BlueBolt's proprietary technology, BlueBolt Studio will allow commercial design professionals to confidently browse, select, organize, and order product samples online.
"BlueBolt Networks is creating the standard for accurate digital product representation for the interiors industry," said Nate Kredich, BlueBolt Networks' vice president of business development. "Until now, color has been among the key challenges to successfully incorporating digital technology into the interior design process. Combining the Verifi system with BlueBolt's own technology architecture allows us to deliver color-accurate digital imagery that helps designers fully exploit BlueBolt Studio to streamline the specification process."
The need for accurate digital color in the interiors industry
Color is a critical consideration during each stage of product selection and specification in the interior design process. Inaccuracy and inconsistency of image representation on different monitors has limited the use of computer technology to enhance this process, requiring designers and suppliers to rely on expensive sample books which are limited, often incomplete or out-of-date, and costly to produce and store. BlueBolt Studio solves this problem by giving designers access to accurate product specifications along with product imagery depicting pattern and scale, and with Verifi technology, the product's true color. Each product contained within BlueBolt Studio is digitally photographed to exacting standards for color, pattern representation, scale, texture, and lighting at BlueBolt's in-house production studio. Verifi technology ensures that BlueBolt's image quality is represented on the computer desktop.
"Imation is proud to partner with BlueBolt Networks as the company to bring consistently accurate digital image color to the interiors industry," said Dave Veilleux, director, marketing and business development, Imation Internet Technology. "Online, or monitor-based color is emerging as the final barrier to Internet-based solutions in many industries. This is just the first example of many business to business applications that will thrive online through the integration of Verifi color technology."
Verifi Technology fits existing workflows
The Verifi system is an enterprise solution where clients retain total control of their own images. Because the Verifi software application resides on an image server at a site chosen by the client, it can easily be incorporated into an organization's existing web architecture--without the need to create new business practices or surrender possession of images to a third party. "Imation's willingness to accommodate our proprietary technology architecture was of paramount importance in our decision to enter into this joint development and license agreement," said Kredich.
Online color has traditionally been a problem because no two computers display color alike. Based on Imation's industry-proven color profiling technology and global leadership in color management and color proofing, the Verifi system enables business and consumer end-users to quickly and easily view accurate color images within web browsers. The relationship with BlueBolt Networks is a further extension of that technology model--one in which the Verifi system is integrated into BlueBolt Studio, a non-browser based software tool. "This is a great example of how Verifi technology's flexible core architecture facilitates uncomplicated integration into diverse third party products," added Veilleux.
Dynamic image modification serves individualized color
Imation Verifi accurate web color is a server-based application where dynamic color transformations occur. Once a user profiles their monitor by completing a two-minute color comparison survey confirming how their monitor displays color, the Verifi system dynamically modifies and serves color-corrected images specific to that display system. End-users need only complete the monitor color survey once. A distinctive color icon within sites enhanced with Verifi technology provides visual confirmation and assures color confidence.
Non-invasive
Because Verifi technology is non-invasive to the end-user--i.e., it uses no browser plug-ins or downloadable applications--the risk of security and privacy issues is virtually eliminated. Verifi technology users are not asked to subscribe to a site, log in, or select a password.