empolis announced the release of empolis k42 version 1.1, its knowledge server that is fully compliant with the TopicMaps standard. A free evaluation is available at . k42, v1.1 provides a richer set of functionality to enable organizations to embrace TopicMaps. k42 is written in Java, and has a comprehensive API. Its Jini and RMI support means that k42 is well suited to a distributed environment and can be deployed on an enterprise scale. The inference engine allows for the deduction of implicit knowledge and the built in templating mechanism provides guided editing. Web Author, the web interface with which users can edit and maintain the TopicMap in real time, has been completely remodeled, based on our ever growing experience and the feedback from our user base. The new interface will also allow users to define properties for Topic constructs. Furthermore Web Author 1.1 implements the important concept of reification. TMV (TopicMap View) is an out of the box feature for ‘browsing’ your TopicMap. Requiring no configuration, you can import a TopicMap and be browsing it in seconds. Utilizing XSL, it is easy for users to customize this view without having to write any code – they can simply write a new style-sheet. TMV also provides both an interface for querying your TopicMap, utilizing TMQL (TopicMap Query Language) as well as allowing users to navigate the map based on Scope. k42 is now also available with Star Tree from Inxight providing a powerful visualization tool for your TopicMap. k42 allows users to import and export standards compliant TopicMaps through a simple web interface. This interface also supports multiple encodings, including UTF-16 and ZIP. In addition to the extended API, developers have access to documentation, including API code examples and tutorials. www.empolis.com

Mediasurface has entered into an alliance with ATG. Mediasurface will integrate its content management software with the ATG Dynamo e-Business Platform in order to support its strategy of serving the media and entertainment vertical markets. Mediasurface’s solution is designed to address the growing demand for advanced content management software by offering seamless integration with the ATG Dynamo e-Business Platform. Mediasurface’s application is scalable and incorporates open-architecture Internet technologies including Java and XML. www.mediasurface.com, www.atg.com

SDL International announced availability of SDLWebFlow 3.0. Their multilingual content management system now offers real-time translation capability, content transfer API with automatic change detection and notification, increased throughput and multi-threaded security features. SDLWebFlow 3.0 offers an optional integration with SDL International’s Enterprise Translation Server that enables translations in real-time. Real-time translation provides a “gisted” draft-quality translation for obtaining a general understanding of foreign language text. The cost savings realized with real-time translation allows SDLWebFlow 3.0 to support multilingual applications such as corporate intranets, extranets and portals. The Content Transfer API (CTA) included with SDLWebFlow 3.0 automatically detects any changes in both static and dynamic site content and alerts the designated site administrator via e-mail enabling the administrator to initiate a workflow job. This process is readily integrated with any content management system. An advanced security program manages the SDLWebFlow 3.0 content over HTTPS in encrypted XML request-response pairs, all transactions being initiated from within the content-server’s firewall. www.sdlintl.com

Pageflex, Inc., announced a preview of .EDIT, a browser-based technology for design and editing of rich documents with full-featured typography and layout, using nothing more than a Web browser and an Internet connection. .EDIT allows a company to provide an Internet-based page layout tool to its end users without requiring the use of any plug-ins. A company deploying .EDIT can create templates that allow it to maintain its brand/corporate identity by using approved fonts, design elements, and images. Users can count on the final output matching the screen, since both use the same underlying composition engine and fonts. .EDIT is also customizable to allow companies to choose the set of features accessible by the end user. Applications of this technology might include sales & marketing literature, flyers, display advertisements, business cards, and restaurant menus. www.pageflexinc.com

IntraNet Solutions, Inc. announced the release of Xpedio 5.0, an enhanced version of its Xpedio Content Management system. Xpedio 5.0 includes enhancements to the system’s enterprise development tools, globalization features, enterprise platform support, and contribution and conversion capabilities. 5.0’s workflow enhancements provide support for managing enterprise-level source content and Web site productions, including a Visio graphical development interface that allows users to graphically design workflows. Users are also able to trigger the execution of external applications from within the workflow process. Version 5.0 includes a Java Server Pages (JSP) server. The new product also integrates with Dreamweaver. Globalization features include a localization kit, which enables the company and selected partners to produce versions of Xpedio in different languages. IntraNet Solutions will be releasing French and German versions of Xpedio, and Japanese, Korean and Portuguese versions are being produced for IntraNet Solutions by its partners. Version 5.0 incorporates a WebDAV server. 5.0 includes enhanced XML conversion that automatically converts content to XML when it is checked into Xpedio. The product also supports the automatic conversion and management of additional new file formats, including cHTML, the format for NTT DoCoMo’s i-Mode service in Japan. Xpedio 5.0 also includes a new module, that tracks content usage within an organization and generates reports based on metadata and user profiles. Xpedio 5.0 will begin shipping on June 22, 2001 and is priced at $100,000 to $250,000 USD. Xpedio Content Tracker will be sold as an optional module and is priced at $25,000 USD. www.intranetsolutions.com

Gauss and Cybelius Software announced a technology partnership to integrate the Gauss VIP enterprise content management platform with the Cybelius Conductor Immersive Advanced Runtime Platform. The partnership enables joint customers to extend Web content management capabilities to support configurable — and immersive — 3D product models for B2B and consumer facing Websites. With Conductor, database-driven models allow an unlimited number of product configurations. Additionally, easy updating and reuse of parts of the 3D models and interactivities make it easy to reflect product line upgrades and model changes, even when there are thousands of products involved. Conductor also can link the 3D models to online product catalogs and other enterprise systems. Using VIP in conjunction with the Cybelius platform, joint customers can manage thousands of 3D model images originating from multiple sources, so enterprises can provide configurable 3D model images for any number of products via their Web-based offerings. Gauss and Cybelius will target both B2B and B2C companies from a wide range of market segments, including transportation, manufacturing, financial services, retail, telecom and high-technology industries. www.gaussinterprise.com, www.cybelius.com