Cardonet, Inc. introduced version 3.0 of its e-catalog automation platform. The new software release provides greater flexibility and control over catalog data transformations and features a new automated product classification system that both speeds and simplifies the set-up of online catalogs. Version 3.0 is entirely web-enabled and supports content in any language. The most significant new features include: Auto-classification functionality that generates rules and recommended mappings for products and product categories between source and target taxonomies. System or user-generated keywords, find utilities, and a built-in map for UNSPSC categories and codes help to automate the traditionally time-consuming manual process. Catalog data from multiple sources is more efficiently converted into a single browsing structure organized for the most efficient buyer discovery process, and the classification of custom catalogs based on customer or channel preferences is streamlined. Integration of category-level attributes with Cardonet’s rules-driven transformation engine for the cleansing, normalization, and validation of product information. Users can apply unique rules and set default values for any attribute at any level within the catalog structure (taxonomy), enabling the same attribute to be handled differently for different categories or individual products. Other 3.0 features include web-enabled access of all major functions in the Cardonet e-catalog automation platform. The web access is supported by enhanced authorization and authentication capabilities. In addition, all catalog data is now handled as double-byte characters, allowing Cardonet to support catalog content in any language. The 3.0 release of Cardonet’s catalog automation platform is available immediately. Software prices vary depending on the specific configurations of the Catalog Manager and Channel Manager. www.cardonet.com

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