Visioneer offers software-only PaperPort package

PaperPort Deluxe Software adds several features to the utilities included with the huge-selling PaperPort scanner and some OEM products. These include a few that verge on serious document image processing, including the ability to automatically OCR (using Xerox's TextBridge engine) and index text when the system is idle. Another key feature is Scan Direct which allows any of the 150 supported applications to be automatically invoked for inputting scanned text.

Also new are hierarchical folders that allow colour-coded folders to be stored within folders; a forms builder tool; the Netcentric FaxStorm fax tool; and a utility for backing up to Iomega Zip, Jaz or Ditto drives.

"When people look at scanners they look at the unit when they should be looking at the software," said Charles Kennard, general manager of Visioneer Europe. "This software gives a lot of other users a lot of PaperPort features. There are a lot of sheet-fed scanners now from Taiwan but they all lack the software interface."

PaperPort Deluxe Software lists for £70 + VAT.