Inkjet & Digital Printing
SHARP OSA PLATFORM VERSION 4.0 BRINGS CLOUD-BASED APPLICATIONS, ENHANCED CUSTOMIZATION OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARP MFPS
Monday 21. March 2011 - New Sharp OSA SDK Available Now
Provides support for both cloud- and enterprise-based applications
Comprehensive set of APIs encompasses all key MFP functions (print, scan, copy, fax, document filing, authentication and accounting)
New enhancements to existing functionality in direct response to end customer and developer feedback
Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, today unveils the Sharp OSA software development kit (SDK) version 4.0, the latest version of Sharps award-winning application development platform. Sharp OSA platform version 4.0 delivers unprecedented flexibility by adding support for cloud-based applications and doubling the number of available Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to enable the development of new application types.
Optimized for Sharps revolutionary new MFP User Interface (UI), the Sharp OSA 4.0 SDK will be available on March 14 to the Sharp OSA developer community.
“The adoption of cloud-based applications is growing quickly,” said Vince Jannelli, director, product management applications, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America. “Providing a cloud-ready development platform will allow the Sharp developer and reseller community to add greater value for our end customers. Simply, the Sharp OSA SDK version 4.0 unlocks a wider range of customization possibilities than ever before.”
Skys the Limit in the Cloud
Cloud computing represents a way for enterprises to increase capacity and add capabilities quickly without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel or licensing new software. Cloud-based applications are delivered over the internet and purchased as a subscription-based or pay-per-use service. Sharp has always been in tune with the needs of todays enterprise, and Sharp OSA technology was the first application development platform in the industry to be based on widely adopted web services. Sharp OSA technology version 4.0 shows the companys continued commitment to leveraging the latest technology to deliver the highest levels of productivity.
With the Sharp OSA technology version 4.0, applications deployed in the cloud can be integrated with any Sharp OSA SDK version 4.0 enabled MFP. By delivering applications to the MFP directly from the cloud, enterprises gain the ability to quickly scale MFP functionality without the need to purchase server hardware and software. In addition, the deployment time is significantly reduced by avoiding the lengthy capital approval process often used for IT projects.
New APIs Enable New Application Types
The Sharp OSA extended SDK also introduces several new APIs for key MFP functions, including copy, document filing and fax. Previously, only scan, print, authentication and accounting APIs were available. By increasing the number of available APIs, developers can now create entirely new application types that expand the users document capabilities and virtually eliminate training costs. For example, a company can choose to create a “wizard” style UI to complement the already powerful customization features available on Sharps newest line of MFPs.
New Features
The Sharp OSA SDK version 4.0 provides the ability to preview and edit scans right at the Sharp MFP panel. With this new feature, users can preview a scanned image, rotate or delete a page, change the page order and automatically remove blank or back shadow pages before a file is sent to an application. This delivers higher quality documents using less storage. This new feature becomes even more powerful when coupled with Sharps innovative new UI and the 10.1-inch touch screen control panel.
With enhanced single sign-on to Sharp OSA technology applications at the MFP, the process of executing applications is streamlined as there is no need to log in to each individual application. Standard Sharp OSA technology applications using the MX-AMX2 (ACM) key can now automatically retrieve the credentials of a user who is logged in either locally to the MFP or through an external authority application.
Improved offline support delivers service continuity for accounting applications in the event MFP communication with the server is temporarily lost. During offline operation, MFP usage is captured locally and automatically recovered when the application returns online. In the meantime, the MFP automatically detects and re-establishes the connection when the application server again becomes available.
Enhanced job limit handling improves the user experience when the count limit is reached while a job is in progress. Now when a count limit is reached, the user can choose for the MFP to continue the job to completion, stop printing or copying after the current set is complete, or stop and delete the print or copy job when the limit is reached.
The Power of the Sharp OSA Platform, the Power of “U”
Several Sharp Partner Program members have leveraged the Sharp OSA platform version 4.0 and Sharps revolutionary new user interface to create powerful applications that will be demonstrated at Sharps 2011 National Dealer Meeting. These include
Barr Systems: Barr EOM
Barr EOM for Sharp OSA technology allows users to pull documents from mainframe, midrange and desktop applications to a Sharp OSA-enabled MFP. Confidential documents can be held in Barr EOM until they are released at a Sharp MFP by authorized personnel.
Business I.T. Systems: PrintMeClient
This cloud-based printing application using Sharp OSA platform version 4.0 and EFI PrintMe lets users print documents anywhere, anytime.
DPD International: GoldFax version 7.1
With the GoldFax Connector for Sharp OSA platform version 4.0, Sharp MFP users will benefit from advanced MFP touch panel features including: fax preview, increased security, selecting recent fax numbers, and fax job building. Organizations benefit from Cloud deployment of the GoldFax Fax Server and improved Sharp MFP user experience and productivity.
The Drivve EcoSystem
Drivve has leveraged version 4 of the Sharp OSA SDK to deliver its award winning image capture and routing middleware, Drivve | Image, as a service from the Cloud. This complements Drivve’s existing on-premise and Cloud based document management system, Drivve | DM.
emFAST Inc.: FACSys
FACSys gives users the ability to fax enable MFPs, Microsoft Office applications, mobile devices and custom applications, as well as to route scanned MFP content into cloud-based or local repositories, network locations or e-mail.
FaxCore: FaxCore 2007
FaxCore 2007 now features a cloud-based fax option – no phone lines needed.
InfoDynamics: Intact Books SMART
Intact Books SMART provides integration with QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, SAGE and other commercial accounting products. Enabled for Sharp OSA version 4.0, users can perform look ups and approval at the MFP.
Pcounter: Pcounter v2.6
Pcounters Sharp OSA platform version 4.0 embedded application is a cost-effective output management solution that makes it easy for organizations to manage the workflow of documents that are being printed, copied, scanned or faxed for any Sharp client. Pcounter effectively optimizes the management of devices such as printers and copiers while reducing the waste across the enterprise by making the appropriate personnel accountable to what is being printed, copied or scanned.
Sepialine: Argos
Argos is an embedded print, copy, and scan tracking system with single sign-on for a client billback solution that keeps everyone working.
Webiplex: DocuPeak Connector (5.9.4)
This cloud-based (on-premise or SaaS) platform with reusable “apps” and limitless flexibility allows Sharp dealers to provide full-service process automation from paper, to panel, to portal.
In addition, Sharp will be demonstrating Sharp OSA SDK version 4.0 enabled applications that the company has developed to show the power of the updated development platform. These demonstrations include
My Copy
The My Copy demonstration presents a simplified wizard-like flow, illustrating how all of an MFPs core functions can now be accessed through a customized UI to meet virtually any customers desire.
Ad Splash/Corporate Signage
The Ad Splash demonstration shows how content can be delivered to the MFP display, allowing an organization to use the MFPs LCD as a digital signage communication vehicle.
Cloud Connect
The Cloud Connect demonstration shows how a Sharp OSA SDK version 4.0 enabled MFP can be used to print and upload files with popular cloud-based business applications such as Salesforce.com.
The new package provides an updated simulator that supports the latest Sharp MFP modes and improved SDK documentation that is reorganized by API type so application developers can more quickly locate the programming details for their situation.