Unisys transforming newspapers into integrated media centres

At the IFRA2000 publishing exposition, Unisys is unveiling numerous new and enhanced offerings as part of its revamped portfolio of Unisys e-@ction Publishing Solutions, services and technologies designed for publishers vying to compete in the age of e-business. Based on the theme "Managing the Transition," Unisys is demonstrating how these new solutions and services allow publishers to transform from newspapers to integrated media companies by exploiting Internet, wireless and other technologies. The new offerings include:

Editorial solutions and services that

• let journalist access wires, search archives, write and submit stories all via the Intranet and access the wire services via mobile phones
• enhance traditional publishing systems and extend their capabilities to create, prepare and deliver online publishing content so clients can manage one system for both print and Web
• expand high-level functionality to small and mid-size publishers via an ASP program and "Newspaper in a Box" Advertising Solutions and Services that
• not only allow the a newspaper`s advertisers to order and pay for their advertising via the Web but let them create, submit, update and approve their display ads themselves via the Intranet
• create a CRM solution that helps a newspaper`s customer-facing employees access vital customer data instantly and management analyze customer data to create more effective marketing programs

Editorial Web and Wireless access Unisys is helping publishers exploit Web technology and use it to accelerate and transform traditional editorial and advertising workflows. For example, its new "media center" solutions let journalists access the wires, search the archive, write and submit a story all via the Intranet. This provides reporters with much more freedom to work from wherever there is a connection to the Web.

While browser solutions are practical in a connected environment, wireless solutions are handy for the increasingly mobile journalist. In order to provide journalists anytime, anywhere access to news wires, Unisys is presenting a WAP solution for the Wire Services Management solution that allows wires to be queried and displayed via WAP-enabled phones. This is a first step toward the wireless generation of the Unisys e-@ction Publishing Solutions.

Online publishing In addition to numerous enhancements to its traditional publishing capabilities, Unisys has introduced an extension to its editorial management system that allows online content creation, preparation and delivery, enabling newspapers to manage one system for generating both print and Web content. Designed especially to allow fast, easy creation as well as dynamic update of the Web edition, the application extends the capabilities of the editorial management system to let newspapers produce and publish Web pages while taking advantage of sophisticated workflow tools. In addition to page creation, the solution allows users to automatically update published pages, automate a number of site functions, and quickly access previously published and archived pages. This solution works in conjunction with either Macromedia DreamWeaver or Microsoft Front Page for Web page preparation and layout and allows publishers to manage the transition of content from newspaper to Web and vice-versa.

ASP Services

Unisys is also featuring its vast line of services for publishers including the Application Hosted Services (ASP) program and its "Newspaper in a Box" line of packaged publishing solutions. The recently announced ASP program allows Unisys to supply small- to mid-sized newspapers with services to host and manage software applications without giving up the benefits of industry-leading publishing solutions. Its Unisys e@ction Newspaper in a Box solutions are standard versions of its editorial, wire, archiving and advertising solutions with simpler configuration options and fast delivery times. Other featured services include outsourcing, networking, desktop management, change management and e-business-related solutions.

Advertising Web access On the advertising side, Unisys is introducing new Intranet tools that can save the paper`s advertising clients the investment in desktop publishing resources. For example, by integrating Unisys newly released Advertising Management system`s online solution with a partner`s AdLizard software, the online system allows customers to submit classified advertising orders to the newspaper through the Internet, any time of day or night. Together, the two solutions expand the channels for Web ad order entry by allowing private party individuals and commercial businesses alike to place virtually any type of advertising (including photos and logos) through a standard Web browser.In addition, advertisers can create their own display ads using an Intranet browser application and then send them to the newspaper by means of the Internet, thus bypassing intermediaries. As a result, Unisys has radically changed the way that display ads are made up and supplied to newspapers, which significantly streamlines the ad creation and delivery process. In addition, Remote Ad Approval, part of the Content.Server suite of workflow management solutions developed by Engage Software (formerly Mediabridge), lets advertisers view a proof of their advertisement via a Web browser and either approve the ad or designate corrections and alterations.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Unisys is launching its comprehensive CRM solutions for publishing. Together with Siebel Systems, Unisys will offer advanced CRM solutions as individual offerings or as part of an integrated offering with the Unisys Advertising Management Solution. The offering will provide publishers with the benefits of Unisys publishing experience and expertise with Siebel`s world-class e-business applications. During IFRA, Unisys will demonstrate Siebel`s Call Center solution - the first of the Siebel applications to be integrated with the Unisys publishing solutions.