Ariel

(The following is an announcement from the Research Libraries Group.)

    RLG introduces document transmission system for the Internet

    Available now from the Research Libraries Group (RLG) is Ariel, a
    new software package that enables fast, reliable, high quality
    transmission of documents and images over the Internet (a
    communications network available at many higher-education and
    research institutions).  Using standard PC hardware, Ariel produces
    images of much greater resolution than FAX machines and, because
    Internet transmission is often free, at much lower cost.

    With an 80386 (or 80286) microcomputer, a scanner, and a laser
    printer, Ariel software users can scan, store, transmit, and print
    any material, including photos, drawings, charts, formulae, and
    tables.  Ariel compresses data while scanning, thus speeding
    transmission and reducing PC storage requirements.  A typical page
    of text takes 10 seconds to scan, less than a minute to transmit,
    and 20 seconds to print.  Over 600 scanned pages can be stored for
    transmittal.

    Ariel software operates on a standalone PC-to-PC system.  (Ariel is
    not related to and works independently of RLIN, the Research
    Libraries Information Network.  Ariel users do not have to be RLIN
    users in order to use the Ariel software.)

    At the core of the system is an 80386 PC (IBM PC/AT or compatible)
    with an 80 MB hard disk (an 80286 PC with a 30 MB hard disk is
    adequate but not recommended for high-volume users).  Attached to
    the PC at one end is a scanner, either a Hewlett-Packard ScanJet
    Plus or a Panasonic FS-RS506.  Both provide high, 300 x 300
    dots-per-inch resolution as compared to 100 x 200 dpi for most FAX
    machines. Documents up to 8 l/2" x 14" can be scanned directly
    without having to be photocopied first. At the other end is a laser
    printer, an H-P LaserJet II or III, which prints transmitted
    documents on regular bond paper, a great advantage over the
    slippery, awkward paper used in FAX machines.  With an appropriate
    PC FAX card, Ariel can also be adapted to use a FAX machine as a
    printer, producing images of much greater resolution than usual FAX
    copies (but of lesser quality than laser-printed copies).

    When the system hardware is not actively being used for Ariel
    functions, it can be used for other independent applications -- like
    desktop publishing, word processing, scanning, printing.

    Ariel comes in two versions: a complete scan/transmit/receive/print
    software package ($479 per copy) and a receive/print-only package
    ($249 per copy).  Bulk discounts are available.

    For more information about Ariel and its hardware requirements,
    please contact the Information Center, e-mail BL.RIC [at] RLG__BITNET or
    BL.RIC [at] RLG__STANFORD__EDU.

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 5:26
                 Distributed: Sunday, November 3, 1991
                        Message Id: cdl-5-26-007
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