Introduction
In my mind, the whole point of putting in a BackOffice Small Business Server (Windows NT) network is to provide a platform for the software tools needed to achieve productivity gains in the office. I'm not talking about replacing people. I am talking about getting more productive work from the people you have, providing a more enjoyable work environment for everyone, and promoting an enhanced user experience! (I couldn't resist - don't you agree with Microsoft that pursuit of an "enhanced user experience" is a compelling reason to spend more and more money on office software?)
This isn't a trivial program to learn, but it is well worth the effort. Take one of your typical documents - the one you "Open", modify for the new matter or client, and try to remember to "Save As" rather than "Save" when you break for lunch.
Now you can get rid of the typewriter! Scan a form with OmniForm and automate it. Touch up the optical character recognition and fix the fill-in-the-blanks and check boxes, etc. Add totals and extended processing to data entry values. Save the data on the completed form for later recall and correction. Print it out and the form is filled.
Who has time to study all the programs? I replaced a version of TextBridge with OmniPage version 8 some time ago, and I've been upgrading clients ever since - first to version 9 and now, version 10.
Pretty damn good, if not the best. Works well on Windows NT workstation with the HP ScanJet 6250 (now the 6350).
I really like the new 6250 (now the 6350) for around $500. It can be shared on the network, it has an automatic document feeder, and comes with both a USB and a SCSI interface. Since Windows NT doesn't support USB (why doesn't HP offer a plug-in driver???) you need to purchase a simple SCSI ISA or PCI card for about $30 and cable for about $25. Windows NT drivers should be supplied with the card.
Last Update on 01/09/00 11:13 AM
© Copyright 2000 Orban Computer
Consulting