I've noticed recently that the marketing materials from many of the large copier manufacturer's say that there is an "API" (Application Programmer's Interface), "SDK" (Software Development Kit), or some other type of integration kit available for their Copiers. Got me thinking about indexing documents and sending directly into SentryFile. Very cool idea. Makes a really nice interface for the end-user.
So, I started contacting the manufacturers and requesting these APIs, SDKs, and whatever documentation I could get. I've been horribly dissappointed about the results.
I've been trying to get these toolkits now for almost 6 months. I think I've heard every story imaginable:
"There's a new version of the API coming out, wait for another 6 months and we'll give it to you."
"The API was written by another document management provider and they don't want to share."
"The API costs (insert massive dollar amount here). Send us a cheque!"
"What's an API?" haha -- ;)
Does anyone know if these APIs actually exist? Or are they just vaporware and "marketing spin"?
The potential for end users to file documents directly from the copier is fantastic. Does anyone know if there is a open standard for this type of interface? If there isn't, why not?
Anyone interested in working to develop a standard interface for indexing documents at the copier? I'm game! :)
Thanks for listening to my rant... :)
-Chris
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Have you tried Sharp Electronics? They supposedly have "Open Systems Architecture" and have an Application Integration Module that directly links the machines's TSI to the software's host server, with bi-directional communication. They say that it can have drop down lists for index fields and direct index ability from the TSI.
I know for a fact that Ricoh is very strong in this area based solely on the number of partners they have (eCopy, Omtool, nQueue, iPro, Equitrac, etc.). I have no idea how you would get your hands on that information though.
I know I've mentioned this a number of times already, but an eCopy connector for SentryFile will take care of all MFP's from all OEM's in one shot. Good luck!
Check out NSI (http://www.nsius.com) they have a program that gives you a gui for the api's to Kyocera, Ricoh, Sharp, HP, Xerox and others. All you have to do is write a connector for their software to Sentryfile and you already have direct access to the panel of all the vendors that allow access.
I'm a Sharp Sales Consultant and can verify that Sharp is build on OSA using .net technology. They do have an SDK. If you contact me, I can put you in touch with the right person at Sharp to get rolling on this.
Hi Myra,
We received the OSA SDK for Sharp equipment a while ago. We developed a 90% of the connector then realized that the only method to send a scan was via FTP. This complicated things a bit since a lot more setup was required. We've still got plans to release a Sharp OSA application that integrates with SentryFile, but we first want to integrate an FTP server (or something similar) to simplify the setup for the end user.
Not sure if this is the best way to go, but if you have any suggestions please let me know! :)
-Chris
Post a Comment