FIS is Flat ASCII File

This flat ASCII file open approach to forms processing provides the next step in integration of various modules from different vendors for image processing solutions. The FIS allows modules to receive, originate and output data in a standard format usable by other modules.

The standard was designed to meet the following objectives:

1. General enough to satisfy requirements of large number of existing technologies. 2. Extensible to future technologies. 3. Simple, easy to understand and implement. 4. Truly open: doesn't require Cornerstone's InputAccel as infrastructure. 5. Do it in our lifetime.

Arthur Gingrande, of Imerge Consulting, says, "The creation of such a standard would allow, for example, a user to set up a form definition template that could be used to describe and locate the data fields on a form, then send that template information to virtually any recognition engine or forms processing system on the market. Likewise, recognition results could be viewed through the data verification software of choice to optimize ergonomic throughput. In between these input and output steps, data transfer over a diverse array of context analysis and data validation modules would be optimized."

Other benefits include 1) the freedom to choose right forms technology for the specific customer need; 2) solution providers can mix and match technologies from all vendors adhering to standard; 3) Integration accomplished without programming within the InputAccel infrastructure; 4) easy to make changes as needs change and new technologies become available; and 5) Open standard stimulate more widespread adoption of forms processing technologies.

The lack of a File Interchange Standard has been a big concern for service organizations trying to quickly implement image based solutions without spending great sums of money on a single vendor, vertically integrated, system which probably is obsolete before it's purchased.

As this standard is adopted by the vendors service organizations have an opportunity to provide profitable meaningful image related solutions to their clients.

After time to implement, about the first of the year, DMAC, and others, will be releasing interfaces to modules using FIS. Look for the articles in the Winter, 1996, Unibase Technical Review. Copies of the standard can be obtained from Mark Royale at Cornerstone (408-435-8900).