Alliances abound
The Automated Imaging Association (AIA) has joined forces with the Robotic Industries Association (RIA; both Ann Arbor, MI) to form a new umbrella organization called the Automation Technologies Council (ATC). The new organization will represent more than 340 companies that manufacture, integrate, or use robotics, machine-vision, and related automation technologies. The initial eight-person ATC governing board includes three AIA representatives, three RIA representatives, one user, and the ATC executive vice president. Later this year, a ninth member, representing an emerging technology sector, will be named. Both AIA and RIA will continue to operate as independent trade groups serving the needs of their members. . . . A supplier of desktop security software, Pinnacle Technology Inc. (Indianapolis, IN) has signed an exclusive agreement with SAC Technologies Inc. (Minneapolis, MN), a vendor of biometric fingerprint technology, to provide configuration and control methods for Windows 95/NT and Novell network computers based on the user`s identity. In this combined approach, MIS managers and system administrators will be able to biometrically identify a user for log-on, configure a network computer, download applications, and restrict computer access, data, and modification. . . . Imagination Software (Silver Spring, MD), a leader in 32-bit Windows intranet document imaging, has signed a three-year licensing agreement to provide imaging technology to Blue Water Systems (Holland, MI), the maker of VersaIMAGE retrieval software that scans paper and converts microfilm and microfiche into digital images. . . . Dipix Technologies Inc. (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) has formed a strategic alliance with Leutron Vision AG (Zurich, Switzerland) to offer a range of vision and imaging products. The first joint effort involves the Dipix Power Grabber and the Leutron PicPort families of products in their respective markets. Both companies will also share market and product developments
