According to the announcement, activelibrary's cross-platform, Java-based server environment provides the highest standards of reliability and scalability. Its activepush technology detects and transmits only changes and guarantees instantaneous updates through even the smallest bandwidth (intranet or extranet). This ensures that information is always up-to-date throughout the activelibrary network of interconnected systems. 

The activelibrary solution lets users convert documents or publish from databases into the XML-based Open eBook (OeB) format, while maintaining or creating important metadata tags. The process transforms a document written with single-user software into collaborative information, enabling teams to find, read, annotate, and edit documents in a version that's always up-to-date and accurate.

Based on technology developed at Cambridge University since 1993, and in daily use in the U.K.'s National Health Service, activelibrary has applications wherever users require fast access to volatile and mission-critical reference information, according to the announcement. Some of activelibrary's key application areas include financial services, government, research, and healthcare.

activelibrary offers new delivery options for the reference publishing industry. For publishers, it can provide a solution platform for delivery of up-to-date reference journals. It can also replace traditional loose-leaf updates or CD-ROM distribution with XML/OeB-based online and locally cached products. Analysis of the activelibrary audit trail can offer feedback and enable the publisher to evaluate the quality and relevance of its content.

For education, activelibrary can provide a robust and scalable environment for authoring and delivery of distance-learning materials. Students can use synchronized local content that enables them to work off-line. 

Source: WAX info, Ltd., Cambridge, U.K., 011-44-1223-422-026; http://www.waxinfo.com.