So, it's easy to connect to the user's existing system. Is the core of that system integration the "Advanced Box"?
- Kitozaki
- That's right. A large number of files can be stored on the device's hard drive, without using a server. The capacity of each device can be expanded to a maximum of about 250 GB. If multiple iR-ADV devices are used, the capacity will equal the total of all of the devices combined. It's also easy to create an environment for sharing stored files, and this environment can be accessed and used from a PC or another iR-ADV. This file-sharing environment is the Advanced Box. The iR-ADV can act as the main device in small and medium-sized offices to function as a simple fileserver.
- Nishiyama
- In previous multifunction office systems, scanned documents, received faxes, and PDL documents, which use a description language for printing, were stored in a format unique to Canon. But, with the iR-ADV, files created on a PC using a universal Office format can be saved, and scanned paper documents can be converted and saved in such formats as PDF, PowerPoint, and even JPEG, and then accessed and edited from a personal computer. Also, received fax documents can be converted to PDF and saved in the Advanced Box.
That would have been unimaginable with previous multifunction office systems! By the way, can an unlimited number of Advanced Boxes be created?
- Kitozaki
- Yes. An Advanced Box is divided into shared space and individual space. The maximum number of folders in the individual space is 1,000, but you can create as many as you want in the shared space.
So, because you can create not only shared spaces for departments and ranks but also individual spaces, this means that there are a variety of ways to use it in the office, right?
- Kitozaki
- For example, let's say that information such as a successful marketing plan or reference data is placed in a shared space that everyone can see. Individuals can access this from their own computers. After making adjustments based on their own customers, they place it in their own individual space. Then, they can refer to it or print it from their own computer as needed.
This should help with the sharing and fast utilization of knowledge within the company.
- Asahara
- In a simple case, because PDF files can be shared, if they are used for the final signoff of approval forms, I think routine work will be smoother.
If scanned documents can be edited in PowerPoint, it will make it much easier to create presentation materials. Documents can be shared by a team for correction as well.
- Asahara
- One of the product concepts for the iR-ADV is system integration. Collaboration, so to speak. Along with encouraging system collaboration, I feel there is a possibility that file-sharing with the Advanced Box file will motivate individuals to work together.
Storage in an Advanced Box seems to be very free. What technological structure does it use?
- Asahara
- The Advanced Box uses SMB, WebDAV, and other general protocols, so it can be directly accessed from external locations. So, electronic files can be placed in it or removed easily without installing a special application on a PC.
- Kitozaki
- As a rule, general office systems and business applications can be connected. Storage is possible.
So the value of the iR-ADV in this area is limited only by the ideas of the user?
- Nishiyama
- Not only with the Advanced Box, but with all functions, the iR-ADV is able to respond to a user's desired solutions and expand their range of use. It really is the starting point for business solutions. We would be overjoyed if the iR-ADV series were to be used in a way that surpasses what we have envisioned.
