iansyst awarded Government funding to develop new mobile technologies

SBRI funding will enable iansyst to lead a consortium in developing a multi-platform, accessible document conversion and management tool. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) July 26, 2011 - Assistive technology specialist, iansyst, is delighted to announce it has been awarded funding to develop and explore life changing assistive technologies at the recent Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) 'Plain Sailing' competition. Sponsored by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), this is the first of two competitions that encourage the development of technology solutions to suit specific public sector needs and to enhance learners' skills through improved social and educational communication.

The SBRI Plain Sailing competition focuses on enabling users to produce and navigate digital information independently, anytime, anywhere and in a user-friendly way. Companies who succeeded in attracting funding will champion the use of freely accessible, open source software packages which can run on the latest technology platforms. A number of the proposed developments feature the use of cloud, desktop and mobile applications, building (not duplicating) on many of the freely available Apps and tools on the market. The funding iansyst has been awarded will enable it to lead a consortium to develop a multi-platform, accessible document conversion and management tool.

MyDocStore will use cloud, desktop and mobile based file management and address the missing link in accessible transfer of files with users' preferences for accessing all forms of digital resources. MyDocStore aims to make it quick and easy to transfer files between devices whilst simultaneously converting them into the user's preferred format - whether text, audio or a combination of both. This service will not only benefit learners who experience difficulties with reading due to a disability such as dyslexia or a visual impairment, but also those who want to read documents and content when on the move.

iansyst is working alongside the Electronics and Computer science department at Southampton University and Raspberry Software Ltd, to develop the proposal. The consortium was given six-months to develop a proof of concept and explore its benefits with users.

Abi James, Head of Product Innovation for iansyst, comments: "iansyst is dedicated to developing technologies to assist people experiencing disabilities. We are delighted that the SBRI has awarded us with funding to explore the concept of MyDocStore. This application creates accessible formats on the move - whether converting text into a talking e-book, large font document or audio book. Using the most recent developments in mobile technology, we believe we can create a fantastic tool for people wanting to access documents wherever they are, in a format that suits their needs.

"We are looking forward to working alongside our partners to develop the proposal which, we all feel, could have a huge positive impact on the way that assistive technologies are deployed to benefit people with reading difficulties."

For further information about iansyst Ltd, please visit the web site at www.iansyst.co.uk or Tel: 01223 420101.

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