Toronto, ON - September 13th, 2004 - We are happy to announce that version 1.1 of PocketITP is now available for download by the public. PocketITP is a FTP server that is specifically designed to optimize photographic workflow, with features such as batch renaming, automatic directory generation and more. This package is especially targeted at users of Nikon's WT-1 wireless transmission device, allowing images to be organized the moment they are received by the computer.
In addition to the features of it's predecessors, version 1.1 now adds a fully automatic WT-1 configuration utility to simplify setup of the device. Since PocketITP can extract many of the network configuration details directly from your PocketPC, it is able to fill out all of the settings on its own - vastly simplifying the configuration process. This helps users who may not be familiar with the intricate details of TCP/IP networking to configure their transmitter quickly and easilly. PocketITP will also perform a quick audit of network settings prior to being saved in order to warn users of common mistakes. This allows users to identify mistakes early, and save countless trial and error debugging steps later on.
Furthering this support, PocketITP will also help manage multiple .wt1 configuration files on the host system and upload them to cards automatically. This allows users of all levels to more efficiently manage their WT-1 and avoids the need to manually shuffle files back and forth from their CF cards. Users can also import .wt1 files that they have previously created into the library where they can be managed and tracked by the server.
PocketITP 1.1 Feature Summary:
- Automatic WT-1 Configuration (New in 1.1) - Users can now create and manage their .wt1 configuration files for Nikon's WT-1 right inside of PocketITP! Since the server knows many of the settings already, it simplifies this task by automatically filling in many of the fields for you. Additionally, when you are finished PocketITP will do a quick audit of your settings and provide you with warnings for many common mistakes so that they can be caught without having to upload the settings and figure out the hard way. This system is especially valuable to those without extensive networking experience, as it reduces the number of variables you need to worry about.
- Intelligent Overwrite Protection - The server can be configured to automatically rename different files that are uploaded to the name of an existing file. This protects your files from being accidentally overwritten, and can be especially useful where multiple photographers may be uploading to the same path. However, this is taken a step further in that the server will automatically compare the new file with the older ones and if it is a retransmission attempt, will replace the older file. This allows you to have the protection without the clutter that a simpler system would create.
- Automatic Directory Generation - Using the variables functionality, the server can be configured to automatically generate directory trees based on features like the date and the login name. This is entirely transparent to the user, and as far as they are concerned they are uploading to a simple static path. This allows the server to automatically create chronological directory trees and make tasks like archival considerably easier.
- Batch Renaming - The server can automatically replace the DSC_ portion of the filename using the prefix feature. This prefix, like most other features in ITP, can contain variables such as the username - allowing multiple shooters to upload to the same directory and still keep their files separate.
- Simple and Intuitive User Interface - Since this package is designed for photographers the UI has been designed to simplify the administration tasks as much as possible. New users can be added quickly and easilly, and it is easy to control where their files are sent. Most features can also be fully configured on a per-user basis, so you can adjust ITP's behaviour to suit your needs.
- Lightweight and Efficient - This package has been designed from the ground up for this task. Features that were unnecessary were not implemented, the memory footprint was carefully designed and ITP is capable of adapting itself to various system bottlenecks. This framework allows the same core server code to run on both full Windows computers and PocketPC PDAs - allowing maximum flexibility in deployment.
- Multithreaded - File storage and networking components run in different threads, connected by a memory buffer. This eliminates many bottlenecks, allowing every facet of the server to run at the highest rate possible and providing a more responsive set of controls to the user. This also allows this package to make full use of multiprocessor systems.
Pricing and Availability:
As before, PocketITP 1.1 is being offered as freeware to the public.
Commercial versions with additional automation features will follow
shortly, however all current versions of ITP and PocketITP are free for
anyone who is interested. For more information and to download PocketITP
1.1 please visit the following website:
http://www.pixagent.com/pocketitp11/
Background Information:
ITP 1.0 was released on October 4th, 2003 in order to provide an easy
to use FTP server for users of devices like the Nikon WT-1. It was
tested specifically with preproduction WT-1 devices by Nikon staff in
order to be certain things would function optimally when the transmitter
became available to the public. In addition to a basic FTP server, ITP
offered many features that were specifically tailored to the photographic
workflow allowing users to instantly organize their images right out of
the camera.
This release was followed shortly by PocketITP 1.0 (October 22nd, 2003) that offered the exact same features as ITP 1.0 but on the PocketPC platform. PocketITP uses the same engine as it's bigger brother, and as such the only change is a user interface necessitated by the smaller format. This release allows Photographers to work with packages like Idruna's Pocket Phojo to wirelessly edit their take in the field without the need for a bulky laptop. In addition, it allows users in hostile situations to easily keep a second version of all of their images stored in a safe place in case something happens to the original (water, impact, overzealous security, etc...).
Over the last few months, we have assisted many people in setting up their WT-1s and as such have seen many issues that people have had problems with. ITP 1.1 and PocketITP 1.1 are, in part, an effort to help remove many of the stumbling blocks that caused people problems - making their experience with setting up the WT-1 much easier. We aim to make the setup of this device as simple and intuitive to setup and use as people are used to with traditional photographic equipment.
Contact Information:
Thomas Sapiano
E-Mail: tsapiano@pixagent.com
Website: http://www.pixagent.com/pocketitp11/
