Manning Publications announces adoption of new electronic book format
================MANNING PRESS RELEASE
================
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Manning Publications announces adoption of new electronic book format
Greenwich, CT, February 1, 2005 - Manning Publications today announced it will begin to offer electronic books in an open source format, ThoutReader™. Through a recent agreement between Manning and OSoft, creator of the software, OSoft will start to convert Manning's PDF ebooks into the ThoutReader format. Manning, which has sold ebooks in Adobe PDF since 2000, plans to offer ebooks in the new format for sale by Spring 2005.
During a transition period, Manning will offer both PDF and ThoutReader formats. "We believe that once our customers have used it, they will gravitate toward the ThoutReader," said Manning's publisher, Marjan Bace. "The ThoutReader option appeals to me because it is open source and pure Java. It opens the door for the development of new and exciting features previously unavailable in Adobe's product." From a business standpoint, what appeals to Manning's publisher about OSoft is dealing with a company that is actively exploring and experimenting in this technology and is eager to learn what works and what doesn't. This will ensure Manning's ability to continually enhance their customers' experiences with this new format.
The ThoutReader adds convenience and value to new and existing content by allowing users to browse, bookmark, search, and append their entire open source documentation and reference books - from one program, at the same time - even off-line. That makes it extremely portable, especially when a web connection is unavailable. ThoutReader users have the added liberty to install content on any of their computers, without any additional licensing or any fees whatsoever. The ThoutReader also offers users the ability to add plug-ins to change functionality, including video and audio. Best of all, it is freely available from the OSoft website and is supported by the open source community.
"Unlike other ebook systems," states Mark Carey, OSoft President, "ThoutReader registration is simple and convenient and does not require the user to log-in or be online every time they wish to use the content. There are no limitations on the number of computers on which a user may view their purchased content. Just load and go."
About OSoft
OSoft.com is headquartered in Tacoma, Washington. OSoft's vision is to train, educate, and help the open source community by providing a standardized platform through which open source documentation, training content, and tutorials can be delivered. OSoft.com provides the marketplace, and the ThoutReader provides the conduit for publishers, authors, and developers.www.osoft.com
About Manning Publications
Manning Publications Co. is an independent publisher of high quality technical books for software developers and managers. The company is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut. Manning has been an innovator in electronic publishing, co-publishing its new titles in both electronic and paper editions since early 2000. www.manning.com Contact
Helen Trimes
Marketing Director
Manning Publications
hetr@manning.com
Manning Publications Co. 209 Bruce Park Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830 (203) 629-2211