                                WordSan
                                Plus 2.0

                             by Tony Curro


    Calera, maker of the award-winning WordScan, has released WordScan
    2.0 and WordScan Plus 2.0. For the uninitiated, WordScan is Optical
    Character Recognition (OCR) software. OCR software will scan a page
    of text. It will then convert that into an image (PCX, etc.) file,
    or into a standard ASCII text file, or into one of many supported
    word processors, database or other formats. It will also read in fax
    documents.

    Installation requires about 6MB of hard disk space, and requires MS
    Windows 3.1. WordScan Plus is compatible with a wide range of
    scanners.

    The new version of WordScan incorporates its next generation
    neural-net OCR technology. Adaptive Recognition Technology (ART)
    sets a new standard for recognition accuracy and flexibility, and
    directly tackles the problems caused by degraded documents. ART is
    the first intelligent recognition process to adapt itself to the
    unique characteristics of each page.

    WordScan Plus 2.0 includes greyscale image enhancements, and
    supports AccuPage Image Enhancement for HP IIC and IIp scanners.
    WordScan has also bolstered the user dictionary to 10,000 words. It
    is also the first to offer Microsoft OLE 2.0 Drag-and-Drop
    capabilities, reducing OCR to a single step. Users can initiate OCR
    from within applications simply by clicking on an image, dragging it
    across the Windows desktop, and dropping it onto the WordScan icon.

    The new WordScan products have a more intuitive Windows interface --
    with familiar icons, tool bar, and a smart install for personalized
    setup. HoverHelp was created to provide assistance at all times with
    full-sentence on-screen description for all user interface elements.
    To improve the workflow of WordScan products, Calera has added the
    following features:

    * Automated conversion processing -- improves workflow by
    automatically moving documents through conversion; verification and
    save processes are initiated automatically.

    * Image printing -- enhances handling of fax and E-mail images;
    images can be printed directly from within the WordScan products.

    * Expanded Pop-Up Verifier -- provides faster on-screen proofing
    without referring to the original document; backtrack capabilities
    to review images already proofed and larger image pop-ups to verify
    questionable characters (WordScan Plus only).

    * Page auto-orientation -- improves document handling, especially
    faxes; detects when document images are upside down or sideways and
    automatically re-orients the image to the correct alignment
    (WordScan Plus only).

    WordScan Plus includes convenient fax software integration
    capabilities. You can access WinFax or CAS-compliant fax software
    receive log directly from within WordScan Plus. It also has TWAIN
    support.

    I have been using WordScan Plus 2.0 for several months and am
    pleased with the product. The new version is much improved and has
    many enhancements that make it a sure winner. Many products, that
    use OCR features rely on the Calera engine for their products.

    Aggressive upgrade programs will be available through October 31,
    1993. Existing WordScan users can upgrade to WordScan 2.0 for $59 or
    to WordScan Plus 2.0 for $119. Existing WordScan Plus users can
    upgrade to WordScan Plus 2.0 for $99. Calera will also be offering
    an upgrade to users of FAXGrabber products for $119. In addition,
    Calera will upgrade users of competitive OCR products for only $119
    during this period.


                          Product Information

                              WordScan 2.0

                               SRP--$295.

                           WordScan Plus 2.0

                               SRP--$695.

                    Calera Recognition Systems, Inc.
                            475 Potrero Ave.
                          Sunnyvale, CA 94086
                              408-720-8300
                           408-720-1330 (FAX)
