Press Releases

1 September, 2008

Berliner Sparkasse signs paperless with SOFTPRO SignDoc

Handling paper requires a lot of time and money, and capturing information from paper into an electronic format is extremely error-prone. For a lot of processes within financial institutions, there is just one reason why paper is still in use: For the sole purpose of capturing handwritten signatures. The German savings bank, Berliner Sparkasse, demonstrates that there is now a successful way to integrate handwritten signatures into an electronic document workflow. In the savings bank branches customers sign on a signature tablet. Their signatures are digitized throughout the writing process and linked together with the signed electronic document. Both signature data and document content are then stored using encryption. Encrypted documents are transferred straight into the electronic archive where the signature can be verified automatically on demand. The payment processing department benefits as well. If the customer sends in a classic paper-based transaction form, the signature image can be automatically verified with the static part of the signature reference data set captured from the signature tablet. So through this process, paper is gradually being phased out from the document workflow at the Berliner Sparkasse.
>> [ read more ]
>> [ German Press Release ]

16 July, 2008

New Service from TeleCash revolutionizes Receipt Management - Innovative receipt storage service offers merchants many advantages for handling card based payments

TeleCash GmbH & Co. KG, one of the leading network service providers for handling card payments in Germany and a subsidiary of global payments service provider First Data, has collaborated with Softpro GmbH to develop a solution for electronic receipt management. In comparison to traditional physical archiving, the new receipt storage solution offers merchants numerous advantages and significant cost reductions. IKEA Deutschland GmbH recently became the first client to select this latest solution from TeleCash.
 
With the new solution, cardholders paying with an ec- or credit card sign the electronic signature pad (the SignPad eSignio), instead of a paper receipt. The electronic receipts are captured and archived centrally by TeleCash. Following the authorization the cardholder receives a printed copy of the receipt as usual. The receipt storage service can significantly reduce process costs and simplify service at the point of sale by reducing the need for materials such as voucher rolls and by accelerating flow at the till. Return debit notes can also be processed more quickly than before when using the new solution, creating further advantages during the collections process. TeleCash's new solution is particularly suited to merchants that handle high volumes of transactions, especially signature based card payments. Merchants can access their receipts quickly and easily via the internet.
>> [ German Press Release ]

14 July, 2008

Insurer VPV goes paperless with SignDoc for Contract Signing

VPV is processing its insurance contracts fully automatic thanks electronic signatures based on digitized handwritten signatures. VPV is using SignDoc in combination with Toshiba's Tablet PCs.
>> [ read more ]
>> [ German Press Release ]

1 June, 2008

MEFX: Softpro presents State of the Art in Fraud Detection and e-Signing

Fraud Detection and e-Signing specialist Softpro presents its solutions at the leading IT-event for the financial industry in the Gulf region - MEFX in Dubai. The Signature experts will showcase their holistic fraud prevention suite "SignPlus" as well as their next generation signature tablet "SignPad" in booth 110 - along with their newly released and highly innovative end-to-end electronic account opening application.
>> [ read more ]

7 April, 2008

Trustworthy usage of handwritten dynamic (biometric) signatures in the digital world

Signature Verification and Fraud Detection Detection Solution Specialist Softpro outlines the status of Dynamic Signature Verification.
>> [ read more ]

7 April, 2008

RSA Conference 2008: Softpro Presents Next Generation Signature Tablet

Softpro is exhibiting together with 13 other specialist in IT security in the German pavilion under the umbrella of "IT security made in Germany" and presents the all new SignPad Signature Tablet as well as the companys e-signing solution suite.
>> [ read more ]

7 April, 2008

Handwritten Signatures secure Electronic Documents

SignDoc is the increasingly poular and trustworthy choice to secure authenticity and integrity of electronic documents using the handwritten signature. The latest version is available for download for a free 30 days test.
>> [ read more ]

7 April, 2008

Software Development Kit: Integrating Signature Verification into own Applications

Tablet PCs and specially selected writing tablets or pen pads capture static images and dynamic (biometric) signals of a signature. SignWare is capturing both character sets and offers a sophisticated option to verify signatures.
>> [ read more ]
>> [ German Press Release ]

1 April, 2008

Softpro: Founder Heinz Reschke returns as CEO

Heinz Reschke took over as as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Softpro several weeks ago. He triggered a series of initiatives aimed at refocusing the company and providing enhanced customer experience as well as building on Softpro's legacy of innovation. Effective today a new management structure is in place.
>> [ read more ]

1 April, 2008

Softpro: Alain Sarraf named new CTO

Alain Sarraf is appointed as Chief Technical Officer (CTO). In his new role he will be responsible for the company's product and business strategy as well as the entire technology areas such as development, professional services, and research.
>> [ read more ]

1 April, 2008

Softpro North America: Tim Morris appointed as President

Tim Morris is appointed as President of the company. Mr. Morris' previous achievements at Softpro have been instrumental in increasing the company's market share by adding several major US banks to Softpro's already impressive customer list. This change will significantly strengthen the company by adding a proven leader and dedicated professional with a hands-on attitude to the company's management roster.
>> [ read more ]

1 April, 2008

Softpro: Ralph Maute and Ulrich Pantow define Product Strategy

Ulrich Pantow is appointed as product manager for the Fraud Prevention Solutions portfolio. Mr. Pantow replaces Alain Sarraf who has taken over the position as Chief Technology Officer of the Softpro Group. Ralph Maute continues to manage Softpro's e-signing product suite.
>> [ read more ]

9 November, 2007

BAI Retail Delivery Conference Softpro Presents Next Generation Signature Tablet

Signature Verification and Fraud Detection Detection Solution Specialist Softpro presents its Next Generation Signature Tablet at BAI Retail Delivery Conference next week in Las Vegas. The Signature experts will showcase their innovation in booth 1259 along with their newly released and highly innovative end-to-end electronic account opening application. Earlier this month they have announced the first organization worldwide that will introduce the next generation signature tablet, named SignPad, in their primary account opening process on a large scale - the Berliner Sparkasse.
>> [ read more ]

31 October, 2007

Softpro and Wacom: First Customer for the Next Generation Signature Tablet SignPad

As the first organization worldwide, the Berliner Sparkasse will introduce the next generation signature tablet named SignPad in their primary process on a large scale. The SignPad tablet allows customers of the Berliner Sparkasse to sign their banking documents and transactions both digitally and securely. The device was especially developed for the digitizing of handwritten signatures in close co-operation with Wacom and Softpro. Beginning in December 2007, all 150 private client centers in the branches of the Sparkasse will be equipped with this new interface device. "Paperless signing" will become a reality when customers sign on the display of the SignPad using Softpro’s leading signature software solution, called SignDoc. The Berliner Sparkasse expects will save on the cost of paper handling and archiving, as well as enjoying the enhanced functionality of the SignPad.
>> [ read more ]
>> [ German Press Release ]

>> [ Japanese Press Release (PDF) ]

22 October, 2007

Frost & Sullivan Recognizes rates SOFTPRO top for Customer Value

Frost & Sullivan honored companies for demonstrating industry excellence at last week’s annual Best Practices Awards Banquet and Networking Sessions held in San Antonio, Texas. The awards recognize companies that are predicted to encourage significant growth in their industries, have identified emerging trends before they became the standard in the marketplace, and have created advanced technologies that will catalyze industries in the near future. Besides SOFTPRO the following companies received awards too: AT&T, Comcast Cable, Ditech Networks, DVDPlay, EdenTree Technologies, LenSec, McAfee, New Edge Networks, Redback Networks, SMS Technologies, Teleperformance, VFA, Voice Print International and Websense.
>> [ read more ]

17 October, 2007

Frost & Sullivan Lauds SOFTPRO for Achieving Outstanding Customer Satisfaction with its Pioneering Dynamic Signature Verification Solutions

Based on its recent analysis of the dynamic signature verification market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes SOFTPRO GmbH with the 2007 Frost & Sullivan Customer Service Leadership Award for excelling in serving its customers and gaining superior customer satisfaction levels.
The company’s “Fraud Prevention Solutions” portfolio made up of the SignPlus product family (branded as FraudOne in the United States) provides a holistic approach to detecting and preventing fraud in paper-based processes such as payment transactions, as well as increasing operational efficiency using signature management and verification solutions.
“SOFTPRO is currently the only company, whose products fit perfectly, even in the most complex processing environment,” says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Neelima Sagar. “SOFTPRO’s SignPlus system is recognized for its high level of security, consistency, ease of use, and strong level of user acceptance due to its non-invasive authentication process.”
>> [ read more ]
>> [ German Press Release ]

27 September, 2007

Innovation Award of DMS show for SignPad

The signature tablet "SignPad" received the "Innovation Award" on the trade show "DMS”"of Koelnmesse. All registered visitors of Europe’s leading show for technology in document and enterprise content management had the chance to choose their favorite innovation among 14 nominees. The trade show organizer reported a very active participation at the election for the award in 2007. "SignPad" is enabling the capture of characteristics of the handwritten signature in a trustworthy manner – the static image and dynamic (biometric) signals. The device is a Japanese-German joint development of the companies Wacom and Softpro.
>> [ read more ]
>> [ German Press Release ]

21 September, 2007

Focus on Fraud - Softpro's User Group Meeting sets milestones in Check Fraud Prevention and Detection

Record attendance at SOFTPRO's 3rd annual User Group meeting by the world's leading financial institutions confirms the event as a de-facto industry platform for combatting fraud in the banking sector. For the third time in a row, Softpro hosted its user group meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada. Industry leaders and innovators from the United States, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica gathered to exchange information and ideas about the latest trends in fraud and prevention technologies, as well as discussing the business aspects of check processing and paperless documents. At the 2007 event, Softpro was proud to welcome in participants from Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup, Key Bank, Metavante, National Commercial Bank of Jamaica, Republic Bank of Trinidad, Synovus and Wachovia as well as Softpro's partner in the Carribean - MBM(Ansa McAl).
>> [ English Press Release ]

16 February, 2007

Seamless integration of Handwritten Signatures in Adobe Live Cycle - Adobe and Softpro enable fully electronic document workflow

Signing electronic documents with a handwritten signature seems to be a contradiction in itself. However, only at first glance: The handwritten signature as a proof of authenticity is quickly being re-discovered as the enabler for user-friendly and efficient digital document workflows. Adobe and Softpro are proud to introduce “SignDoc for Adobe’s Digital Signatures”. The new offering enables the seamless embedding of digital wet ink signatures electronic documents thus enabling a completely paperless document workflow while still retaining the simple and well-understood signing process of traditional paper-based processes.
>> [ read more ]
>> [ German Press Release ]

7 September, 2006

Workshop on Check Fraud Prevention attracts broad Interest of French Top Banks

At a gathering of 18 of France’s top banks and diverse banking press in Paris, Alain Sarraf EVP at Softpro presented Softpro’s holistic approach to combatting check fraud. The event was co-sponsored by A2iA, the leader in cursive handwriting recognition and Softpro the world leader etc. The companies have recently teamed together to provide a unique approach to identifying fraud attempts. The banks met to learn about global trends in check fraud and specifically in countries such as the United states, UK, and France. The primary motivation for this meeting was to learn how the current fraud trends can be stemmed.
>> [ read more ]

18 July, 2006

A2iA and Softpro Combine Technologies in Their First Globally Marketed Check Fraud Prevention Solution

A2iA and Softpro have pioneered a unique solution which combines proven handwriting recognition, signature verification, and fraud detection technologies.
>> [ read more ]
>> [ French Press Release (PDF) ]

15 March, 2006

FSTC’s Pioneering Work Moves Closer to Eliminating Check Fraud in an Imaged Environment

Landmark Project Proposes Standards for Check Verification Between Financial Institutions and Softpro is part of it
>> [ read more ]

14 December, 2005

Visit of Delegation of the Chinese Minister of Information to SOFTPRO Headquarter

Softpro has been invited by the Carl Duisberg Gesellschaft to present a delegation from the Chinese Information Minister about Biometrics in General and Signature verification in particular. The visitors were touring Germany and visited selected companies to inform themselves about new technologies for securing electronic processes. Managing Director Frank Fuchs presentend technology, company and products in a two hour session to 22 Chinese delegates, primarily government officials.
>> [ German Press Release ]
The local press covered the visit with an article on the event.

4 April, 2005

Governor of Delaware honors Softpro's expansion in the United States

As part of her trip to Europe Governor Ruth Ann Minner of the US State of Delaware met the Top Executives of Softpro Group in Stuttgart. Within the last years Jeff Bottari, President of Softpro North America, managed to add several major US banks to Softpro's impressive customer list.
>> [ read more ]
>> [ German Press Release ]