INF is the leading supplier of popular celebrity images and news stories to media clients worldwide. In 2007, INF was looking for a way to better manage their photos so they could get them into the hands of clients faster. When they turned to us, we saw the opportunity to create an end-to-end digital platform that would expedite their workflow and keep them at the forefront of a business that is constantly needing to keep pace with the next celebrity sighting or breaking news story.

An End-To-End Rich Internet Application Workflow
To help INF get photos to their clients before they become old news, we developed a rich internet application (RIA) image management system. We enabled workload tools that efficiently upload, categorize and publish incoming photos in a matter of seconds.

Enhanced Search and View Abilities
It’s now easier and more efficient for clients to find and retrieve the images their looking for. The site is fully searchable by a variety of methods including categories, tag clouding, IPTC enabled fields, full text, keywords, date/time and more. Clients are also able to save and share their photo selections on the site with an enhanced lightbox application. Once photos are selected, they are delivered according to the client’s need via the website, email or ftp.

Better Management Capabilities
With workflow moving more efficiently, we implemented advanced capabilities that allow INF to manage incoming and outgoing content more easily than ever before. Tools for editing IPTC data and rights usage allow accounting to manage payables and receivables seamlessly.

Breakneck Speed to Keep Up With Breaking Celebrity Photos
Now, INF is able to deliver their in-demand celebrity photos in a flash, reaffirming their industry leadership position and driving more users than ever to its Web site. All these were implemented using web-as-a-platform principles meaning anything can be done using only the browser with no desktop software. Shortly after launch INF rolled out another vertical, INF Events.

The application developed provided an overall experience that helped INF and their customers accomplish, what they need to get done, with time-saving tools that make their jobs easier, and ultimately their lives better. And that's just one way you can measure success.