Wacom Announces eSignature Tablets for Americas

With many companies moving toward paperless transactions, Wacom's patented pen technology provides reliable and durable performance to enhance the electronic signature process

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Wacom Technology Corporation

Nov 02, 2010, 08:00 ET

VANCOUVER, Wash., Nov. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Wacom® Technology Corporation today introduces its STU family of signature tablets in the Americas to meet the technology needs of companies that are moving toward paperless transactions and a digital workflow that is fast, convenient, comfortable, secure and cost-effective. Wacom's signature tablet series, consisting of three unique tablets in both form and function, feature Wacom's renowned pressure-sensitive, battery-free and cordless pen technology to capture clear, true-to-life signatures. The signature tablet display's superior contrast helps deliver an intuitive signing experience. Additionally, by way of its advanced electro-magnetic resonance technology, Wacom's signature tablets are able to capture the static and biometric signals of individual signatures, making forgery extremely difficult.

A History of Success

Since 1983, Wacom has been manufacturing high-performance and extremely reliable input devices centered around its patented pen technology and its signature tablet family is a natural extension to Wacom's product portfolio. From its high-end interactive pen displays for professional users to its consumer tablet line, Wacom sets the standard for pen input. "Wacom revolutionized the nature of digital input when it introduced its family of interactive pen displays that allowed users to work with a pressure-sensitive pen directly on screen," said Michael Marcum, director of business development for Wacom. "Our interactive pen displays have already made a huge impact on customer-facing applications such as the hospital admission process, whereby patients are using the display to review and sign insurance and consent forms prior to a procedure. The very same intuitive, pen-on-paper like feel can be found on our signature tablets and Wacom is ready to support other businesses looking to take their electronic transaction and documentation initiatives digital."

Electronic Signing Makes Good Business Sense

Paperless transactions are becoming mainstream as companies seek new ways to save time and money as well as become better corporate citizens and environmentally aware. Think of all the direct and indirect costs related to paper. The cost of paper is just the tip of the iceberg. Printing, filing, archiving, mailing, transporting, securing and recycling have a negative impact on the bottom line. Wacom intends its signature tablets to become the new foundation of digital transactions and set a trend for the future. From signing a contract at the point of sale to authorizing, through electronic signature, a bank account transfer or new loan, Wacom's STU tablets are ideal for a variety of applications. "Retail, banking, insurance and dozens of other types of transactions require a signature virtually 100% of the time," continued Marcum. "Our signature products provide a better signing experience for the customer with trouble-free quality inherent in Wacom devices and, for the business operator, the tablet's ergonomic design, small footprint and attention to detail adds a modern, sophisticated element to any counter space or desk."

The STU Family

Wacom's signature tablet lineup consists of three tablets; the new STU-520, STU-500 and STU-300. Each tablet is designed to capture an electronic signature, replacing the need for a signature on paper. The tablets help lower costs and eliminate the inefficiencies associated with paper documentation, such as printing, storing and internal/external sharing. Wacom signature tablets deliver outstanding longevity through their patented pen technology that never needs batteries or a cord to carry an electronic signal. Since no electronic signals are passed through the Wacom pen tether, pen operation cannot be affected by damage to the tether. In addition, Wacom pen technology, unlike resistive technologies, is not impacted by wear or scratches to the screen surface.

The STU tablets easily integrate with software from SOFTPRO, Silanis, CIC and eOriginal. "Wacom and SOFTPRO have experienced tremendous success in Europe building customized solutions for different types of industries including banks and retail stores," said Marcum. "Having the engineering expertise and customer focus of software partners like SOFTPRO will help expand our signature business throughout the Americas." A 90-day trial of SOFTPRO software is available for STU owners interested in a turnkey signature solution.

The new STU-520, available December, 2010 features a high-quality, widescreen color display (WVGA 800 x 480), offering ample screen space for both signatures and promotional messages. When the display is sitting idle and not being used for signing, the STU-520 provides an innovative way for companies to display advertising and sales programs in vibrant, eye-catching color. The STU-520 display also offers plenty of space to incorporate menu buttons or soft keys. And, as with all STU devices, Wacom's sensor technology captures the data necessary for software to provide individual biometric information such as signature pressure and speed.
The 5-inch monochrome display (VGA 640 x 480 resolution) of the STU-500 is able to capture long signatures with ease and the pen-display interaction mimics the feel of signing on paper. Its modern, ergonomic design is ideal for customer-facing transactions as both customer and employee can clearly view the signing process, thanks to the screen's ability to reflect high ambient light. In addition, the STU-500 offers both USB and Serial connectivity.
Wacom's STU-300 tablet combines a monochrome display (396 x 100 pixel resolution) in a compact and durable design. The STU-300 is especially suited for portable use or at locations where space is at a premium.

The STU-300 ($199 USD) and STU-500 ($269 USD) are available now through Wacom's electronic store at direct.wacom.com. The STU-520 ($329 USD) will be available in December at the same site. A Software Developer Kit (SDK) is available for customers seeking options for custom integration.

About Wacom

For over 25 years, Wacom's vision to bring people and technology closer together through natural interface technologies has made it the world's leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays and digital interface solutions. The advanced technology of Wacom's innovative input devices has been used to create some of the most exciting digital art, films, designs, interactive classrooms and corporate boardrooms around the world. In addition, Wacom provides business and home users with the ability to explore digital content in a comfortable and intuitive way. Today, millions of customers use Wacom's cordless, battery-free, pressure-sensitive pen technology to enhance their digital workflow.