Detailed product specification

Third Light IMS is a highly configurable tool, which offers a rich set of features suitable for business users in almost all sectors. The summary below lists some of the most important tools we offer, and we invite you to click on the links to find out more.

If you prefer to see IMS for yourself, we have a short Flash video presentation of the software, and screenshots and demo sites are also available.

Download our product brochure (PDF)

Web Access to a Single Central Repository

• One storage location with convenient search and retrieval tools
• Easy, convenient and intuitive web-based interface
• Secure, shared access with integrated backups
• Large and expandable storage space
• Look, feel and content entirely customisable
• Multi-lingual templates
• Secure HTTPS option and internet-hardened security features
• Web integration partners available to help with customisation

Collaboration Tools and Workflow Built-In

• Collaborate with shared lightboxes
• Per-user or per-group access controls
• Multiple image upload accounts
• Upload and download approvals with nominated administrators and email alerting
• User groups to simplify administration
• Sign-up users automatically with customisable form capture
• Bulk edit users and permissions for easy updates
• Enterprise-grade password policy features

Easy-To-Use Storage

• Three ways to upload files to IMS (including FTP for advanced users)
• Ability to place inbound images in a specific holding area for approval
• Save time by downloading the file exactly as you need it
• Upload in any format, download in any format
• Automatic resizing of images from any resolution
• Handles ICC colour profiles correctly - no colour discrepancies on screen
• Supports JPEG, JPEG 2000, TIFF, PNG, BMP, GIF, TGA, PDF, EPS, AI, PSD, RAW and more
• Expand your storage easily
• Your server can be set to automatically detect and process new uploads
• Store any file type in your server
• Duplicate detection tool, using visual matching of files

Accessories and Plugins

• Free tools for use with Third Light and 3rd party software
• Provides a drag-and-drop interface for uploads
• No training required, free for unlimited users
• Available to download for Windows and MacOS X
• Free Adobe Bridge plugin
• Free Adobe Lightroom plugin
• Free Apple Aperture plugin

Search Engine and Metadata Support

• Advanced support for meta data including text, checkboxes, tree structures, pull-down menus
• Standards-compliant captions, keywords and meta data fields
• Integral support for EXIF, IPTC, Adobe XMP™
• Provide a search engine for your pictures
• Smart Folders - Saved Searches
• Sort results by relevance or by date
• Extra logic to suggest improved results on weak searches
• Easily customise to suit your own required fields, for total flexibility
• Support for GPS (Global Positioning System) geo-tagged files
• Spreadsheet Import and Export tools for metadata

Useful Time-Saving Tools

• Convert images from any graphics format
• Customisable watermarking
• Automatic creation of thumbnails, monochrome versions
• Lightboxes for collaborative working
• Download ZIP archives
• Slideshows
• Automatic image rotation
• Print-ready Contact sheets
• Zoom browser (magnifying glass tool)
• Hover preview windows with metadata
• Built-in email server
• Atom feeds of recent updates
• Publish files as URLs (use your library as a media server)

eCommerce Options

• Automated printing via PhotoBox™ and Pictopia, Inc., providing UK, EU and USA manufacturing bases
• In-House print processing (Custom Products)
• Electronic download licensing using scope, duration, resolution
• Built-in invoice model and credit card payment solution, with support for different tax zones, postage rates and currencies
• Full order management

Detailed Usage Reports and Audit Trails

• Detailed reports including graphs, tables or database access
• Tracking and measuring your picture usage
• Image history notes - Prevents accidental reuse of popular images, improves communications
• Keyword search logging
• Audit log of previous downloads, eg. user, date and picture details
• CSV (Excel) exportable data including financial reports
• Version Control to retain or revert to older revisions of files

Video Management and Hosting

• Streaming video previews for all popular video formats
• No limit on maximum video duration or bit rates
• Static video snapshot images (for faster review)
• Videos can be sold through licensed downloads
• Video watermarking with translucent, personalised overlays
• Number of videos limited only by storage available
• Use your IMS as a streaming server to host your videos with cut-and-paste HTML code

Specialist Functionality

• Outbound FTP for sending pictures from your server to press desks
• Integration with AI Media Comms NewsFlash for PR use
• Complete technical documentation with many integration interfaces
• Advanced data security (PCI DSS compliant)
• For the most advanced integration requirements, we offer a SOAP XML web services API
• IMS Appliance Manager for multiple Third Light installations sharing one IMS Appliance server

Integrate your Digital Asset Management server Into Enterprise Networks

• Login authentication can be integrated with Microsoft Active Directory
• Supports OpenID single sign-on
• Eliminates the need to duplicate user databases
• Can be used over VPNs
• Periodic and incremental backup services are supplied with the solution
• Support for complete database and file system backups including Veritas
• Ability to run a 'hot standby' and geographically remote standby servers
• Interchangeable merchant payments module (eCommerce option)
• No third party licences for databases or Windows servers
• Tested and validated on VMWare ESX and ESXi

Import Services For Existing Materials

• We will gladly help you import your initial stock of data
• CD-ROMs, DVD, hard drives - images in different formats
• We will also help you structure your images into a taxonomy if required
• We do not charge for data uploads - migration is free (we will send a hard disk to you by courier)

Experienced Support Team

• Our business model is based on excellent support
• All Third Light servers are backed up by warranties and support services
• We are on hand to customise the solution for you if required
• Half- and full-day training sessions available on your premises
• Absolute peace of mind: our business relies on your total satisfaction and repeat business

Extensive Documentation

• Dedicated online documentation site, always current
• Administrator Guide
• Technical Integration Guide
• e-Commerce Guide
• Rebrandable end-user documentation with no copyright restrictions
• Installation documentation

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Please note that some features are only available with certain packages. Compare packages for more information.