Detailed IMS Product Specification

Third Light's IMS (Image Management System) 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
• Easy, convenient and intuitive web-based interface
• Secure, shared access
• Large and expandable storage space
• Look, feel and content entirely customisable
• Secure HTTPS option
• Web integration partners available to help with customisation
• Free Adobe Bridge plugin

More about IMS Web Access

Collaboration Tools and Access Controls

• Collaborate with shared lightboxes
• Per-user access controls
• Multiple image upload accounts
• Upload and download approvals
• User groups to simplify administration
• Sign-up users automatically
• Bulk edit users and permissions for easy updates
• Enterprise-grade password policy features

More about Users in IMS

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
• IMS can be set to automatically detect and process new uploads
• Store any file type in IMS

More about IMS Storage

Intuitive Desktop Upload Tool

• Free tool for use with IMS
• Provides a drag-and-drop interface for uploads
• No training required, free for unlimited users
• Available to download for Windows

More about the IMS Desktop Uploader

Search Engine and Metadata Support

• 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
• Add your own metadata fields for extra flexibility
• Support for GPS (Global Positioning System) geo-tagged files

More about IMS Search

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
• Built-in email server
• Atom feeds of recent updates
• Publish files as URLs (use IMS as a media server)

More about IMS' Time-Saving Tools

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

More about eCommerce Options in IMS

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

More about the Reports produced by IMS

Video Management

• Streaming video previews in most formats
• Static video snapshot images (for faster review)
• Videos can be sold through licensed downloads
• Video watermarking
• Number of videos limited only by storage available

More about Video features

Specialist Functionality

• Outbound FTP for sending pictures from IMS to press desks
• Integration with Ether-Ray's 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

Integrate IMS 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 IMS 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.