Distributer Named for the iRex iLiad -- in France

[NatCh]

Don't know how this one slipped by us for 15 days, but it did.

4Dconcept partners with iRex Technologies and becomes the official distributor for the iLiad

We've been wondering for some time when the iLiad would get a distributor, as iRex has repeatedly stated their intent is to be a B2B provider, not a B2C one. We've also been wondering who that distributor might be. Well, this still doesn't answer those questions, but it does add a regional B2B distributor into the mix

PARIS, 21st March 2007 – The French company 4Dconcept, a document engineering and text and graphical content management specialist, and iRex Technologies, the Dutch leading creator of electronic paper announced their partnership in serving the French market at the 2007 edition of the Salon du Livre in Paris. With more than 17 years’ experience in the creation and delivery of documentary and editorial content, by partnering with iRex Technologies, 4Dconcept aims to integrate electronic paper into its clients’ existing documentary and editorial processes.

It would appear that 4DConcepts has specific clients in mind, which is a good thing for iRex if it's so. "Through this partnership with 4Dconcept, we are able to support the B2B markets in France thanks to the integration of the iLiad with the content management systems installed at current and future clients by 4Dconcept." Comment by Mike Van Thiel, iRex Technologies’ sales director.

But buried in the press release is this little gem, which I'm sure will be of interest:

Using the iLiad, 4Dconcept has developed an XML flow annotation upload module. In this way, information captured directly in the field and stored in XML format in the information system is a real added value.

"Real added value," indeedy deed. Wonder if they'll market that bad boy separately?

From a press release at e-ink.com. of all places! (PDF warning)

[Hadrien]

Saw this too at the Salon du Livre.

It seems that iRex is aiming for professional uses of their iLiad devices. With the current state of the e-book industry and the price of their device, it seems quite reasonable. Sony has a much more mass market appeal with a lower price, and their connect store. Both devices could be successful but in their own unique way. iRex should focus on what makes the iLiad a different product: a bigger screen, useful for documents, and the touch screen technology.

The price of the iLiad can be a little bit frightening for the average customers, that's why they're working on selling the device as a bundle with newspaper subscriptions too (Les Echos will offer both their own device and the iLiad).