Image Source - Novomedia web site

eBooks are more than electronic novels. In the last year, governments and businesses, in every sector from retail to health care, have used eBooks as a cost effective means of distributing critical information. eBooks eliminate the need for reading bulky binders and hard-to-read PC screens for lengthy documents, financial reports, policy and procedures and training and technical manuals. As technology becomes more affordable, eBooks will be integrated into an enterprise's current operations, making them the method of choice for delivering information in electronic form. Check out the latest in eBook technology and devices.

What is an eBook?
eBook is an electronic book which consists of some form of information reading device and a method of updating or refreshing the information from another source, e.g. from the Internet.

How Does it Work?
eBook is essentially a hardware cum software solution to replace thick binders of information, and books of any kind. You can think of it as a modified form of Adobe's Reader that has been stored in some form of memory (permanent or semi-permanent) in a pen type tablet. It has instant-on capability like a handheld pen computer. Since you have limited functionality requirement, you can develop a low-function electronic reader as compared to a full-function word processor.

What are the Components of an eBook?

• eBook Reader - like a pen computer

• Some method of Updating Information - direct update from a eBook Server or from the Internet

• At least two forms of computer memory - one for the reader software and one for the content of the book 

Status of Technology

• eBooks are in early stages of development (2000 circa)

• Acceptable and final form factor of eBook has yet to emerge - several versions are available from early entrants into the field. However, we think that multiple form factors will emerge - one for the consumer standalone consumer market and one for enterprise applications where other business applications must be implemented as well on the same device

• Considerable changes will take place before technology stabilizes

Future Integration with Mobile Handheld and Wireless Technology

• Since mobility of the readers is the key justification for eBooks and office workers must carry only one device, it is expected that handheld devices carried by mobile workers will acquire the software equivalence of eBooks in the enterprise business application arena.

• The consumer market will take somewhat different route because they will need a device that they can carry on the bus, train or plane or into the park or wherever they take books and newspapers to read.

• Also, you will be able to update the content of these soft eBooks through wireless networks

You can expect to see newspaper content (on demand) on eBook devices from Information Kiosks like train stations, malls and other public places - in the same way as you pick up the newspaper from a news stand.

More Information About eBooks:

• SoftBook Reader by Softbook Press, Inc.

• ERocket Reader by NuvoMedia, Inc.