So far this year, FTR has had some significant product releases such as the release of our complete FTR Gold suite of software products, as well as FTR Hearings to be compatible with the latest Microsoft Windows 7 operating system.  We also launched a touch-screen-based, dedicated hardware recording device in the form of FTR Touch, which has been very successful in the short time that it has been out.

FTR has been providing digital court recording solutions for over 15 years and many of our customers have been with us since then.  Over this time, there has been a lot of FTR content – both recordings and log sheets – generated, and, the vast majority of it still needs to be available for immediate access when required (versus being preserved in offline backup).  The problem here is that due to the significant amount of stored content, it takes a very long time for users to search and retrieve what is relevant to them, which directly impacts productivity and efficiency.  Market research has shown us that this is a pervasive issue which needs to be addressed.  To that end, FTR is currently developing enhanced content management solutions which will alleviate these problems as well as deliver several other significant benefits.  This suite of solutions is anticipated to be available in the 4^th-quarter timeframe.

At the same time, FTR has been working on an update to the recently released FTR Touch product.  We have received a tremendous amount of positive comments and feedback on this product since its launch back in June.  The FTR Product Management and Development team has used the feedback to validate and enhance the development scope, resulting in an updated and relevant feature set for our clients.  This new version is expected to be available in Sep/Oct.

Watch for more information on these exciting new product launches in the coming weeks!

In the last blog, I highlighted the fact that despite challenging economic times, FTR has continued to invest in product development.  The aforementioned product enhancements are a direct result of this investment; they have been developed after obtaining feedback from you – our valued clients – and to solve critical issues that you are facing.  It is an example of the fact that FTR is listening and we always want to hear from you, whether it be via a post on FTR Community, a phone call or an email.  So, please do continue to let us know what you think.

Wishing everyone a safe & enjoyable Labor Day weekend.

Daniel

In the last blog, I mentioned that 2010 has been an exciting year of achievement for FTR and pointed to a couple of major initiatives launched and products released.  Today I am going to touch upon another major initiative we’ve undertaken in 2010 – to develop and distribute a new channel plan, comprising of solid programs and initiatives to enable our worldwide partners to provide top quality service, training and support to both new and existing FTR clients.

FTR is known to deliver stable, robust products designed to meet the evolving needs of our clients.  Since we sell our products exclusively through channel partners, it is important that the partners representing FTR are knowledgeable about the products and are able to successfully install, configure and troubleshoot the solution to ensure a smooth implementation at the client site.  To this end, we have instituted a comprehensive, on-site training & certification program beginning in May 2010; we have had two very successful sessions to-date, with a third one coming up very shortly.  As a result of the new channel plan and programs, I am proud to say that we have an even more committed set of partners who are available to service the growing FTR customer base with renewed enthusiasm.  I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank FTR’s channel partners for their dedication and commitment to the Company and products over the years!

Despite the challenging economic climate, 2010 has also been a year of investment at FTR – we have invested in new technologies and more marketing programs, as well as accelerated product development, and we will continue to do so through the remainder of the year.  We aim to anticipate the future requirements of this market and to invest precious time and resources today to develop solutions to fulfill those needs of tomorrow.  It is this long-term vision, coupled with timely execution, which has enabled us to be in business for over 15 years, and will undoubtedly continue to lead us to greater successes in the years to come.

See you next time!

Daniel

Hello and welcome to FTR’s new website and our very first EVP Blog!

Over the past few months, FTR has been working diligently to revamp our website to align it with our overall marketing and branding strategy and to provide a richer user experience.  And here it is: the new website. The new face of FTR in 2010!  What may not be so apparent is that it has been a tremendous project to redesign all components of our marketing strategy – brochures, tradeshow booth graphics, advertisements, partner communications and of course this new website – to present a unified look and feel, which reflects who we are as a company and what we do.  To that end, I am proud of what the FTR team has accomplished in just a few short months.

2010 has been an exciting year of achievement for us already….and there is more to come!  Earlier this year, we launched the Microsoft Windows 7-compatible versions of our FTR Gold suite of products and, in June, we will start shipping the eagerly-anticipated FTR Touch units.  FTR Community, which facilitates open and transparent communication by bringing together staff, partners and customers in an interactive forum, was introduced earlier this year; so was the latest version of TheRecord Online, a web-based service which facilitates the transcription process through online collaboration amongst courts, attorneys and transcriptionists.

I hope you will sign up and take advantage of these two exciting portals and provide your feedback to the FTR team.

More updates from FTR in my next blog!

Daniel