Epson Electronics America Gains Cost and Competitive Edge with Open Source; Cignex Helps Transform Web site into Multi-Function Web Portal, Increasing Efficiencies

Business Wire, Dec 6, 2005

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Cignex, the deployment leader in open source consulting and software services, announced that it has completed a multi-year overhaul of Epson Electronics America's Web site using open source software, resulting in cost reduction and competitive edge.

Epson Electronics America (EEA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, a global technology innovator in imaging, robotics, precision machinery and electronics. In order to maintain a competitive edge in servicing its world-class customers, EEA sought a solution that would centralize product data for users; streamline the management of its large electronics devices catalog; and enhance sales and marketing tools to communicate with customers.

In 2001, Epson Electronics America turned to Cignex to deliver a multi-phase open source solution. Since then, the companies have worked closely to add new features and capabilities to the Epson Electronics America site, using open source technologies such as Zope, CMF, Python and MySQL.

"Cignex's unparalleled expertise in Zope, high level of responsiveness and 24-hour support network ensured the success of our portal," said Roy DaSilva, Executive Director, Epson Electronics America. "With its enhanced functionality, the site has enabled our sales force to service our large client roster at unprecedented levels, at a lower cost than alternative solutions."

Following each phase, Cignex conducted in-depth training for the marketing and sales teams, resulting in a reduction of Web content maintenance costs to near zero. With these savings, Epson Electronics America invested in further improving the site functionality, including a custom, Cignex-designed search function, which allows users to quickly and easily locate information online.

"Cignex is committed to partnering with companies like Epson to find the right open source solution for improving daily business processes," said Navin Nagiah, CEO, Cignex. "By listening first to Epson's needs, then designing and deploying the optimal open source technology to meet those needs, Cignex helped boost the bottom line."

Benefits include significant time and money savings from streamlined customer support functions, as well as a more easily navigable site. Cignex created customized collaboration and workflow capabilities, allowing the sales and marketing team to take full advantage of survey, feedback and e-mail campaign tools to better understand what their customers were seeking.

Cignex provides 24x7 maintenance support for Epson Electronics America.

About Cignex

With more than 50 successful open source deployments, Cignex (www.cignex.com) leads the industry in providing open source consulting services and software solutions for business. Cignex customers include companies in education, healthcare, government and high tech, such as Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, Epson Electronics America, University of North Carolina Healthcare, University of North Carolina School of Medicine and OKI Semiconductor. Cignex is privately held and based in Santa Clara, CA. The company was founded in 2000 and has been profitable since inception.