Nikon Instruments Announces Exclusive Distribution of Bacus Labs Virtual Microscopy Software With Its New Nikon COOLSCOPE VS
March 4, 2004
MELVILLE, N.Y., March 4, 2004 -- Nikon Instruments Inc. (http://www.nikonusa.com ) today announced it has entered into an exclusive agreement to integrate WebSlide(R) virtual microscopy software from Bacus Laboratories Inc. (http://www.bacuslabs.com) with the enhanced version of Nikon's fully automated and digital COOLSCOPE VS (http://www.coolscope.com). This new agreement will enable pathologists, educators, and researchers to produce, view and distribute "WebSlide(R)" virtual slide images of their own glass slides specimens.
"The combination of COOLSCOPE's integration of digital imaging and automated web -- enabled microscopy functions with Bacus Laboratories Virtual Microscopy Software has created a fantastic product synergy between these two technologies. This product union brings significant and important benefits to diagnosticians, scientists and educators," said Mr. Lee Shuett, Executive Vice President, Nikon Instruments Inc. "Nikon is committed to enabling our clients to perform as efficiently and productively as possible."
By combining Bacus' software technology with COOLSCOPE's digital capabilities, users will be able to capture at high resolution the entire
specimen area or portions of it and then automatically assemble it into a WebSlide. The resulting virtual slide can be viewed as if you were looking into a remote microscope. COOLSCOPE's VS web-enabled and network ready system combined with the WebSlide Software suite allows the virtual capture and viewing process to take place through a standard Internet connection. The WebSlide images produced are immediately available for local or remote viewing via the Internet or Intranet.
"With my first look at COOLSCOPE I realized Nikon's technology would positively enable the widespread use of Virtual Microscopy," said Dr. James Bacus, President, Bacus Laboratories. "This technology was previously only available to the largest, well-funded teaching and research institutions. Our combined technologies will make Virtual Microscopy a reality in nearly any laboratory setting. We are very happy to provide Nikon customers with the best of our technology, including our widely acclaimed WebSlide VS capture software, together with the suite of our WebSlide Server, SlideTray and platform independent WebSlide Browsers for local Intranet and Internet viewing of WebSlide images in this affordable and easy to use package that Nikon's COOLSCOPE VS offers."
About Nikon Instruments Inc.
Nikon Instruments Inc., is a global leader in the development of advanced optical technology. Its product line includes microscopy equipment, digital imaging, precision measuring and semiconductor wafer-handling equipment. Nikon is committed to providing technologically advanced instruments that offer optimal versatility, performance and productivity. Nikon combines state-of-the-art capabilities with innovative designs to produce optically superior, ergonomically friendly products for cutting-edge scientific research, medical and industrial applications. For more information visit the Nikon website at http://www.nikonusa.com. Product related inquiries can be directed to Nikon
Instruments at 800-52-NIKON.
About Bacus Laboratories Inc.
Bacus Laboratories pioneered virtual microscopy and its products have been designed with virtual microscopy in mind. Bacus has developed scanning systems available on two different microscopes, the WebSlide virtual slide format, server software, viewing software, and quantitative image analysis software for cost effective and innovative solutions. For further information, contact Bacus at (630) 424-9750 or visit http://www.bacuslabs.com.
CONTACT: Nicole Mudloff of Peppercom, +1-212-931-6168, nmudloff@peppercom.com, for Nikon Instruments Inc.
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