The SAA PLUS Packs Calculator is a free open-source software tool from the Stock Artists Alliance. PLUS (the Picture Licensing Universal System) is a multi-industry coalition dedicated to making rights managed stock image licensing easier. “We hope that by SAA making this Calculator freely available, we can spur adoption, especially among smaller and specialist archives, portals and independent photographers who have so much to gain by making RM licensing a more attractive option to more customers.” commented Betsy Reid, SAA’s Executive Director.

Free PLUS Packs™Calculator Released by Stock Artists Alliance

SAA supports new universal standard for simplified, flexible, and easily automated RM licensing

Atlanta GA, May 30, 2007. The Stock Artists Alliance today announces the release of the SAA PLUS Packs™Calculator. This free open-source software tool was designed to spur adoption of PLUS Packs™-a new universal standard that offers an evolved form of Rights Managed (RM) licensing. SAA’s Calculator streamlines the first step of the licensing process- selection of a PLUS Pack™-on one screen, with just a few clicks. The Calculator is now available for download on the SAA site at www.stockartistsalliance.org/pluspacks

As a streamlined, flexible and easily automated approach to RM, PLUS Packs™ benefit everyone involved in image licensing. Stock image users will benefit from an easy-to-use and time saving process of RM pricing and licensing which will aid them in budgeting and planning projects. They will also have more confidence in working with licensors of all sizes through a universal standard. In turn, RM stock distributors, archives and artists will gain greater exposure and opportunities for their RM imagery among customers who may have otherwise opted for simplified licensing models.

PLUS Packs™ offer a solution to a challenge faced by RM licensors today: How can they reclaim business lost to RF? Industry surveys and reports affirm that stock image users value the quality and diversity of RM collections, yet often cite the “hassle factor”-both real and perceived-as a reason why they might choose RF images instead.

PLUS Packs™ and other elements of the PLUS system are evolving, standardizing, and simplifying the license process to greatly reduce that “hassle factor” while also maintaining the inherent value of an RM licensing system. For image users now accustomed to the easy online process and broad flexible terms of RF, PLUS Packs™ now offers a RM alternative. This new alternative meets these demands by offering broad-use RM packages within an easily automated licensing process.

Betsy Reid, SAA’s Executive Director observes, “There has been a call for innovation for many years by those involved in RM licensing. With rising new media use and the growth of simplified models, the need is now urgent to evolve RM if it is to remain relevant and responsive to the changing needs of image users. PLUS Packs™ provide the solution.” Adds Reid, “we hope that by SAA making this Calculator freely available, we can spur adoption, especially among smaller and specialist archives, portals and independent photographers who have so much to gain by making RM licensing a more attractive option to more customers.”

The SAA PLUS Packs™Calculator can be easily adopted by licensors of all sizes-from stock image distributors and portals to photographers licensing images directly to their clients. Based on the licensor’s own pricing data, the Calculator offers an easy interface in which users can select and price a Pack on one screen, and with just a few clicks. The transaction is then completed using any number of methods. High volume stock distributors can integrate versions of the Calculator design in their existing ecommerce systems, while other licensors may elect to follow up with an email exchange or web-based forms and use an online payment service.

Learn more about the SAA PLUS Packs™ Calculator and download the software, Introductory Guide and Manual from the SAA web site at www.stockartistsalliance.org/pluspacks

About SAA
SAA is a non-profit trade association dedicated to the business of professional stock photographers worldwide. Founded in 2002, SAA provides information resources about the business of stock photography and substantial advocacy support on behalf of its members. SAA has emerged as an outspoken advocate for photographers seeking to maintain the value of their intellectual property in a rapidly changing business environment, and stresses the need for the stock industry to be innovative in developing business models, contracts and practices that recognize the needs and rights of stock artists as well as distributors and users. To learn more about SAA, visit www.stockartistsalliance.org

About PLUS
PLUS-the Picture Licensing Universal System, is a multi-industry coalition dedicated to making image licensing easier through a system of universal standards that simplify and facilitate licensing and rights management. PLUS Packs™ are one component of a comprehensive system of standards developed by the Coalition. The PLUS standards also include a Picture Licensing Glossary, a License Data Format, a Media Matrix, a PLUS-ID system, and PLUS Registries designed to serve the needs of all licensors and licensees. Visit www.useplus.org for more information.

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