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Idée Inc. and Wonderfile Corporation Announce the Release of SimSearch, the First Commercial Implementation of Visual Search for a Stock Photography Website

Toronto, September 9, 2003 – Idée announces the successful integration of Espion Visual Search in the stock photography website of Wonderfile Corporation.

Leading the visual search market, Idée in partnership with Wonderfile, today announced the launch of SimSearch, the first commercial implementation of visual search technology on a stock photography website. Wonderfile is owned by Masterfile Corporation and is one of the largest royalty–free image portals in the world, representing more than 40 different collections. SimSearch is accessible at www.wonderfile.com.

Wonderfile has paired keyword and visual searching to create a powerful search environment for their clients. With this implementation, Wonderfile clients are able to search the Wonderfile website using visual search in addition to, or in combination with, keyword searches. Clients initiate their search with keywords, then select an image of interest to explore the Wonderfile collections using SimSearch. SimSearch uses Espion Visual Search technology to identify images visually similar to the selected image and presents them to the client, sorted by degree of similarity. Searching on a "reference" image is similar in concept to searching on a keyword, but reference images capture the client's purpose more completely and enable them to search more effectively.

"Once we understood the potential of Idée's technology in the context of our own business requirements, we made it a priority to integrate it as quickly as possible", said John McDonald, Vice President, Masterfile/Wonderfile Corporation. "Idée has delivered reliable working technology that scaled to our requirements. We are delighted with the initial results and we already have some new ideas on how to extend the technology even further. There is no doubt that this technology defines the way everyone will search for images in the future."

"We are extremely pleased and proud that Wonderfile selected Espion as its visual search solution and Idée as its development partner", commented Leila Boujnane, Chief Executive Officer at Idée Inc. "We have invested many person–years of research and development into visual search technology but it takes someone with a vision like John's to make it a commercial reality".

Leila Boujnane, Chief Executive Officer, Idée Inc. with John McDonald, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Masterfile Corporation.
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Screenshot of Visual Search on the Wonderfile Stock Photography Website
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About Idée

Idée Inc. develops advanced image identification and visual search software. Read more...

About Wonderfile

Wonderfile is one of the largest royalty–free image portals in the world. It acquires, distributes and licenses royalty–free images for commercial uses ranging from print advertising and publishing to multimedia applications and websites. Wonderfile represents more than 40 different collections. SimSearch was developed by Wonderfile to provide its clients with a powerful search tool that will enable them to be more productive and effective in their work. Wonderfile is a Masterfile company.

Contact
John McDonald
Vice President Sales and Marketing

Masterfile Corporation
Wonderfile Corporation
175 Bloor Street East, South Tower, Second Floor
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M4W 3R8