Introduction
PC
From Expert
Business description
PC From Expert opened for business back in 1989. Back then we were selling home PCs, computer hardware and software. As demand for VR products grew, so did PC From Expert. Thanks to a joint venture with VR Enterprise of Boston, Massachusetts, USA since 1994, PC From Expert has been able to form a supply chain to provide our clients with the best possible services in the field of Virtual Reality. We specialize in tools, services and training that allow our clients in the film, broadcast, advertising, gaming, CAD/CAM, 3D visualization, education, medical, military and architectural fields to create projects that give them the competitive edge.
PC From Expert focuses both on electronic technology, solution integration, and 3D/VR-related products and total solutions. We provide consultation, CALS development, implementation, web publishing, IETMS, SGML/XML solutions and software. As more and more of the population gains an interest in VR and e-technology, the demand for qualified vendors has also increased. To meet the expected demand for technical support, PC From Expert is constantly seeking the financing necessary to familiarize ourselves with new technology and hire additional qualified employees.
Business formation
The company was established in 1989 and started out in the PC and network field. In January 1994 the focus began to shift to the Virtual Reality (VR) market, marked by the joint venture with VR Enterprise of Boston, Massachusetts, USA. We have also been promoting SGML- / XML-based Content Management System and editing tools since 1997.
Directors
The managing director is Mr. Leon Su.
Daily management
The Managing Director assumes full responsibility of the daily management
of the company. He reports on a monthly basis to the board of investors.
Management Profile
Mr. Su has 17 years of experience in sales and marketing. He was involved with the start up of PC From Expert more than 10 years ago. He has been honored by many organizations. In 1996 he was awarded the Outstanding Business award presented by the Consortium Corporation and the Taiwan Economic Development and Research Academy. That same year he was also awarded the Certificate of Academician Qualification, an achievement in business excellence.
Business goals/mission
While PC From Expert continues to dominate the VR industry, our primary impetus has now shifted again from traditional networking solutions to the field of CALS related technology. PC From Expert is able to offer complete consulting services in all areas of CALS development and implementation as well complete hardware and software packages.
E-technology is founded on content management and dynamic information delivery. We want to deliver the products, tools and services to create a dependable environment for controlling on-line information assets, automating production, and enabling personalized delivery of content via the Internet.
As a solution provider and integrator, obtaining a permanent place in the VR and e-technolgy market is our primary goal. We see it as our main mission to provide high quality and better service to our targeted markets.
Business philosophies
By combining experience and strong customer support, PC From Expert has and will continue to create a high satisfaction level. PC From Expert was formed out of the need for a total VR solution and system integration provider in Asia. We take pride in being able to provide any necessary training, system integration or modification. We have reseller authorization from a broad spectrum of companies and therefore can offer complete platform support. New products are constantly being tested and evaluated in order to compliment and enhance our total solution. These philosophies are incorporated at all levels of the company.
Location
We are located at 5/F, No.18, Lane 95, Mu Xin Rd. Section 3, Wen Shan District,
Taipei, Taiwan. Telephone: 886-2-2234-9897, fax: 886-2-2234-8062.
Geographical markets
PC From Expert's primary aim is for an increased market share within the next 5 years in Taiwan and China. Due to their increasing popularity and demand, the primary markets include the fields of Virtual Reality, CAD/CAM, 3D Visualization and E-business technologies' software and hardware, and 3D Digital Content Creation.
Visions of the future
The company can look forward to a promising future, because of our experienced
staff, careful planning, the potential of the targeted market segments, as
well as our policies, products and vision. Our pre-market research has shown
the market to have plenty of room for a business such as PC From Expert. Our
management style is flexible, progressive and energetic. Enthusiasm of management
and employees is the catalyst for our envisioned growth.
Overview
The business philosophy
The shareholders
To stimulate further investment in PC From Expert, we aim for optimal return
on investment out of which a yearly dividend of 20 % can be paid to the shareholders.
Customers
By further product development in our VR line and product renewal we will
maintain a high degree of customer satisfaction. Constant quality control
ensures customer loyalty.
Employees
A remuneration system above average must stimulate extra efforts. Continued
schooling and training personnel as well as management is encouraged and financially
supported.
The organizational structure
Management and personnel
We have selected a centralized Marketing Department reports to an experienced
Sales and Marketing Director. He is responsible for the marketing planning
and the delegation of duties. The Managing Director controls the Sales department
for both Taiwan and China.
Strategic Partnerships
- Members of 3D/VR Associates
- At the National Taiwan University of Science and
Technology Demo Center for Architecture, we have a powerful 3D graphic workstation
with a real 3-D projection system that we frequently show to customers to
demonstrate impressive Architecture applications.
- At the Chiao Tung University located in Hsinchu
we have a Power PC workstation that works with a 6 Degrees of Freedom Motion
Platform that we use to provide professional demonstrations, vehicle and
flight simulations.
- In order to work the VR industry in Mainland China
we have set up a Training and Demo Center with Beijing Institute of Technology(BIT)
in Beijing.
- Partnership with Saint Hermit Animation & Motioncapture Studio to enable us to provide motioncapture data, and animation services.
- A joint cooperative project
with the Kun Shan University of Technology's Department of Motion Pictures
& Video in order to setup a professional Virtual Broadcast Studio. This
includes a virtual set, motioncapture devices, cameras, lighting and post
process equipment.
Administrative organization
The administration is done by the Accounting and Administration Department
. They will also produce the annual profit and loss account and balance sheet
as well as file our tax return.
Service and customer support
The handling of support is excellent. The final degree of service is stabilized
at an acceptable level. We offer superb training and technical support. PC
From Expert International offers basic, on-site, and customized training
Product mix
1. The competitive position demands such a mix.
2. The demand for different products is large.
3. A competent and qualified staff.
VR Developing and Authoring Tools
|
WorldToolKit (WIN 95/98/WIN
NT/SGI//HP SUN/DEC) World UP (WIN NT/SGI/SUN) World2World (WIN NT/SUN/SGI
SERVER) |
|
|
Visplan |
|
|
Integra |
Reality + , Dental Byte,
RDV, Telemedical Products |
|
Virtual Presence |
Mist VR |
|
Decotech Home, Decotech
Pro |
|
|
VTree, DISconnect, DISCreation, FACETS, MultiVis, Customized 3D Models |
VR Reality Engine
| PC From Expert |
VR EXPERT 3000 Reality 3000 Pro Series |
|
|
Fuel / Octane2 / Onyx II Series |
||
Stereoscopic Products
|
3D Projector 3D Stereoscopic Camcorder
|
|
|
Crystaleyes, 3DVideo System,SynthaGram 3D Monitor |
|
|
V6, V8 (HMD),V8 Binoculars, Window VR |
|
| iReality Com, Inc. |
CyberEye |
|
Proview Series |
|
|
Daeyang |
DH-4400VP/DH-4400 3D |
| I-O Display Systems | I-Glasses SVGA / I-Glasses SVGA 3D |
| Barco | Projection Table,3D Projection System |
|
Projection Table, Workspace, Workwall |
VR Auxiliary Tools
|
MicroScribe 3D Digitizer |
|
|
3D Tracking Devices, Visiontrak |
|
|
Stereoscopic Imaging Products
e.g.
|
|
|
3D Model Library Program |
|
|
Customerized 3D Model |
|
|
3D View |
|
|
Realviz |
Matchmover,Re-timer, Image Modeler, Stitcher |
|
PolyTrans Scene & Animation |
V.R.Simulator
|
LSVR(Laparoscopic Surgery
V.R. System) TANK Simulator / Networking
Solution Flying Simulator / Networking Solution |
|
|
Motion Platform |
6 DOF stewart platform |
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I/O
|
Spaceball 4000 / Space Mouse Series |
|
|
Joystick Series(serial port) Throttle Rudder/racing wheel |
Sensing Gloves
|
CyberGlove Series |
|
|
Pinch Glove |
|
|
5th Glove Series |
|
|
Wrist System |
Tactile/ForceFeedBack
|
ForceFeedback Joystick,Impulse Engine,…etc. |
3D Sound Systems
|
Power SDAC Convolver , SigGen Engine |
Hybrid V.R.
|
Panoramic Creator , Virtual Environment Developer
, Environment Controller , Environment Integrator ,
Tripod Head & Accessories |
| Maxon | Cinema 4DXL |
|
Flesh |
Motion Capture System and Management Tools
|
Flock of Birds, PC Bird
, Mini Bird , MotionStar, MontionStar Wireless,ReActor |
|
|
Fastrak , Liberty, Patriot |
|
|
Dynasight Optic Sensor |
|
|
InterTrax 2, IS300/IS600
Mark 2 plus |
|
|
FiLMBOXTM Series / MotionBuilder |
|
|
LIFEsource |
|
|
OPTOTRAKTM |
|
| X-IST Realtime Technologies |
X-IST Facial Expression Tracker
X-IST Fullbodytracker, X-IST Upperbodytracker |
| Famous Technologies | ProFACE Product Family |
|
Multi-Channel EMG systems - MA-100 / 200 / 300 Systems Footswitches MA-151, MA-152, MA153 Electrodes & Accessories |
WISE Solution & E-Business Product Mix
This product mix is particularly aimed at providing full support for the
XML standard, which is increasingly the standard supported across the internet
and backed by major corporations such as Microsoft, Acer etc. PC From Expert
has extensive experience in this area and was one of the major pioneers of
CALS technology in Taiwan. This experience in XML/SGML allows PC From Expert
to offer a full and comprehensive service in this area, and all the products
supported are tailored towards this end.
The WISE Solution
Other E-Business Products
The target markets
Customer profile
Our customers include branches of the Military, Education and Business
Sectors.
| Arbortext | Epic Series, E3 |
| Adobe Systems | FrameMaker , GoLive (with Live Motion) |
| Quadralay | WebWorks Publisher Series |
| TRADOS | The TRADOS translation solution |
| Actify | Spinfire |
| Wave Corp | Media Bank |
| Powersim | Studio 2003 DSS |
| Xybernaut | Xybernaut Wearable PC Series - Mobile Assistant V |
Products Briefs:
Arbortext - Epic Editor
Epic Editor and Epic Editor LE (Lite Edition) support authoring and editing
of XML and SGML content. Epic Editor meets the needs of the power author while
Epic Editor LE meets the needs of occasional contributors.
With over 40,000 licenses sold and over 300 Global 2000 customers, Epic Editor
has earned worldwide recognition for its power, performance and capabilities.
- Epic Editor and Epic Editor LE handle a broad range
of applications, from fast, easy-to-use and cost-effective editing of XML
content, to applications requiring unmatched power and performance, such
as:
- Content collaboratively written and maintained
by teams of authors working in multiple languages
- Content created in reusable components independent of their formatting, stored in content management repositories, and dynamically assembled on demand
- Content personalized for specific audiences and formatted for delivery on multiple media: Web, CD-ROM, print and wireless
- Systems and software that are easily customized and leverage the broadest available support for XML and related standards
- Client-based installations for occasionally disconnected users and server-based installations accessed by Web browsers for users who are connected full time
- Optional modules are available to enable conversion
of other document formats to XML, to transform XML to print, Web, wireless
devices and CD-ROM media, and to integrate Epic Editor and LE with repositories
from Documentum and Oracle. Also available from Arbortext's partners are
integrations with repositories from Chrystal, STEP and XyEnterprise.
Arbortext - Epic E-Content Engine
E3 handles tough content jobs exceptionally well, such as applications where:
Multiple contributors in multiple departments and multiple locations use multiple
tools to create and maintain content
TRADOS is considered a pioneer in Translation Memory (TM) technology and has
built a dominant suite of products. TRADOS products are open-ended and translate
all European languages as well as Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Arabic
and Hebrew. The TRADOS Translation Solution is a suite of mature, proven products
that enable you to effortlessly master the many facets of translation work.
- Translation memories:
Save time and costs and deal more efficiently with all those repetitive texts instead of translating the same sentence all over again! - Editing environments: The translation memory database
can be accessed from a wide variety of editing environments, such as MS
Word and MS PowerPoint. The TRADOS Solution also includes an easy-to-use
translation window for PowerPoint and a customised application for the effortless
processing of SGML/HTML/XML formats.
- Publishing environments:
TRADOS supplies a range of DTP interfaces for seamless connectivity with popular publishing solutions such as FrameMaker, Interleaf, PageMaker, Quark and Ventura. - Alignment: The TRADOS Solution makes the most of existing resources by recycling legacy translation material for reuse by the translation memory.
- Terminology Management: The TRADOS Solution comes with a fast, flexible
and easy to use terminology management component.
TRADOS Translation Solutions are the dominant choice among professional translators, enterprise solutions providers and global leaders such as Microsoft, Siemens, SAP, Volkswagen/Audi, Oracle, Berlitz and Bowne Global Solutions.
Actify - SpinFire Enterprise is a complete web-based solution providing the richest 3D visualization experience over the widest range of 3D design formats. Spinfire allows you to publish and view 3D designs from a variety of sources, including in-house design engineers, manufacturing partners, and suppliers. SpinFire enables internal communication, external collaboration, marketing and selling right inside web pages.
Features:
· The server stores, organizes and manages any file using an intuitive interface.
· Publishes all major CAD formats into .3D files.
· Centralized management of publishing resources reduces upgrade and maintenance costs.
· Allows anyone to publish .3D files and keep working on their computer without waiting for publishing to finish.
· All models published on SpinFire Enterprise Server are enabled with new SpinFastTM technology for unparalleled viewing performance.
· Automatically creates a new .3D file whenever the native file changes.
· Supports load balancing and clustering at three different levels: SpinFire web services, SQL database and SpinFire publishing.
· Add more computers to scale the system as the number of users grows or the publishing load increases.
· Users can access shared data and resources without interfering with one another.
· Configurations can range from simple (server and database on the same computer) to advanced. For example, each SpinFire web service runs on a different computer in the DMZ, while the database and file system are protected behind the firewall.
· Installation normally takes about one hour and includes all major configurations for the server, file system, the Microsoft Internet Information Server and the mail server.
· Client access to the server is executed only after passing three security controls: SSL, User Authentication and Client Authentication.
· Communications between server and clients occur over an SSL-encrypted connection to ensure privacy when accessing and sharing files.
· A proprietary security certificate system validates legitimate client programs.
· Client authentication is required to interact with the server, even if a valid username and password are provided.
· User accounts are automatically disabled after a predetermined number of failed logins. Only the administrator can reactivate a disabled account.
· Server sends an alert to the system administrator or another e-mail address every time files are shared outside the SpinFire user account base.
· The administrator can easily disable and enable accounts according to company policy and user behavior or roles.
· SpinFire Enterprise Server integrates easily with existing backend systems including PDM, PLM, ERP, CRM, and SCM systems (using SpinFire SDK).
· Sharing .3D files with external guests is simplified through a server-generated web page containing the .3D file and the free SpinFire Viewer, which automatically installs on the guest's computer. The free Viewer is not a client to the server, thereby keeping the server secure while enabling access for occasional users.
· The server includes SpinFire Enterprise Manager, a new administration client that installs quickly with minimum effort, has no license restrictions, and can be located on multiple computers for both remote and local access.
· The SpinFire Enterprise administration program installs on, and is usable from, any computer that connects through the network to the SFE server. Commands for local or remote administration are the same and do not differ in execution.
· Users can be organized into groups with different permissions and access rights.
· The administrator can set a group of parameters to customize the server with such options as company logo, URL and messages. These parameters are sent to the client application (SpinFire Professional) every time a connection is created or restored. Customized messages are changeable daily or as needed.
Wave Corp - Media Bank - An enterprise asset management application for cross-media publishing that enables organizations to more efficiently manage, use, and share their digital assets across the enterprise. MediaBank's design reflects the many ways that editorial, production professionals, and their management teams, need to work with, track, and report on the creation and use of digital assets.
The MediaBank digital asset management solution enables organizations to more efficiently manage, use, and share their digital assets across the enterprise. MediaBank's design reflects the many ways that editorial and production professionals, and their management teams, need to work with, track, and report on their creation and use of digital assets. MediaBank offers users efficient tools for handling a wide range of pre-production media types, including photographs and other still images, and video, audio, text, and font files. Its unique and powerful feature set includes functionality for searching, browsing, archiving, purging, reviewing, revising, and tracking digital assets. MediaBank also provides file auditing capabilities and workflow enhancement processes. All of the assets managed in MediaBank can be used and reused in output for projects in any print or Web production environment. By implementing MediaBank, companies can break down the technical, organizational, and cultural walls that presently separate their Web site and print production teams. With MediaBank, both groups can leverage a single solution rather than competing for finite corporate resources and building additional incompatibilities into their environments.
General Dynamics Defence Systems - TechSight -TechSight produces IETM (Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals) to help technicians perform complex procedures.TechSight is a market leader in the development of electronic content management and value-added delivery solutions.
GDDS is an independent, tool neutral, system integrator. Therefore solutions are built with tools they help you select, or with tools you already own. The result is a scalable, extensible electronic-content authoring, management, and delivery system that not only solves your real-world challenges but also provides a significant return on your investment.
- GDDS bring state-of-the-art XML delivery technology to your operations,
allowing you to view and manipulate complex documents using a standard web
browser.
- Data is integrated with decision support and diagnostic software tools
to make products easier to operate and cheaper to maintain.
Powersim - Studio 2003 - Powersim offers a proven methodology called Business Planning Simulation (BPS). With BPS, managers can experiment with strategies under a variety of future scenarios to better understand the full impact of their decisions before committing resources.
Powersim's multi-variable, customized simulations act as "business laboratories," making it possible for managers to evaluate new markets and competitor strategies, improve manufacturing processes, eliminate bottlenecks in supply chains, and optimize the value to human resources.
Xybernaut Mobile Assistant V -The Xybernaut Mobile Assistant V (MA VR) is the most advanced wearable computer in the world - a featherweight computer with all the functionality and connectivity of a fully-functioned networked desktop PC. It works even where laptops or palmtops cannot.
Available with a touch screen flat panel color display, head mounted color display with hands-free voice recognition and activation, the full-function MA V makes it possible for workers to access data, file reports, send e-mail and connect with the Internet virtually anywhere--under an engine, atop a utility pole, beside a pipeline, inside a clean room or walking down a warehouse aisle. Operation can be performed non-stop, without interrupting a worker by looking away or letting go of a safety grip.
Sales Policy
Having been in the business for over 10 years we rely heavily on our outstanding reputation. We focus and try to maintain long-term relationships with our vendors. Therefore, PC From Expert prides itself on not making empty promises or unrealistic sales forecasts.
2003 Marketing Plan
We use the following tools to analyze and explore the market:
- Inquiries with existing and potential customers.
- Information requested from branch organizations and / or unions.
- Lead information from principals.
- Visit exchanges, trade shows, seminars / roadshows.
- Collect catalogs, price lists and brochures of competitors.
- Internet market research.
Total Market
Currently, there are several target groups in Taiwan that split up a large share of the market. They include the military, education and commercial buyers.
Target Markets
Customer Profile
Our customers include branches of the military, education and business sectors.
Military:
- Military branches
- Military research and development divisions
- ilitary academic institutions
Education:
- Academic institutions
- Governmental institutions and labs
- Industrial simulation needs
Business:
- Game development
- Live performance animation
- Production houses
- Post-production houses
- Corporations and graphics professionals
- Architectural companies
- Sports and medical analysis
- Rehabilitative assessment / feedback
- Virtual prototyping
- 3D character animation for TV, movies and games
- CAD simulation of human motion
Virtual Reality Market Breakdown
Market Value for CAD/CAM in Taiwan
|
CAD Market Value in $
|
CAD Market Value in $
|
|||
|
Vendor
|
Million $
|
Vendor
|
Million $
|
|
|
Autodesk
|
10.64
|
Cimatron
|
3.63
|
|
|
PTC
|
9.11
|
Hypermill
|
3.21
|
|
|
SDRC
|
3.80
|
MasterCAM
|
1.53
|
|
|
Cimatron
|
3.42
|
EDS/UG
|
1.26
|
|
|
EDS/UG
|
2.66
|
SurfCAM
|
1.11
|
|
|
Solidworks
|
2.28
|
DelCAM
|
0.42
|
|
|
IBM/CATIA
|
0.76
|
PTC
|
0.42
|
|
|
Others
|
5.32
|
WorkNC
|
0.42
|
|
|
SDRC
|
0.28
|
|||
|
Total
|
37.99
|
Others
|
1.68
|
|
|
Total
|
13.98
|
|||
Market Research Program
The market research at PC From Expert continues according to plan, allowing us to anticipate trends and possible shifts in the market.
Market Research Goals and Primary Focus
Focus 1: Products sale
Focus 2: Custom design
Focus 3: Customized VR system integration and VR simulators
Marketing Goals
General Goals
| 1. To increase the turnover
in 2003. 2. To further develop the brand recognition in the target area. 3. Increase the turnover in 2003 by double that of 2002. 4. To realize a prominent presence on the Internet and the World Wide Web. |
Marketing Strategies
Personnel and the Marketing Concept
All marketing strategies are discussed with the personnel at every level. This way, the employees embrace the philosophy and the strategy of the company and are able to express this through their work. This allows our strategies to be applied on a day-today basis thus achieving our long-term desired results.
Advertising and Promotion
To support its expansion efforts, PC From Expert considers using popular media, such as TV, radio, and newspapers to advertise, along with promotional free product samples.
Based on this decision, advertising and promotional possibilities were prioritized in order of probable effectiveness.
| Advertising | Promotion |
| Premiums (supplied by our principles) | Promotion |
| Newspaper ads | Premiums (supplied by our principles) |
| Brochures | Strategic symposiums |
| Annual seminars / roadshows | |
| Trade shows |
Print Media