BioMed Central Announces New Release of Open Repository

[<Charlotte.Webber@biomedcentral.com>]

*apologies for cross-posting*

Press release from BioMed Central: For immediate release

BioMed Central Announces New Release of Open Repository:  The 
Leading Platform for Hosting Institutional Repositories

Two Organizations Announced as Customers; Improved Interface to 
Enhance User Experience

LONDON, November 27, 2007 - BioMed Central today announced the 
latest upgrades to Open Repository (www.openrepository.com), the 
open access publisher's hosted repository solution.  The upgrades 
include new features from DSpace (www.dspace.org), the 
open-source platform for accessing, managing, and preserving 
scholarly works.  Open Repository now offers institutions 
increased customization options and a new and improved user 
interface.  Also, two prestigious organizations have recently 
elected to host their repositories on Open Repository: Roehampton 
University and Medecins Sans Frontieres, demonstrating that Open 
Repository is the first choice for a wide variety of 
organizations.

"BioMed Central's Open Repository is a very good platform on 
which to host our institutional repository," said Tony Reid, 
Medical Editor, Medecins Sans Frontieres.  "The upgrade will 
allow us to apply more customization options from DSpace, so the 
repository better meets our requirements. We are looking forward 
to using the new version."

Open Repository version 1.4.9 has several new features that are 
designed to enhance the customer experience.  The release offers 
an improved user interface, making it easier for customers to 
browse and submit their material online.  Additionally, 
institutions can convert their Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Text and 
RTF documents to PDF format.  Customers can also set up RSS 
feeds, and customize lists and search fields, adding value to the 
already robust platform.

"Open Repository provides a hosted solution that is quick and 
simple to set up, customizable to our needs and easy to use," 
said Pat Simons, Bibliographic and Technical Services Manager, 
Roehampton University. "We switched from Proquest's repository 
service because Open Repository offered better value for money 
and all the features we plan to use. Additionally, we appreciate 
the helpful and friendly support we get from BioMed Central."

Open Repository from BioMed Central gives institutions the 
personalization of an in-house repository at a fraction of the 
cost. The service hosts and maintains repositories for 
institutions, eliminating the need for the support and resources 
required for an in-house solution, while providing unique and 
innovative features to its users.  Built on the latest DSpace 
technology, Open Repository can be personalized to support an 
institution's specific needs and identity.

For information on how to host a repository on Open Repository, 
please email info@openrepository.com.


###

Contact:
Robert Brumfield
Phone: +001 202.898.2000 x109
Email: robert.brumfield@fusionpr.com

Charlotte Webber
Phone: +44 (0)20 7631 9980
Email: press@biomedcentral.com