ECW for ArcGIS Server, Version 11.0.2, released

Here is the latest from marketing on one product I manage:

ERDAS Releases ECW for ArcGIS Server, Version 11.0.2
September 28, 2011

Norcross, GA, USA — ERDAS proudly announces the release of ECW for ArcGIS Server, version 11.0.2. This product provides a means for ArcGIS Server to deliver data in the ERDAS-patented Enhanced Compression Wavelet (ECW) format to clients via OGC-compliant Web Coverage Service (WCS) and Web Map Service (WMS).

Based on technology originally provided in ERDAS ECW/JP2 SDK version 4.2, ECW for ArcGIS Server enables ArcGIS Server to support ECW imagery, providing the fastest decompression available. Using minimal memory, ECW can quickly decompress and open massive files, in many cases faster than uncompressed imagery can be opened. Additionally, multi-resolution level of detail is built into the file, eliminating the need to generate or distribute pyramids or overviews. The ECW technique does not require the creation and storage of intermediate tiles (RRDs), as they are an inherent part of the ECW format. ECW also supports opacity channels, allowing images to overlay other imagery cleanly without showing compression artifacts around the edges.

Initially introduced in April 2011, ECW for ArcGIS Server was greeted enthusiastically by the market, prompting this new release which extends the original capabilities. A key enhancement in ECW for ArcGIS Server version 11.0.2 is backward compatibility with ArcGIS Server 9.3 and 9.3.1 in addition to the previously supported ArcGIS Server 10. ECW for ArcGIS Server version 11.0.2 also supports the use of European Petroleum Survey Group (EPSG) codes in ECWP.

ECW for ArcGIS Server expands the industry-wide level of support for the ECW format. ECW is already supported in traditional desktop GIS, CAD and remote sensing packages, including ERDAS’ portfolio of products, as well as Intergraph’s GeoMedia®. In addition, ECW is also supported in ArcGIS® for Desktop, AutoCAD®, Blue Marble Desktop®, ENVI®, Geomatica®, LizardTech®, GeoExpress®, FalconView™, Global Mapper, MapInfo®, Manifold® System, MicroStation®, and Smallworld™.

“ERDAS created ECW for ArcGIS Server in response to overwhelming user demand. For any geospatial organization requiring an accelerated workflow and reduction of hardware costs, ECW is the compression format of choice,” said Paul Beaty, Technical Product Manager, ERDAS. “Its popularity stems from the fact that it doesn’t merely compress files; it simplifies their handling by making them faster to decompress and transfer. ERDAS is committed to providing rapid geospatial data delivery for organizations using any software platform."

ECW Page
ECW for ArcGIS Server Page

ECW for ArcGIS Server soon to add support for 9.3 and 9.3.1

Within the next few weeks, ERDAS will release an update to ECW for ArcGIS Server. The new version will add support for ArcGIS Server 9.3, and 9.3.1 to the present support for ArcGIS Server 10. The initial product offering has been very well received and customer demand for support of 9.3 and 9.3.1 will soon be addressed. Keep a watchful eye for the official announcement.