OCTOPUS Newsroom, now in over 100 installations worldwide, has extended the powers of its cost-effective and reliable newsroom computer system that runs on Windows, Mac OS X or Linux platforms. The new OCTOTUSv6.2 adds a number of features that further enhance the efficiency and scope of newsroom operations.
Petr Stokuc, Octopus Newsroom CEO, comments, “OCTOPUSv6.2 includes many enhancements that are the result of listening to customers’ requirements and working closely with them to make improvements to our NRCS. Now we can deliver an even more flexible, compatible, user-friendly system.’
OCTOPUSv6.2 includes ‘Alternative Scripts’ that enables journalists to prepare many scripts for one story. This is especially useful when broadcasting to several countries in different languages. In addition ‘Web Publishing’ provides a simple direct means of delivering stories to news websites. So now journalists can immediately publish their stories – comprising pictures, text and video/audio – from Octopus to the TV channels’ website as a ‘live’ update.
The system also delivers new features that were previewed at NAB 2012. ‘Reports’ is a management information system that enables the set-up and gathering of details about selected aspects of OCTOPUS6.2 operation, and delivering them to a manager. This allows managers to get a picture of NRCS use and so help to improve workflows and reach greater efficiency. It could identify workflow bottlenecks or spare capacity. It can also show the volume of resources used per story, bulletin or day, the volume of storage and output per story or department, or provide detail by topic such as finance, sport, politics, etc.
‘Event Calendar’ prompts newsmakers with reminders and details of upcoming events by accessing a wide variety of events from the user’s selection of various internet sources, providing a new flow of information into the newsroom that complements the traditional wire services. By sourcing material from established information websites it provides notice of press conferences and briefings, sports events, financial data, weather events, etc., to fit with the needs of the station’s news.
