LetterGen Document Management Software was initially developed in 1997 by Real Software as part of a project for Generale Bank in the automation of corporate loans.
Generale Bank was searching for a better way to manage the content of their 'National Library of Credit Contracts'. The software they were using was based on Windows DNA standards (VB, IIS, MS Word), using XML as the transport language and IBM MQSeries for communication between NT and the Mainframe.
The requirements of Generale Bank were:
- A central and unique library of multilingual templates
- Fast time-to-market of changes in the templates
- Accuracy and the ability to audit credit contracts
- Less manpower for contract generation
- Multilingual user interface
- Independence of legacy systems
- Non computer template designers
- Batch, Semi-Interactive and Pure Interactive generation
- Available both centrally as well as in branches.
Version one of the software went live in 1998, followed by many enhancements and added functionality. The software saved Generale Bank 25% of the manpower hours required for contract creation and completion. Today, 375 credit officers are using LetterGen software on a daily basis to create, complete, approve, and sign Commercial contracts.
ASR Verzekeringen, previously called Fortis Insurance Netherlands, with more than 1,800 insurance officers use LetterGen software to create insurance contracts. LetterGen software is also used in the Leasing, Payments and Securities Divisions to improve communication, workflow and approval of corporate transactions.
Océ Headquarterd in Venlo, formed a joint venture with Real Software in 1999 called Océ Real Business Solutions. This new venture enhanced the product for Generale Bank and packaged the software as a commercial product called VarE-Docs. In the years that followed, Océ Nederland sold the product to SNS Bank, ABN Amro Hypotheken Groep, AON, and Allianz and many other companies. The product power and flexibility made it a success in Banking, Insurance and Industrial sectors, as well as Healthcare and Government.
In 2005, Real Software merged with a new majority shareholder, Gores Technology group.
Simultaneously, BTR Services was founded, and VarE-Docs was rolled into the new company. BTR’s strategy was to become the ICT services partner for Belgian Banks and to develop service oriented solutions. The first solution created was LetterGen. Fortis Bank committed to acquire the product, and development began. Utilizing the previous experience gained through the development of VarE-Docs, BTR created a new architecture which included high volume document generation capability and Microsoft standards and retained all previous functionality of VarE-Docs.
The new product was based on new SOA standards, including Open Office and Java.
BTR Services acquired the Intellectual Property rights for VarE-Docs from Real Software at the end of 2007. This acquisition provided BTR with knowledge based on 10 years of successful development and a mature well proven interface for interactive document generation. With the acquisition, BTR also took over the support of existing customers.
In 2008, BTR signed an OEM agreement with IBM, allowing the integration of LetterGen with IBM’s Websphere Process Server. This agreement provides LetterGen with the ability to sell LetterGen and Websphere on a worldwide basis.
In October 2008, BTR ran performance benchmarks on LetterGen at the Innovation Centre of IBM in Amsterdam resulting in the generation of 36 million pages - with an average of 60 pages per document in 24 hours, which significantly bettered the VarE-Docs product which averaged 600,000 pages in 24 hours.
At CeBIT in March 2009, a new module, LetterGen Electronic Signer was launched. At the same event LetterGen entered into a strategic partnership with VASCO Data Security International Inc. to integrate Digipass into the Electronic Signer product. Digipass is a security product from VASCO, providing strong user authentication and digital signatures via small security tokens carried by users, or in software on mobile telephones, portable devices or PCs. It is compatible with more than 50 international vendors for a variety of e-commerce, e-banking, e-networking and e-government applications.
In October 2009, LetterGen NV was founded as a subsidiary of BTR Services and now owns the Intellectual Property rights of the product suite. The purpose of LetterGen NV is to expand the installation base of LetterGen software globally. BTR will continue to provide LetterGen software solutions and services to their existing and new customers. BTR's team will continue to play a major role in the architecture and enhancements of the products. LetterGen is promoting the proliferation of its technology through the signing of business partners and OEM's around the world.
At CeBIT in March 2010, the LetterData Application was launched. LetterData is a plug-in for Microsoft Word, enabling interactive creation of simple and complex documents using predefined and management approved document fragments that can be logically added while the user is writing a letter or contract. LetterData provides an intuitive Traffic Light navigation system for users while they are completing documents. Users see at a glance the sections of a letter, contract or form that are required (shown in Red when incomplete and Green when complete).This intuitive navigation system provides a simple user experience, improves accuracy, reduces frustration, and assists in maintaining legal and
compliance requirements. Users and customers can now speed through document centric processes and have more time to perform other tasks.
LetterGen is available today, incorporating historic VarE-Doc technology and interactive document generation capabilities with more than a decade of enhancements. For a no obligation demonstration or to learn more about LetterGen please contact LetterGen or one of our authorized business partners.
