Punch WebGroups is a Web-based application that lets users securely store, deliver and collaborate on files via their browser. Going beyond simple Web file storage, Punch WebGroups offers basic document management features, like version tracking, member authorities, check-in/out, and change notification. It can automatically update user's files on their hard drives with only new or updated files.

Improved Usability
Based on customer feedback, Punch has made adjustments to its user interface. One of the most prominent changes is in the toolbar. The new version includes two toolbars: a Global toolbar, which contains actions relevant to the user's account, and a File toolbar, which contains actions relevant to files. Additionally, a user can now easily send an email message to the other members of his WebGroup by clicking the "Email All Members" link. This will help facilitate meaningful discussion on a particular file or folder. Finally, the Members List is now prominently displayed at the file and folder level, making it easier for users to see the other members in their WebGroup.

Improved Performance
Adjustments made on the Punch server now make the performance of WebGroups even faster. While response time will always be dependent on factors outside Punch's control (such as connection speed, network traffic, processor speed, etc.), WebGroups 3.0 is more efficient in the way it transmits and displays user information. Users with hundreds of files and folders, or even those with dozens, will notice a significant improvement in the time it takes to display a file, folder or group.

Expanded Device & Browser Support
Commensurate with the release of Punch WebGroups 3.0 client is the release of the next generation of the Punch server, called Paris. While the previous version of the Punch Server responded to requests in either HTML or WML (depending on the requesting device), the Paris server responds to any request natively with clean, self-describing XML. This XML is then augmented and presented to any Web-enabled device by an external XSL (eXtensible Stylesheet Language) stylesheet. This stylesheet transforms the XML response from the Punch server according to the specifications of the stylesheet itself. The stylesheet can dictate color scheme, language, feature set, page layout, etc. Perhaps more importantly, the stylesheet can also transform the native XML into other programming languages, such as WML, WAP, VXML, etc., allowing Punch to support nearly any device, platform or operating system.

Forthcoming Stylesheets
Punch WebGroups 3.0 is itself a stylesheet that allows access to the application from Web browsers. In the coming weeks and months, Punch will release additional stylesheets to allow wireless and voice access to WebGroups accounts.

About Punch Networks Corporation
Based in Seattle, Wash., Punch Networks develops software and services that help people effectively manage changing digital information. The company's flagship product, Punch WebGroups, offers users robust file collaboration features via a standard Web browser. Instant Folders, Punch's second product, enables Windows folders to send, receive and synchronize files with other machines. Punch Networks licenses co-branded versions of both services to eBusinesses and licenses its server technology to OEMs, software developers and other third parties.

For more information, visit the Punch Networks website at www.punchnetworks.com, email info@punchnetworks.com, or call (206) 343-7661.