International library market strengthened as DS becomes part of the Axiell Library Group

April 28, 2008 - PRLog -- The collaborative development agreement between Axiell and DS has been exceptionally fruitful, resulting in the development of Axiell Arena/DS Arena, the product which harnesses the power of social networking for libraries and local government.  This cooperation has demonstrated how much stronger and more effective DS and Axiell would be as part of the same “family”. We have therefore agreed to formalise this collaboration by incorporating DS into Axiell Library Group AB.  The shared development capability of DS and the rest of the Axiell Library Group will lead to faster and more advanced innovation for the benefit of customers and end-users in the UK and the Nordic countries alike.

Nigel Pegg, Managing Director of DS, says, “The library and information world is increasingly looking for continuous product development and innovation.  Axiell and DS are natural partners in this because of their experience, knowledge, shared values and dedication to the libraries and information sector.  This has been evidenced by their successful collaboration over the past few months on the Arena project.  The new arrangement will allow us to continue our growth in the UK, to benefit from Axiell’s many years of experience with the library sector as well as using our own products and services for the benefit of Axiell’s customer base.  Customers in both regions will see significant benefits.”

“At Axiell, we have been intending to search for international partners for a long time now,” says Jerk Sintorn, managing director of Axiell Library Group AB.  “Development costs in the industry are so high that partnerships are becoming more and more relevant. It is tremendously important that we adapt these developments to meet international standards and we have already been working closely with DS on this.  Our new partnership creates even more opportunity.  We are looking forward to the cooperation very much.”

DS will continue to operate from its sites in Poole and Nottingham. Nigel Pegg remains as Managing Director of DS leading unchanged management and staff teams.

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Notes to Editors

Photographs of Nigel Pegg  and Jerk Sintorn  are available on demand.  

DS
One of the pioneers in the industry, DS has been responsible for a number of innovations in library and archive systems; first library use of barcodes; first online circulation system; first handheld device; first secure web browser; first hierarchical database for archives; first implementer of RFID in UK libraries; first self-managing, web-based, community information system.

DS offers its customers both software and hardware and a full range of implementation, and facilities management and integration services.
www.ds.co.uk


Axiell Library Group AB

Founded in the mid 1980’s, Axiell was the first vendor in the Nordic countries to develop a local library management system. In 1996 it was one of the world’s first suppliers to launch a complete graphic local library system which implemented all of the established library standards. This development has continued, and today Axiell Library Group is the world’s fifth largest company in the sector, supplying IT systems and services dedicated solely to libraries as a target group and with its focus on library development.

Axiell develops technically advanced library management systems in close cooperation with its customers.

More than 700 municipalities are using Axiell’s systems in their public libraries in the Nordic countries. Together with school libraries and special libraries Axiell’s systems are used in more than 3000 different places.

Axiell Library Group is a group company with three subsidiaries in Sweden, Denmark and Finland. www.axiell.com

For more information contact
DS Contact   Press Contact
Nigel Pegg, Managing Director
Tel. 0115 900 8000
Email: nigel.pegg@ds.co.uk
   Catherine Dhanjal, TheAnswer Ltd,
Tel: 01883 650434 or  0794 166 9925
Email: Catherine.dhanjal@theansweruk.com

Axiell Library Group Contact   Press Contact
Jerk Sintorn, President, CEO
tel. +46 317 10 29 51/
+46 708 984 127
E-mail: jerk.sintorn@axiell.com
   Lise Søderberg, Nordic Communication and Marketing Manager,
tel + 45 3338 2520 or +45 2125 1426
E-mail: lise.soderberg@axiell.com

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About DS
DS public library customers include a third of the local authorities in the UK, while over 350 customers use Calm, the system of choice for Archives, Museums and Records Offices.  DS has been the leading supplier to libraries, archives, museums and records centres, predominantly in UK local government for over 30 years.

Website: www.ds.co.uk