For example, these technologies may soon make it possible for Internet users to zoom, rotate and crop photos on-line, prior to printing. These developments will be examined in detail in future issues, but let's look at what's currently on the World Wide Web for a glimpse of what's to come. As I mentioned before, the Internet has given the stock image industry a tremendous boost. The Internet allows cheaper distribution, and the medium itself is driving new business in categories that didn't exist until as recently as a year ago. No company has embraced digital stock delivery as well as PhotoDisc .
Users browse through thousands of available images using a keyword-based search engine.
Matching images, shown in thumbnail form, can be downloaded immediately or marked for future purchase. Prices for individual images depend on resolution and use, but generally, the image can be used as many times as needed, as long as it isn't resold. Other vendors, such as Digital Stock , Index Stock Photography and MetaTools offer similar Web sites with extensive on-line archives, searchable indexes and secure transfers. Generally, their images are scanned on high-end drum scanners, and the quality of images is up to agency standards. This is not always the case for Internet stock vendors.