Cambridge-based technology company Imense has launched Picturedesk, a stock-image search engine that provides access to 30 stock brands. In addition to metadata, the search engine uses image-recognition technology to improve relevance of search results.
Imense Picturedesk offers 2.5 million images from providers such as age fotostock, Westend61 and fotoLIBRA. The company says affiliates are added weekly. The current collection spans general and archival material, including niche specialist collections covering medicine, natural history and architecture.
Picturedesk is not a distributor but an online referral system. Once a client request high-resolution images through the portal, he or she deals directly with the affiliate agency to negotiate rights and pricing. The company says this often results in a better deal for both sides, because buyers gain access to new images while smaller collections improve visibility.
Picturedesk manager Stuart Cox said the company plans to launch several “Web 3.0” technology offerings. In addition to continuing work on image search, upcoming products will address keywording, post-production workflow and image management.