History
Innovative Interfaces was founded in 1978 with the creation of an interface that allowed libraries to download bibliographic records into a third-party circulation system without re-keying—at the time a revolutionary, time-saving service. With the first installations at CSU Sacramento and UC Riverside, its customer base quickly grew to about 75 libraries purchasing the product.
1980s & 1990s
On the heels of this success, Innovative launched the first truly integrated library system (ILS) in the 1980s, which included a public access catalog, as well as cataloging, circulation, and serials and acquisitions modules. The 1990s saw dramatic changes for Innovative. The first INN-Reach system was launched, dramatically increasing the speed and cost-effectiveness of resource sharing. The late nineties saw the development and launch of Millennium, which became the leading and most trusted ILS in the marketplace.
Since its earliest days, Innovative has continually strived to provide excellent customer service. In 1997, Innovative launched CSDirect, its customer service site. CSDirect supports libraries with Web-based call initiation and reporting and a wealth of information, training, and product tutorials. Best yet, Innovative's Help Desk stands behind its customers 24/7/365.
2000s
Over the next 10 years, Innovative continued to expand the system with Web Services technology, and integrated tools such as Ecommerce, Express Lane (self-check), and Campus Computing products. By integrating functions that surpassed expectations of the traditional ILS, Innovative kept libraries up-to-date as they expanded services to become more efficient and provide in-demand Web-based services.
Innovative met the need for sophisticated administration and presentation of e-journals and other digital content with the first-to-market Electronic Resource Management. And to bring it all together with a modern interface geared for the Web, the company began Encore development in 2006.
2010s
Encore Synergy was launched in 2010 and re-defined discovery—bringing subscription articles and local collections of all kinds together in a single search. The following year, the company announced a new technology initiative and the new Sierra Services Platform at the Innovative Users Group’s Annual Conference.
In the spring of 2012, the company announced a strategic investment from Huntsman Gay Global Capital, a leading middle-market private equity firm, and JMI Equity, a leading growth equity firm focused on investing in growing software, Internet, and business services companies.
Soon after, Kim Massana was named Chief Executive Offer of Innovative Interfaces. Prior to joining Innovative, Kim proved himself as a leader at companies in the fields of publishing, information services, and computer software. Most recently, Kim served as Chief Executive Officer of Thomson Reuters Elite. Kim earned advanced degrees at ESADE Business School in Spain, his native country, and the London School of Economics and Political Science. He has lived and worked in three countries and managed corporate operations across the globe.
Today, Innovative’s systems can be found in more than 50 countries, with over 1,400 systems installed and 20 INN-Reach systems that move tens of millions of items each year. Innovative also leads in installed systems among members of the Association for Research Libraries and the Urban Library Council. Although many years have passed, Innovative remains 100% focused on the technologies that provide a superior experience for both staff and users of the world’s libraries.
Please consult the product overview to learn about Innovative’s current offerings.
