# Business Card Scanners The Novac 'Simply Scan' Eliminates the Need for Paper Self-Promoters By Meghan Young | Published 2011-05-28 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/novac-simply-scan References: [ohgizmo](http://www.ohgizmo.com/2011/05/26/novacs-tiny-simply-scan-business-card-scanner/) & [novac.co.jp](http://www.novac.co.jp/products/hardware/nv-capture/nv-ps920u/index.html) Although many people probably already believe that [business cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vidcard) are obsolete, there are many more who have not yet adopted that viewpoint and so I would like to present a bridge between those two opposing sides: the Novac Simply Scan. This [mini scanner](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iochowx1) is perfect for those who have completely embraced the digital age that is upon us. The Novac Simply Scan is small enough for a business card to nestle perfectly within its embrace. Interestingly enough, it doesn't perform like a scanner, though. Instead, it takes a photo of the card and then uploads it into your address book using OCR software. Unfortunately, the Novac Simply Scan is compatibly only with Windows-based PCs. It is priced at approximately $120. A small cost for a paper-free existence. **Implications** - As business technology continues to go high-tech, the importance of maintaining accurate electronic contact information is heightened. Any product that seeks to make the process of collecting this information organized, easy and quick, has a leg up on the competition. They cater to older businesspeople who are still in the process of understanding [electronic address books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passcollect), as well as the enterprising younger businesspeople who seek to avoid the tedious process. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Digital Business Card Solutions:** The Novac Simply Scan represents a trend of digital solutions for business card management, eliminating the need for physical cards. - **OCR Technology:** The use of OCR software in the Novac Simply Scan showcases a trend of leveraging advanced optical character recognition technology for efficient data capture and organization. - **Paperless Business Environment:** The Novac Simply Scan aligns with the trend of promoting a paperless workplace by digitizing traditional business card exchanges. ### Where This Applies - **Business Technology:** The business technology industry can benefit from disruptive innovation opportunities by developing more advanced digital business card solutions. - **Software Development:** In the software development industry, there is potential for creating more sophisticated OCR software that can accurately capture and process business card information. - **Office Equipment:** The office equipment industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by designing compact and user-friendly scanners specifically tailored for digitizing business cards. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Scannable NFC Business Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ovou-smart-business-card.md) - [NFC-Enabled Business Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobilo-smart-business-card.md) - [Digital Networking Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digibusinesscard.md) - [Digital Business Card Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-business-cards.md) - [Digitized Business Contact Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-business-card.md) - [Universal Digital Business Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hihello.md) - [Digital NFC-Enabled Business Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touchless-nfc-card.md) - [Cutting-Edge Business Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xcards.md) - [Digital Card Creators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/businesscardgen.md)