In our modern, network-connected world, we often take software and hardware compatibility for granted. However, this compatibility does not happen magically and it’s the result of a ‘scanner driver’ which allows document scanner devices to seamlessly communicate with software applications.

The TWAIN Working Group (TWG), a not-for-profit organization, was designed to provide and foster a free, open source, universal public standard which links applications and image acquisition devices such as scanners and cameras. The Group was founded in 1992, a result of cooperative efforts of the original member companies — Aldus, Caere, Hewlett-Packard Company, Eastman Kodak, and Logitech. TWG original investors included Ricoh Corporation and Fujitsu Computer Products of America.

The impetus to create the TWAIN Working Group and TWAIN driver standard was the lack of functional and easily accessible drivers in the early 1990s. There was frustration industry-wide that the majority of scanner drivers on the market were costly and proprietary. Many scanner manufacturers were looking for an alternative, so the TWAIN protocol was created. Scanner and camera manufacturers could easily access the TWAIN specification to develop and customize drivers for their product lines. 

The TWAIN standard and TWG practices:

• Ensure users of image acquisition software and devices experience success each and every time
• Ensure image-handling software and hardware compatibility
• Is kept current with state of the practice software and hardware
• Maintain and distribute a developer’s toolkit
• Define TWAIN Test Guidelines

Adoption of the TWAIN driver standard was swift.  During Fall Comdex in 1992, it was named a finalist in PC Magazine’s Technical Excellence Awards. By the end of 1992, 75 companies were in various stages of implementing TWAIN compliance in more than 125 Windows and Mac-based products. The TWAIN protocol was among 109 products which received a 1992 Product Excellence Award – the highest category possible from the editors of BYTE Magazine. Additionally, BIS, a noted industry research firm based in Massachusetts, has consistently supported TWAIN as a valuable factor in the growth of the imaging market.

Since 1992, TWAIN driver technology has been adopted by millions worldwide. The TWAIN Working Group has added many member companies, to include not only hardware manufacturers, but also tools vendors and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs). Many of these member companies play an active role in ongoing development of the standard through attending regular technical meetings and taking on projects that assist with specification improvements and evolution. 

The TWAIN driver protocol is now on version 2.5 and accessible at twain.org. The ongoing mission of the TWAIN Working Group is to continue to enhance the standard to accommodate future technologies, such as cloud/network scanning, security and compliance. The Group’s most recent activities include partnerships with organizations such as the PDF Association, AIIM International and C2PA as well as a Developers Day event to be help November 13-14 in Tampa, FL, to create further adoption of their latest TWAIN Direct standard.