RAMSEY, N.J., May 18 -- Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) today announced the availability of the EFI(TM) MicroPress(R) ProSeries 7.0 Production Print Workflow Solution for the bizhub PRO C500 color production printing system. With its raster-based workflow, MicroPress ProSeries 7.0 is designed to increase productivity in digital production environments. MicroPress ProSeries 7.0 brings: significant advancements in speed, make-ready capabilities, easily accessed color management tools, ease-of-use for front-end print management and print workflow applications, as well as three new workflow server options. MicroPress ProSeries 7.0 features PrintStation Manager, a newly designed user interface based on EFI's powerful, intuitive Command WorkStation(TM) technology that simplifies job management. In addition, MicroPress ProSeries 7.0 provides integration with EFI Digital StoreFront(TM) customer Web collaboration software, allowing operators to import, export and manage media entries using easy and familiar terminology. This integration enables various media types to be chosen in the document and mapped at the engine level. "Maximizing productivity and output are two of the most pressing issues in production print environments and this new front-end option for the bizhub C500 empowers users with the tools to help them get the most out of their production devices," said Kevin Kern, vice president, product planning and development, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, U.S.A. "The addition of EFI MicroPress ProSeries 7.0 broadens the selection of digital front-ends that we offer for the bizhub C500, giving our customers the flexibility to choose the workflow solution that best suits their environment." "Konica Minolta customers will find tremendous productivity value with Micropress ProSeries 7.0 - we've designed its robust time-saving tools and workflow automation capabilities to maximize digital printer output, while providing a clear growth path toward future production demands," said Frank Mallozzi, vice president of sales and marketing, EFI. "Today's news further strengthens our relationship with Konica Minolta." Three on-screen management tools -- TrueEdit, TrueColor and TrueImage -- offer advanced editing, color control and workflow automation features: TrueEdit The MicroPress ProSeries 7.0 TrueEdit application offers a host of make- ready tools that improve productivity by automating an array of document editing processes. A series of layout modes allow for quick viewing of the document layout, easy page-level settings and tab insertion, and the selection of either facing pages or front-to-back views. Users are also empowered with page-level media selection within TrueEdit. Chosen by individual page or page ranges, media is displayed in appropriate colors and the media type is automatically listed on the thumbnail tool tip. In addition, users can select pages based on attributes identified by criteria in the thumbnail view. Page attributes such as letterhead paper are outlined in the thumbnail mode for easy identification. Chapter support has also been enhanced with MicroPress ProSeries 7.0. The thumbnail view enables users to choose pages to create chapters and select chapters to apply operations from on-screen. The header, footer and numbering functionality automatically applies chapter names as part of the AutoText feature to allow users to restart page numbering at the beginning of each chapter or apply numbers only to specific chapters. A navigation tree provides the ability to create chapters from selected pages and perform a series of editing functions including: delete, view properties, rename, drag- and-drop, apply properties and actions, and paste-to-chapter. To simplify editing, improvements have been made to the ruler and guideline tools that increase editing control. The TrueEdit functionality also provides ICC support to allow operators to use the device to monitor ICC profiles and display color jobs on-screen with accurate color representation. TrueColor The TrueColor application allows for easy color management by giving users the ability to adjust color at either the job, engine or queue level, and view color changes on-screen, in real-time. RIP setup has also been simplified, offering users access to separation, overprint and page-handling controls, as well as PostScript level features in an simple graphical user interface. Advanced color editing features allow for easy adjustment of the RIP using the actual job or supplied sample jobs images, and provide real-time feedback on- screen. In addition, TrueColor provides users with page range selection for print samples, while printing ICC setup and curve combinations. TrueImage Image editing has been made easier to allow for RIP adjustments by changing tone curves and viewing results on the actual job. RIP setup can also be accessed through TrueImage, delivering simple access to separation, overprint and page-handling controls, as well as PostScript features, without having to leave the image editing mode. Additionally, TrueImage offers dot shape, screen angle and LPI selection with a visual representation of screening components. Workflow Server Options MicroPress ProSeries 7.0 is being offered in three hardware configuration options to meet a range of workflow environments. For single engine configurations, the MicroPress Prodigy Workflow Server provides prepress and workflow management functionality. For heavy production print environments, the MicroPress Production Workflow Server drives up to 12 devices and features flexible, powerful workflow tools and complete fault-tolerance. Light and mid-range production requirements are met by the MicroPress Professional Workflow Server which drives up to four devices. Pricing and Availability MicroPress ProSeries 7.0 is available as an option for the bizhub PRO C500 through Konica Minolta's North American direct sales, authorized dealer and value-added reseller channels. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for MicroPress ProSeries 7.0, including the IP-921 Image Controller and IP-621 Video Interface Kit, starts at $16,795 for the single engine configuration (Prodigy Workflow Server). The MSRP for the bizhub PRO C500 is $35,900.