SCHAUMBURG, IL -- May 17, 2005 -- Meadows Publishing Solutions today announced that it has joined Canon U.S.A.'s Imaging Systems Group (ISG) Alliance and Industry Marketing (AIM) program for the marketing of DesignMerge, a variable data printing (VDP) software application designed to enhance graphic-intensive variable data workflow. About DesignMerge... DesignMerge is a suite of software modules that allow users to quickly and easily create variable data output from most QuarkXPress documents in both Macintosh and Windows environments. Meadows Publishing Solutions has also created a customized PPML Output Driver that is optimized for streamlined production of variable data print jobs to Canon CLC devices. The solution is ideal for graphic design firms, advertising agencies, commercial printers, corporate marketing departments and other users in the Graphic Arts marketplace who currently utilize QuarkXPress to create print jobs. By preserving the existing workflow, a DesignMerge solution translates into a short learning curve; familiarity for the production team; "predictable" variable data output; and continued confidence that the job will be delivered on time. The optional DesignMerge PPML Driver expedites the production of variable data print jobs on Canon CLC devices. Through the AIM Program, DesignMerge will be introduced to more than 5000 sales representatives in three dealer channels, Canon Business Solutions, Ikon Office Solutions, and Danka Business Systems, as well as to more than 400 independent dealers. Meadows Publishing Solutions Quote... "One of the barriers to VDP acceptance is an understanding, by the client, of how the jobs will be produced and what tools are required," said John Kriho, president, Meadows Publishing Solutions. "DesignMerge allows clients to maintain their existing workflow and produce variable content from the same files and processes already in place - without extensive training or significant downtime. By supporting standardized VDP output formats, such as PPML, in a QuarkXPress environment, we are able to provide a powerful turnkey VDP solution to Canon U.S.A. Dealers through Canon's AIM program." Canon Quotes... "With DesignMerge's easy-to-use variable data solution for QuarkXPress and the optimized PPML Driver for Canon CLC devices, we feel our commercial print customers have a compelling new vehicle to offer quality variable data print jobs, such as one-to-one marketing campaigns, to their clients", said Greg Ryan, senior manager, Alliance and Industry Marketing for Canon U.S.A. Canon Tested... DesignMerge, including the PPML Driver, has been successfully tested for basic compatibility in conjunction with a Canon CLC device and a ColorPASS server by VeriTest - a leading provider of independent outsourced testing services. Accordingly, it has been designated by Canon USA as "Canon Compatible" under Canon USA's Alliance Program. A report summarizing the test plan and results has been published at http://www.veritest.com/clients/reports/canon.