London, UK – 22 February 2006 – Agfa Graphics will demonstrate :ApogeeX 3.0 workflow management software at Ipex (Birmingham, UK, 4 – 11 April 2006). Over 20,000 :Apogee systems and an additional 3,000 :ApogeeX installations improve prepress efficiency and turnaround time for printers around the world. Enhanced Connectivity. The newest version of Agfa's popular workflow software features connectivity enhancements and options for easy integration with non-Agfa workflows. 'OpenConnect' enables 1-bit TIFFs and DCS Copy Dot files to be imported for direct imaging to film or plate. If needed, their resolution can be adjusted to match the resolution of the output device. They can be descreened, down-sampled and colour-managed for colour-accurate output to a wide range of :Sherpa and non-Agfa proofing devices, or can be output as a screened proof using 'Dot4Dot'. 'OpenConvert' converts imported legacy file formats, such as (n)CT/(n)LW and TIFF/IT files. Once converted, these files can be screened using Agfa's acclaimed screening technologies, such as :Agfa Balanced Screening or :Sublima. 'OpenConnect' and 'OpenConvert' simplify access to Agfa's wide range of platesetters, imagesetters, proofing solutions, screening software and the latest plate technologies, which improves the production process and enhances overall print quality. Controlled Automation. :ApogeeX 3.0 offers many different ways to automate prepress tasks. Using scripts, rules, or specific conditions, :ApogeeX can make smart decisions on how jobs or job parts are to be processed – providing hands-free operation. The enhanced JDF (Job Definition Format) support offers users smooth integration with :Agfa's Delano project management system and any JDF-enabled MIS (Management Information System). :ApogeeX sets task parameters and automatically processes jobs using JDF intake. Job progress, page revisions, proofs and plates made are carefully tracked and reported back to the MIS or :Delano for cost-calculation purposes. All this is done in real-time using JMF (Job Messaging Format), which can also be used to execute jobs and provide priority-based scheduling. :ApogeeX's JDF and JMF automate the entire prepress workflow from creation to delivery. At Ipex, Agfa Graphics will demonstrate the full integration of :ApogeeX 3.0 with a new and improved version of its project management system, :Delano 2.6, and the new web approval solution :Delano WebApproval 2.6, as well as connectivity to various MIS systems from selected partners. "With :ApogeeX 3.0, Agfa Graphics once more leads innovations in workflow automation, connectivity and ease-of-use. The :ApogeeX product range covers all commercial printing applications from the largest magazine and book printers through to general commercial printers", said Angelo Manno, worldwide marketing manager. Integration with Digital Proofing. :ApogeeX 3.0 and :Delano 2.6 make use of :SherpaProof proofing solutions, which can be configured to meet the exact proofing requirements of any operation. Today's user workflows may include any combination of soft or hard-copy proofs, remote proofing, content or contract approvals and even halftone proofs. With the 'Digital Film Proof' option users can generate colour-accurate proofs from :ApogeeX 3.0 rendered files or imported 1-bit TIFF files and DCS copy dot files. New Pre-production Solutions for Packaging Printers. As part of its :ApogeeX 3.0 release, Agfa Graphics presents two new packaging software solutions – :ApogeeX PackEssential and PackControl – targeted especially at offset folding carton, metal printing and label converting companies. :ApogeeX PackEssential can either simply interface between design software and various output engines, or it can fully integrate existing packaging workflows with Agfa's wide range of platesetters, imagesetters, proofing solutions and screening software. As an option, the integration can be totally JDF-based. Using 'Step-and-Repeat Connect', :ApogeeX PackEssential performs the rendering, step-and-repeat and nesting functionalities according to the JDF instructions it receives from Esko-Graphics' leading layout software package Plato. :ApogeeX PackControl is the full-blown packaging pre-production solution to meet the needs of larger printers/converters for integrated proofing, automation, and other high-level workflow management tasks, combining streamlined user interaction with professional control. Further new packaging tools include :Alterno colour conversion for folding carton converters, seamless printing functionality, Dot4Dot and remote proofing. Versions, Languages and Upgrades. :ApogeeX 3.0 includes newer versions of the Adobe CPSI, Adobe PDF Trapper & IRT, Flattener, Normalizer 7 and the latest Enfocus PitStop Server. :ApogeeX 3.0 is available in 12 languages: English, Chinese (traditional and simplified), Dutch, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish. Technology Contract users may contact their local sales representatives to schedule the upgrade to :ApogeeX 3.0. :Apogee Series2/Series3. :ApogeeX users that do not have a Technology Contract should contact their local sales representative for applicable upgrade programmes to :ApogeeX 3.0. :ApogeeX 3.0 is available immediately.