Venlo, January 2008 - Océ has announced that it is partnering with the largest workflow vendor in the graphics arts industry to add powerful modular controllers to the Océ CS600 line of modular, digital color production systems. The resulting Océ CS650 Pro and Océ CS620 systems, featuring the new CREO Color Server, are designed to interface with existing workflows in the mailing and graphic arts industries. The systems are particularly suited to variable data printing and advanced color management.

A logical, powerful partnership

"We are proud to partner with the Print On-Demand Solutions (PODS) group, developers of CREO Color Servers. CREO Color Servers are the leading front end systems for the graphic arts and professional variable data markets for many years, with strong brand recognition in these markets", says Dirk Van Thillo, International Marketing Director Production Color Systems at Océ. "Océ has also long offered innovative solutions in these segments. Together we present a strong team in professional color production."

"The Océ CS600 family, introduced in 2006, has been a popular addition to the color market. With the CREO Color Server we increase the system's ability to interface with existing workflows and working methods of our key customers."

Increased workflow efficiency without risk

Because of CREO Color Servers' strong market penetration, Van Thillo says, the Océ CS620 and Océ CS650 Pro driven by CREO Color Server technology are logical replacements for older production systems in the graphic arts market. The systems can be integrated into popular graphic arts workflows, such as KODAK PRINERGY and KODAK BRISQUE, Workflow Management Systems through industry-standard Job Definition Format (JDF).

"The systems will fit smoothly into the work habits and standards currently in use," says Van Thillo. "This allows Océ customers to keep their existing workflow. The Océ CS620, and especially the Océ CS650 Pro, gives them the increased quality and productivity of the latest-generation electrophotographic device, while minimizing risk and shortening their learning curves. It complements existing offset systems, for short-run production and signature proofs."

Direct mail and data applications

The CREO Color Server makes the Océ CS650 Pro an appropriate mid-volume solution for variable data printing (VDP) applications, such as the production of graphic-intensive direct mail. The Océ CS650 Pro has a rated output speed of 65 images per minute plus input capacity of up to 7,500 sheets and output capacity of up to 8,400 sheets. This coupled with the fast RIP speed of the CREO Color Server and production-class integrated finishing options (including high capacity stacker or multi-folding unit) make it an efficient VDP solution.

Dependable performance in VDP

"The system maintains high RIP performance especially when processing VDP file formats," says Van Thillo. "It is also compatible with Personalized Print Markup Language (PPML) and Variable Print Specification (VPS), which is essential for mailing applications.

"We have run extensive performance tests on variable data files, created with Océ Document Designer Advanced. Our research indicates that the new controller substantially increases productivity for VDP applications. It can, therefore, serve the lower run length, high added-value application area of the market."

Part of the Océ color portfolio

The Océ CS650 Pro and Océ CS620 driven by a CREO Color Server are the newest additions to the Océ color production portfolio. This also includes:

- The Océ CS620 and CS650 Pro with EFI Fiery controller, which, along with Océ PRISMAprepare software provide strong document management solutions for corporate printrooms and digital printers

- The Océ CPS800/CPS900, a powerful color family that provides unparalleled color consistency and printing on structured media-for the highest quality applications and color results