ROCHESTER, N.Y., Mar. 13-Students at Ball State University now can apply the concepts of variable data printing (VDP) that they learn in the classroom to develop actual applications on the computer using KODAK DARWIN Pro Software. Kodak donated 55 licenses of DARWIN Pro Software for use with ADOBE INDESIGN CS3 Software to the school's graphic arts management program.

"The state of the art capabilities of this product provide Ball State University's graphic communication students with an opportunity to grasp the full potential of digital printing technology," said Hans P. Kellogg, Assistant Professor of Graphic Arts, Graphic Arts Management, Department of Technology, Ball State University. "While we learn about VDP during class, students' enthusiasm spikes when they work with the software. This donation by Kodak allows our program to flourish and gives students an edge in today's digital work environment."

Using DARWIN Pro Software, participants in Kellogg's courses will produce a number of VDP applications. For example, students will conceptualize, develop and design VDP campaigns that promote Ball State University's graphic communications program.

Larry Lengacher, Vice President of Fort Wayne's Craftline Printing and an alumnus of Ball State University, helped facilitate the donation of DARWIN Pro Software to further prepare students for careers in graphic communications. Craftline Printing is the parent company of C-Point Marketing, creator of the CyclePoint System. CyclePoint is a groundbreaking package of services that allows marketers to quantify and measure the value of their advertising campaigns in ways offered by no other company. By means of user friendly "dashboards," marketers can track real time responses, not just from personal URLs, but also from business reply mail, phone calls, newspaper inserts and more, allowing them to quickly report ROI data for each campaign. C-Point Marketing uses KODAK NEXPRESS S3000 Digital Production Color Presses to produce CyclePoint compatible printed marketing materials. In conjunction with and complementary to C-Point, Craftline uses the KODAK PRINERGY Workflow System, web-to-print solutions and DARWIN Software. (For more about CyclePoint, please visit www.c-point-mktg.com.)

"Effective, eye-catching one to one communications represent a key application for digital printing during the coming years," said Lengacher. "By providing information about the benefits of VDP-from increased response rates for marketers to new business opportunities for printers-with hands on experience in creating these types of documents, Ball State University provides students with a unique set of knowledge and skills in this important growth segment of the graphic communications market."     

The KODAK DARWIN VI Authoring Tool is a well established VDP application, designed for Mac and Windows users. The DARWIN VI Authoring Tool allows users to easily design, author, and manage full-color variable information (VI) documents in which all elements-text, graphics, charts, colors, layouts, backgrounds, barcodes, charts and even entire pages-are dynamic. Available for QuarkXPress and ADOBE InDesign users, the software efficiently handles large databases, allowing users to create extensive personalized marketing and promotional campaigns for increased ROI.

DARWIN Pro Software is the professional configuration of the DARWIN VI Authoring Tool. DARWIN Pro Software supports DDG and increased automation. DDG extends the range of variable information elements that can integrate into a document such as data-rich diagrams, charts and bars. It is a production solution capable of handling large databases and creating complex campaigns comprised of many variable elements, without the need for scripting or programming. The Windows edition of DARWIN Software supports personalized images as well as Personalized URLs (PURLs).

KODAK Products are backed by KODAK Service and Support. KODAK Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. It is a leading multi-vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for the commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging and data storage industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.