ROCHESTER, N.Y., Dec. 10-With the most JDF certifications in the industry, an anticipated two additional certifications coming in 2007, followed by five more in 2008, and a series of JDF enabled products, Kodak is serious about JDF and open connectivity.
"Kodak's approach to workflow is based on making it easy for customers to integrate our solutions into their existing systems, creating their own unified workflow that drives all aspects of their operations," said Judi Hess, General Manager, Enterprise Solutions, Kodak's Graphic Communications Group; Managing Director, Kodak Canada; and Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. "Supporting industry standards such as JDF represents an important way of ensuring the openness of our products."
The International Cooperation for the Integration of the Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress (CIP4) organization and PIA/GATF administer the JDF Product Certification Program. The foundation of the JDF Product Certification Program is the Interoperability Conformance Specification (ICS) documents, created by CIP4 technical working groups. Each ISC document focuses on a specific interface between two types of graphic arts systems.
JDF certification confirms compatibility with other software products that conform to the same ICS. Kodak has earned three JDF product certifications to date.
Last month, KODAK PREPS Imposition Software received the first certification under JDF 1.3-LayCrImp (Layout Creator to Imposition), Base ICS Level 0. PREPS Software is compatible with more than 20 vendors of MIS, prepress, press and finishing systems such as Heidelberg, Agfa, Screen and Muller Martini. PREPS Software was first certified under JDF 1.2-LayCrImp, Base ICS Level 0.in September 2006 with KODAK PANDORA Software certified against the same ICS in September 2007.
In addition to PREPS and PANDORA Software, other KODAK Unified Workflow Solutions that utilize the JDF format include the KODAK PRINERGY Workflow System, KODAK PRINERGY CONNECT Workflow System, KODAK PRINERGY EVO Workflow System, KODAK NEXSTATION System Software, KODAK UPFRONT Production Planning Software, KODAK PRINERGY Business Link Software, and others.
"JDF certification validates our support of JDF standards and the importance we place on openness with our solutions," said Hess. "With 10 products slated to have achieved JDF certification over the next several months, we look forward to continuing our technology leadership around this important industry standard."
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.