Gent (Belgium) – September 4th, 2003 - Esko-Graphics announces version upgrades to a number of its Packaging Applications Software, widely used by designers, prepress shops and converters. Upgrades include PackEdge 3.0, Esko-Graphics’ complete packaging workflow solution and Plato 2.0, the plate layout/Step & Repeat solution for packaging and labels. In addition, Esko-Graphics introduced new software packages for those who wish to augment their workflow capabilities. These include BackStageEdit and PlatoEdit. Both are client/server versions of respectively PackEdge and Plato carrying an identical set of features, but with an optimized link to BackStage, the workflow server. With these releases, Esko-Graphics brings a workflow solution to the market with an unmatched total cost of ownership. Many of the upgrades introduced by Esko-Graphics support current industry standards. For example, both PackEdge and Plato boast PDF 1.4 input, maintaining transparency using CertIn, the Adobe Certified technology. Both packages also provide native image support, with direct links to PhotoShop (PSD), TIFF and EPS image files without file conversion. The extended CAD integration with direct support for ArtiosCAD native, DXF and CFF2 files, leads to highly automated Step and Repeat workflows and tools for 3-D modeling of packaging designs. Both Plato and PackEdge contain updated SmartMarks technology – print production controls such as color bars, sheet corner marks, center marks and trim marks which are automatically adjusted to changes in the job. SmartNames allows the production software to link to a database through the use of SQL queries. Both released products now integrate OutRight2, an updated output module that, beyond driving most imagesetters, platesetters and proofers, generates PS/PDF/PDF for Illustrator/EPS/DCS at the highest speed, maintaining the highest level of quality and editability, along with additional file compression schemes. Other specific new features of PackEdge 3.0 include: - Seamless connection to BackStage - Integration of the new generation of trapping technology called ColorStitch, which includes pre-defined trapping tickets, ensuring exceptional speed and quality. - A new, optional ShrinkSleeve module that can render the result in 3D with instant feedback, transforming a “trial and horror” process to a more pure productive, error reducing and cost saving activity. Plato 2.0 features a number of significant improvements, including: - Varnish support; varnish blankets that are defined in an ArtiosCAD file can be extracted from within Plato 2.0. - Optional Folding Carton Step & Repeat automation - Optional SmartLayout for optimized print sheet filling - Export capability of instructions to Polar cutters - QuickStep “on board”. By embedding QuickStep inside Plato, operators can work in “QuickStep mode” and/or “Plato mode”. This offers the best possible upgrade path for QuickStep users with regards to support of legacy data as well as learning curve. BackStageEdit and PlatoEdit are designed as ”thin” clients connected to Esko-Graphics’ centralized workflow solution BackStage. BackStageEdit carries all the features of PackEdge except input and output. PlatoEdit is the server based equivalent of Plato. “Esko-Graphics has spent a good deal of time listening to our customers and providing additional functionality for our workflow systems with a clear focus towards the customers’ current and future pain points: Industry compatibility and Cost of Ownership. We have provided stronger input and output file compatibility - taking full benefit of our partnership with Adobe -, further integrated our Cad and Graphics products and technologies, created a seamless integration with Adobe Illustrator 10 and Adobe PhotoShop, introduced our next generation of unsurpassed trapping technology and much more,” explains Frank Adegeest, Esko-Graphics Senior Product Manager, Packaging Applications Software. “For our future developments, we are driven by the constant quest for new opportunities to optimize the entire Packaging Supply Chain”.