GRAPH EXPO 2003 CHICAGO--Sept. 29, 2003-- Mounting time and cost pressures, customers in distant geographic locations, and a growing number of people involved in projects have led graphic arts professionals to the efficiency and savings offered by digital solutions. Kodak Polychrome Graphics (KPG) devotes the majority of its exhibit at Graph Expo, booth 4030, to educating attendees about a new digital technology, monitor proofing, which helps meet these challenges. Technology demonstrations of the GATF InterTech Technology Award-winning and SWOP (Specifications for Web Offset Publications)-certified Kodak Polychrome Graphics Matchprint Virtual Proofing System will be featured, along with testimonials from end users. KPG is featuring the Matchprint Virtual Proofing System at two other major trade shows, IGAS in Japan (September 22-28) and Ifra in Europe (October 13-16). "The advancements in monitor proofing provide customers with greater levels of performance and speed that can only be delivered through a truly complete digital workflow," said Rob Pipe, Business Director, Matchprint Virtual Proofing System, KPG. "The Kodak Polychrome Graphics Matchprint Virtual Proofing System combines the workflow advantages of soft and remote proofing with the color accuracy and communication advantages of hard-copy proofs." The benefits of KPG's monitor proofing system begin well before the contract-proofing phase. By enabling online viewing of the many rounds of proofing that occur before a file is approved for print, Matchprint Virtual Proofing System speeds up the approval process and fosters stronger collaboration between everyone involved in the production process. Monitor proofing can be used for content, imposition and color-critical proofing, predicting press results, checking for file integrity, routing jobs for all levels of approval and communicating print expectations. The Matchprint Virtual Proofing System consists of high-end, customized CRT monitors, proprietary color management technologies and a suite of Web-based image viewing and collaboration tools from RealTime Image. Designed to provide the convenience and ease of use that graphics arts professionals have come to expect from digital technology, Matchprint Virtual Proofing System uses an application service provider model that allows users to access files through their standard Web browsers. Proofs can be viewed and managed entirely online, including the ability to make annotations and mark-ups similar to hard-copy proofs. "With the Matchprint Virtual Proofing System, clients and McCann-Erickson professionals around the country and the world can now view files on line in real time at any step in the production process they choose," said Brad Mintz, Senior Vice President of Graphic Services, McCann-Erickson. "We have used Matchprint Virtual at some point in the production of many jobs we've done since installing the system last summer and the results have been outstanding. We're saving time, improving overall efficiencies and strengthening relationships with all of our constituents."