Toronto, ON – Crawford Technologies has announced the launch of the world’s first software able to automatically convert files into PDF/UA, or accessible PDF. This new solution is the first available software of its kind, allowing organizations across the globe to more easily communicate with their visually-impaired customers.

The new software, entitled ‘PRO Transform Plus for PDF/UA’, is available as a licensed software product available on Windows, Linux, Solaris, AIX and z/OS systems, or as a conversion service provided by Crawford Technologies’ growing Document Accessibility Services (DAS) division, which also offers conversion of transactional print files into Braille, large print, e-text and audio files.

Other PDF/UA creation tools in the market require time consuming and labor-intensive manual tagging of PDF files. PRO Transform Plus for PDF/UA can automatically create PDF/UA files from normal PDF files as well as print files such as AFP, PCL, PostScript and Xerox LCDS/Metacode, saving organizations a lot of time and costs.

“Our market-leading technology for converting files to PDF and PDF/A combined with our five years of experience creating accessible documents have combined to create a major advance for the customer communications marketplace,” said Ernie Crawford, President of Crawford Technologies.

PDF/UA is the new universally-accepted term for accessible PDFs, created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Crawford Technologies worked alongside Microsoft, Adobe, Appligent and other forward-thinking organizations to perfect this new standard and was the only committee member on board to represent the unique needs of the transactional document industry. In the past, there were guidelines on creating accessible PDFs, but no universally-accepted formats until now.

“We are extremely proud to be on the cutting edge of technology and the first vendor to offer this unique software to organizations across the globe,” said Dave Hook, Vice President of Product Management for Crawford Technologies.

“Not only does this allow organizations to more easily communicate with their visually-impaired customers, but it ensures that they comply with government legislation and avoid costly and damaging litigation.”

CrawfordTech’s team members will be demonstrating PRO Transform Plus for PDF/UA at the Xplor International User Conference & Vendor Forum in St. Pete Beach, Florida from April 16-18, 2013. Crawford Technologies is a Platinum Sponsor of Xplor and will be located at booth #29.

For more information about the upcoming Xplor International User and Conference & Vendor Forum, visit their website.