New version of JDF, workflow automation standard Zurich, Switzerland (May 06, 2002) - The International Cooperation for the Integration of Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress (CIP4) today announced the public release of version 1.1 of CIP4’s Job Definition Format (JDF) Specification. The new version of the specification includes provision for variable data print needs. The organization, writing, and graphics have also been greatly enhanced. Additional areas of modification include: color workflow, eCommerce, finishing, and device capability description. The new specification can be freely downloaded from www.cip4.org. The specification was enhanced in cooperation with industry groups including CGATS, ICC, IDEAlliance, IFRA, PODi, PrintTalk, and UP3i. An updated schema will follow in several weeks, followed closely by an update of the JDF API. "With JDF Release 1.1, CIP4 has developed a backwards compatible extension of JDF that incorporates feedback from real world implementation experience and that will serve as the foundation for end to end workflow solutions in the graphic arts industry." said Dr. Rainer Prosi, Technical Officer of CIP4. About the Job Definition Format JDF is an upcoming industry standard designed to simplify information exchange between different applications and systems in and around the Graphic Arts industry. To that end JDF builds on and extends beyond pre-existing partial solutions, such as CIP3's Print Production Format (PPF) and Adobe Systems' Portable Job Ticket Format (PJTF). It also enables the integration of commercial and planning applications into the technical workflow. JDF joins the growing number of standards based on XML, ensuring maximum possible portability between different platforms and ready interaction with Internet-based systems. More information is available at www.cip4.org. About CIP4 CIP4 brings together vendors, consultants and end-users in the print communications, Graphic Arts industry and associated sectors, covering a variety of equipment, software, peripherals, and processes. Members participate in focused working groups to define future versions of JDF, to study user requirements, and to design the JDF SDK. Information on CIP4, including membership details, is available from the organization's web site: www.cip4.org. Or contact: Stefan Daun, Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics, +49 6151 155 575, [email protected]