Herzlia/Radebeul: KBA has taken over all development, marketing, production and service activities for the computer-to-press 74 Karat. Following the mutual termination of the joint-venture agreement signed by KBA and Scitex on January 1, 1998, Karat Digital Press GmbH, with its 130 staff, has become a KBA company. KBA has taken over all development, marketing, production and service activities for the computer-to-press 74 Karat. Only imaging technology and CTPress software is delivered from CreoScitex in Israel. The changes were triggered by a decision by Scitex and Creo (Canada) in spring last year to merge their pre-press and digital front-end activities, as a result of which Scitex re-aligned its operations. CreoScitex a Powerful Partner for Karat Under the terms of the new agreement, which came into force on May 1st, CreoScitex will provide imaging technology and CTPress software for the 74 Karat, and will also pursue the development of software for future applications and provide technical support for Karat Digital Press GmbH in Radebeul. The termination of the joint venture also severs the association between Karat Digital Press in Radebeul and its counterpart Karat Digital Press LP in Israel. Key staff involved with the press in Israel have become employees of CreoScitex´s operation there. Enhanced Customer Care For existing and prospective Karat users, these organisational changes will lead to much closer contacts with KBA and Karat Digital Press in Radebeul. KBA and Creo-Scitex, both major suppliers to the graphic arts industry, will guarantee the ongoing development and provision of imaging technology for the 74 Karat, including the relevant software and additional systems modules. KBA´s alliance with CreoScitex will also safeguard direct access to the widespread Brisque workflow system. Thirty-Plus 74 Karats in Action The 74 Karat went into serial production in May 2000, just before Drupa show in Düsseldorf, Germany. So far 45 units have been sold and more than 30 of these are on stream in Europe and North America. Users´ verdicts on the print quality, proof-matching integrity, cost efficiency and handling of this waterless offset press with keyless Gravuflow inking units and standardised process sequences have been overwhelmingly positive, especially with regard to digitally integrated, distributed print production and output via the World Wide Web. Interest is growing fast not only among traditional print entrepreneurs but also among pre-press providers looking to cross the print threshold.