OAKDALE, Minn.--July 31, 2001--Imation Corp.'s Matchprint(TM) Professional Server has received the prestigious Graphic Arts Technical Foundation GATF InterTech Technology Award(TM), announced this week in Pittsburgh. The award, one of nine given this year, honors innovative excellence for advancedtechnologies in the graphic arts and stands as a prediction that the recipient technology will have a major impact on industry production and profitability. The Imation Matchprint Professional Server is a Digital Front End (DFE), or hardware raster image processor (RIP), that leverages Imation's color technology to produce fast, accurate and consistent output from creative through production. Combined with the Xerox DocuColor® 12 color printer/copier and Imation Matchprint Co-Branded Xerox Color Laser Proofing Papers, the Matchprint Professional Server produces color that simulates Imation's industry standard Matchprint Color Proofing Systems. The system with the Xerox DocuColor 12 is the only printer/copier to be granted SWOP certification, highlighting its ability to consistently help creative professionals output proofs based on print production industry standards. "Imation is proud of this recognition from GATF,'' said Barbara Cederberg, president of Imation's Color Technologies business unit. "The Matchprint Professional Server is an example of how Imation is rapidly turning its proprietary color management technologies into innovative digital proofing systems. Working with our partners, we are integrating this technology into our full line of Matchprint products, empowering our customers to produce accurate, consistent proofs at every stage of their production workflow - from concept to final output.'' For the Matchprint Professional Server, Imation has adapted a number of its core technologies designed to drive accurate color output on multiple devices. The server embeds Imation's proprietary Color Fidelity Module - a smart color management module that analyzes ICC source and destination profiles for precise color target simulations. Imation's CFM is the only available technology that preserves the black channel throughout the entire color management process. Also, using Imation's proprietary spectral profiling technology embedded simulations of specific graphic arts targets, including Matchprint proofing - are incomparably accurate. Further, Imation's proprietary color locking technology allows accurate device calibration and linearization that captures and processes hue, chroma and density color impact. Under agreement with Pantone Inc., the Matchprint Professional Server can provide optimum simulation of spot colors. "I expect the Imation Matchprint Professional Server to help my staff improve productivity through tighter integration with proofing systems further down the line in the ad production process,'' said Brad Mintz, vice president and manager of Graphic Services for McCann -Erickson New York. "The new system should speed up our production time by giving us more accurate color the first time we output a file.'' Powered by an 800 MHz processor, The Windows NT-based Imation Matchprint Professional Server is designed for printing over the network, allowing flexibility, automation and productivity in the graphic arts workflow. Using Adobe PostScript® 3, the Server supports three-dimensional images and smooth gradients. The Server's revolutionary workflow automation allows content creators to achieve faster turnaround and more efficient project management. Custom spool files free the user from intricate menus, and options can be set for common workflows, paper stocks and specific color simulation processes and can be scripted for added functionality. The Server is able to spool, RIP and print files simultaneously, saving the user time and increasing productivity. Debbie Ellering, production manager for Richard Scales Advertising in St. Paul, Minn. commented, "We had the privilege of being part of the alpha testing as well as a beta site for the Matchprint Professional Server and Xerox DocuColor 12 system and were able to offer input on the development of the product. From the beginning, we felt that Imation was listening to customer needs and was focused on providing solutions that would help our business.'' InterTech Technology Award recipients are chosen by an anonymous judging committee comprised of industry experts and users who are independent of GATF. This award has attracted hundreds of entries industry-wide in its 23-year history and tends to reflect significant trends in the industry. According to GATF, of the prior award recipients, 80 percent have proven commercially successful in the marketplace.