DUXBURY, MA -- October 17, 2001 -- Heidelberg USA today announced an agreement with Print Tec Network to include digital sales and marketing training in with sales of its Digimaster 9110 black and white digital printer. The deal calls for Heidelberg Digimaster customers to receive 6 months' access to Print Tec University, a web-based series of training courses which appear as PowerPoint presentations complete with full audio from Print Tec's president, Bill Farquharson. Print Tec s training is expected to be available to all Digimaster 9110 users, including purchases made prior to the announcement. "Digital sales and marketing assistance is the first thing customers ask for once any digital equipment has arrived," says Eric Frank, vice president for Heidelberg Digital. "Access to Print Tec University training will give our customers a head start in their efforts to successfully and profitably enter the world of digital printing." Heidelberg's customers will be given a password, allowing them to take courses such as "How to sell digital printing" and "Marketing your 9110." Each course is 20-25 minutes long and is designed to allow someone to get additional information on specific topics of interest, such as how to create the print-ready files.   "Heidelberg has a long history of providing top quality, relevant assistance to its customers," says Bill Farquharson, Print Tec Network's president. "We have attempted to create a training curriculum which not only lives up to their high standards but also breaks new ground in the world of distance learning."   Distance Learning is just that, learning via electronic means without having to physically travel. Historically inspired by Video Conferencing tools, Distance Learning is now becoming backboned by the Internet. The advantages are that students can access the courses 24/7, work at their own pace, and by eliminating travel, courses are very affordable (Between $29 and $79 per course at PTU). And for new employees, training can be immediate and consistent.   "Distance Learning represents the future of training in all industries," noted Farquharson. "With budgets being scrutinized more than ever, printers and their staff need effective training and education options that don't include expensive and time-consuming travel. Print Tec Network is leading the way by offering top quality training in an economical and convenient format."   About Print Tec Network... Bill Farquharson founded Print Tec Network in 1993 and is regarded as the foremost source of digital print sales training and marketing information. Based in Duxbury, Massachusetts, Print Tec Network offers customized training solutions to commercial printers and quick printers throughout the United States, Canada and Australia.   About Heidelberg, USA... Heidelberg USA Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG and is the largest regional office of the company. With 25,000 employees in over 170 countries, Heidelberg is the world market leader in printing and publishing solutions. Heidelberg has grown from a conventional press manufacturer to a solution vendor for the graphics industry covering the entire spectrum from prepress and press to postpress. Heidelberg also develops and manufacturers black and white digital printing engines and high-performance copiers. For more information visit our website at www.us.heidelberg.com.