NEWTON, MA, -- November 4, 2002 -- Responding to industry demand to standardize end-to-end job ticket specifications, Shira Computers Ltd, and Vio Worldwide Ltd, today announce the availability of a Job Definition Format (JDF) based workflow solution between their products to streamline the print production process. The jointly developed Shira and Vio solution incorporates technologies and recommendations set forth by the CIP4 Consortium (International Cooperation for the Integration of Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress). "JDF allows printing professionals to further streamline the production process," said Gaby Mizrahie, vice president of research & development at Shira. "People have been working in proprietary environments for too long and the desire for an open format is strong. We are pleased to bring a JDF based product to the marketplace and to provide immediate workflow improvements in the automation to print by integrating with Vio." The implementation is XML-based and encompasses all parameters of the file from creation to press. The power of Shira and Vio combine to bring a new dimension in streamlining the information exchange between different applications and systems. Shira's new Xpressi(tm) solution will allow users to automatically create, process and deliver ready for print files, with JDF instructions to denote where the files are destined to go and the print parameters required. The Shira and Vio JDF joint development truly automates the workflow process delivering all pertinent job parameters while maintaining the integrity of the file information to the print destination. Shira Xpressi allows users to seamlessly incorporate JDF in all jobs. Vio provides a comprehensive job delivery solution by extracting the JDF formatted print parameters and print destination, adding log information to the JDF file, and then efficiently delivering to the selected destination. "Through the use of JDF, Xpressi will be open to communicate with other systems seamlessly, and this is one of the first examples of such a possibility", concludes Gaby Mizrahie. " Vio is fully behind the JDF standard, and use this as the main integration to third party products, such as Xpressi. We are delighted to work with Shira to provide a solution from creation to print, which enables all parties in the process to get the information and files they require, when they require them, in a seamlessly and automated way, with full visibility and tracking," comments Jonathan Cape, President, Vio Inc. Highlights: - Allows users to automate a job from creation to press; - Provides all parameters of the job to be held in a standard digital format; - Improves the quality of the final job with consistency of information throughout; - Provides a solution that is compliant with any other JDF solution in the process; - Improves accuracy of results; - Reduces time to market through process efficiency; - Improves the return on investment in Shira or Vio, as open systems. Availability: The Shira and Vio developed JDF solution is currently available. About Shira: Shira Computers Ltd is a creator of automated preprint production and workflow management solutions for the worldwide prepress, printing and publishing markets. It develops and provides digital preprint workflow solutions that include support for native PDF workflows. Shira's scalable and vendor-independent solutions are designed to automate the prepress production process for prepress, printing and publishing firms. Shira's workflow management solutions include Shira's automated end-to-end solution, Xpressi, and Shira classic modular solutions including ShiraRIP, Shira CEPStoPS, Shira Trapping, Shira MediaSaver, Shira UCR/GCR, and others. Shira was founded in 1987 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vyyo Inc., (Nasdaq: VYYO), a global supplier of broadband fixed wireless systems. Visit Shira at www.shira.com, or call us at 888-340-0620.