Creo Announces Workflow Innovations Including JDF Support
Press release from the issuing company
BOSTON -- February 11, 2003 -- Creo is pleased to offer increased productivity improvements with new versions of prepress workflow management systems. Creo workflow systems are implementing open standards as they integrate with Networked Graphic Production, the Creo initiative that is streamlining print production cycles and improving visibility into prepress for efficiency.
Creo is launching the latest version of the Prinergy(r) workflow management system with more than 60 new features and a new Creo-developed trapping technology. Many enhancements have also been made to the other Creo workflow products.
New Prinergy 2.1 Launched...
One of the most productive changes in Prinergy, the leading PDF prepress workflow, allows existing Prinergy workflow customers to download and install version 2.1 from the Creo eCentral(tm) Internet services. Ongoing upgrades or patches will also be available through direct Internet delivery, adding convenience for the busy shop.
The Prinergy workflow continues to be an integral component of Networked Graphic Production, the Creo initiative that uses open standards to help make print production data and back office information more visible with the goal of increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Prinergy 2.1 supports PDF/X-1a with a process plan that allows all imported files to be refined according to the specifications.
This new Prinergy version also accepts and processes JDF imposition data from Preps(r) software, the industry's leading page imposition software for offset printing. JDF imposition data incorporates customer information and data from postpress systems such as folding and cutting. This data can be exchanged from Preps into a Networked Graphic Production environment, increasing the printer's visibility into prepress operations.
Prinergy 2.1 is also now available in Spanish, French and Japanese language versions, in addition to the existing English and German-language versions.
New Trapping Technology...
Creo announces a powerful new technology for the Prinergy 2.1 workflow that replaces the existing trapping module. This Creo-developed trapper is easier to use and is completely compatible with existing Prinergy workflows. It is already running at customer facilities.
A new technology demonstration delivers spot color performance without using spot color inks. The Spotless(tm) solution comprises Staccato(r) screening for fidelity and continuous tone performance, consultant services, and the six-color workflow of the new version of the Prinergy workflow management system.
New Brisque Launch and Workflow Enhancement...
Development continues on the world's most installed prepress workflow, Brisque(tm) workflow, and the latest version, Brisque 4.05, improves functionality, productivity and flexibility. Operating on the IBM(r) AIX 4.3.3 system, the industry-leading RIP-Once, Output Many workflow system includes new features for color matching, automatic picture replacement, impositioning, versioning, and packaging. Version 4.05 supports all Creo computer-to-plate (CTP) and computer-to-film (CTF) devices, including all Trendsetter(r) 4-up, 8-up, and VLF V-speed CTP devices, as well as the Lotem(tm) CTP and Dolev(r) CTF systems.
The Brisque 4.1 workflow will support the new Veris(tm) proofer and Integris(tm) proofing solutions and begins operating at customer sites this month. Additional features include a new normalizer, PDF transparency flattening, ICC profile support for halftone proofers, and the new JoBit application for translating 1-bit TIFFs to Job.
New PS/M 7.1 Released...
Creo is releasing version 7.1 of the PS/M workflow, the most popular Macintosh(r)-based digital front end for RIPing and trapping with Dolev imagesetters and Lotem(tm) platesetters. The new version of this powerful workflow solution features enhanced connectivity to the Lotem(tm) 400 platesetter with more automation than the previous version and automatic mounting of the data volume on the Lotem Expose station, when working in a distributed workflow.
PS/M version 7.1 features a full suite of plug-ins and extenders for DTP applications and Adobe(r) Acrobat(r) to enhance creativity and productivity. Developed with an intuitive user interface and intended for use with filmsetters and small-format platesetters, the PS/M workflow RIPs PostScript, PDF, and PDF/X1a files to CT/LW raster files in a RIP-once workflow. The new version also offers an optional PDF2Go software module to generate a trapped, RIPed Job into a PDF and PDF/X for electronic distribution and print production.
More than 5,000 users enjoy the prepress tools of the PS/M workflow. For maximum flexibility and productivity, the PS/M workflow can be installed on as many computers as needed. Individual workstations can be dedicated to specific tasks, from interfacing with a DTP workstation to RIPing, trapping and exposing.
New PressTouch Version Released...
PS/M and Brisque workflows also feature version 1.2 of the PressTouch(tm) application. This new version runs native on Macintosh(r) OS X and combines Full Auto Frame trapping and Remake tools. It includes enhanced viewing and editing, page assembly tools and fully interactive trapping. With a flexible user interface, the PressTouch application enables users to view, edit and trap PS/M and Brisque pages, and CT/LW files.
The PS/M workflow now joins the Brisque and Prinergy workflow systems in implementing Networked Graphic Production, the initiative that is streamlining the print production system, shortening cycle times and minimizing errors on press. PS/M workflow users can take advantage of several efficiency tools that form the building blocks of Networked Graphic Production, such as Synapse(r) Prepare software, which creates print-ready PDF files with a single mouse-click. The Synapse(r) InSite Internet portal into prepress can also now be used with PS/M workflow jobs that are archived on a Unix(r) or Windows NT(r) server. This solution lets print buyers submit jobs, track status, collaborate, proof and approve -- all remotely through the Internet.
New Synapse InSite Version Released...
Creo has released version 3.5 of the Synapse InSite Internet portal into prepress for print buyers and printers with Creo workflow systems. This new version provides a web-based workflow that allows print buyers to upload files and have them automatically processed and available for proofing and review. The Synapse InSite approval workflow simplifies the process of having multiple stakeholders review and approve content. Job Notes, another new feature, allows notations about the job to be attached and viewed by print buyers and production staff. The latest version of the Synapse InSite Internet portal is also available in multiple languages.