BOULDER, CO, Mar. 11, 2003 -- IBM, a leading provider of continuous-form print solutions, today announced new software that converts Xerox LCDS and metacode applications to be output in IBM's open platform and device-independent AFP datastream. Converting to Advanced Function Presentation (AFP) will enable output to take advantage of the benefits of IBM's resilient AFP architecture, while maintaining a z/OS print environment. Ideal for organizations that would like to expand their portfolio of printers beyond a single vendor's printer offerings, Infoprint XT Extender for z/OS facilitates migration to cut-sheet or high-speed continuous-forms printers utilizing IBM's AFP architecture, the most commonly used print language for data centers. Infoprint XT eliminates the need to invest scarce resources in changing or creating new applications, allowing businesses to invest their resources in more strategic areas. "Standardizing on a single, open application datastream is key to success. This will allow companies the flexibility to run applications and create output in a multi-vendor environment with ease, as well as respond quickly to output needs," said George Promis, production print segment executive, IBM Printing Systems. "As a result, utilizing both AFP, the industry de facto standard for high-speed production printing, and IBM's Consulting Services, can help lower the overall cost of ownership for print." Competing in an e-Business Environment A growing number of businesses are moving from traditional print to electronic distribution, and are looking for flexible ways to handle a variety of data formats and incorporate printers and output management solutions from multiple vendors. Using Infoprint XT to create an AFP environment will allow organizations to integrate tightly with IBM's DB2 Content Manager On Demand so that documents can be archived and retrieved when needed. Pricing and Availability Infoprint XT Extender for z/OS will be available worldwide beginning March 28, 2003. Prices will be based on a monthly license charge (MLC) and will include a standard IBM Software Support contract.