Editions   North America | Europe | Magazine

WhatTheyThink

IKON PowerPRESS Streamlines Document Workflows

Press release from the issuing company

VALLEY FORGE, Pa.--April 7, 2003-- IKON Office Solutions, Inc. and T/R Systems, Inc. today announced availability of the IKON PowerPRESS(TM) universal server, an exclusive front-end system that streamlines document workflows through a broad array of digital pre-press and make-ready tools targeted to production print providers, large corporate workgroups and paper intensive production spaces. The IKON PowerPRESS, powered by T/R Systems, offers a dual monitor configuration allowing users to concurrently interact with multiple production-level software applications and print to up to 12 devices, maximizing document management and production efficiencies in high-volume environments. "Development of the IKON PowerPRESS was the logical next step for front-end systems because it integrates seamlessly with existing and emerging digital technologies in virtually any print environment," said Cathy Lewis, Senior Vice President of Marketing, IKON Office Solutions. "It blends IKON's experience and expertise in the production space with T/R Systems' innovation in the universal server market to meet the demand for greater document workflow efficiency." Available in three scalable configurations, IKON PowerPRESS can drive up to 12 devices from IKON's best-in-class lineup of copiers/printers from manufacturers such as Canon and Ricoh. The server can also connect and control virtual print clusters of up to eight engines. New and exclusive features of the IKON PowerPRESS include a dual monitor configuration - with an expanded viewable work area - that allows operator interaction with multiple applications simultaneously via a single keyboard and mouse. In addition, the system can transform documents stored in proprietary digital production data streams-such as Xerox's VIPP (Variable Data Intelligent PostScript PrintWare) for DigiPath and DocuJob--to universal formats, thus creating a truly open architecture solution. With the addition of VIPP support, VIPP data streams can be converted to PostScript, PDF or PCL formats for output on any supported print device or for integration into other applications. In addition, the universal server's extended storage capabilities (via Westbrook Technologies) offer up to 480 GB of digital file archival and retrieval. "We are very excited about the evolution of the MicroPRESS," said Mike Kohlsdorf, President and CEO, T/R Systems. "The progression of this product into the IKON PowerPress is a tremendous step in the direction of meeting the needs of a larger portion of the print-on-demand market." Leveraging the latest in platform and operating system technology, IKON PowerPRESS offers productivity features designed to optimize throughput, minimize downtime and ensure job completion. To help maximize every investment in this exclusive technology, highly trained analysts from IKON's Professional Services team are available to design and implement customized solutions that streamline document workflow and drive greater efficiency. IKON PowerPRESS offers a comprehensive range of features, functions and options, including imposition and booklet creation; forms creation and mail merging; automatic error recovery; hardcopy scanning and data conversion; job splitting; remote job management; ICC profiling; soft proofing; and press simulations. "As print providers seek greater flexibility over traditional offset presses and corporations move forward with digital technology, IKON PowerPRESS responds to their growing demands with both ease of use, open architecture systems and scalability," continued Ms. Lewis. Available immediately, IKON PowerPRESS in three configurations is base priced respectively at $9,995, $13,450 and $40,000.