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IPA Joins Ghent PDF Workgroup

Press release from the issuing company

Ghent, Belgium – May 29, 2003 - The Ghent PDF Workgroup continues to expand and gain momentum, announcing its newest member, IPA, The Association of Graphic Solutions Providers (formerly known as the International Prepress Association), founding member Enfocus Software announced today. The Ghent PDF Workgroup, whose mission is to establish file-exchange specifications for digital workflows, also recently added members from Denmark, appointed a new chairwoman, Saskia Desmet, and launched a new Web site resource. The Workgroup, which now includes graphic arts association members from five European countries (Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Switzerland and Denmark) and the United States, met in April to continue developing new file exchange specifications and further its agenda for 2003. New Members from U.S. and Europe The Workgroup welcomed three new members: IPA from the United States; DRRB, Denmark’s Association for Advertising and Communications Agencies; and DDPFF, the Joint Purchasing Association of Danish Newspapers. This brings the membership total to 11 industry organizations, representing a large number of the advertisers, media agencies and graphic arts association members in the participating countries. IPA President Steve Bonoff says the move to join the Workgroup reflects IPA’s commitment to supporting organizations with which it shares complementary missions. “IPA is committed to supporting technology and management innovations that will keep our members in the forefront of the graphic communication industry. Joining the Ghent PDF Workgroup brings exponential benefit to our members and the industry at large,” Bonoff says. IPA Operational TEAM Consultant Leader and noted PDF and color technology expert David Zwang says, “After attending several Ghent PDF Workgroup meetings as an observer, it became clear that IPA would both benefit by, and contribute to, the Workgroup’s efforts. We look forward to working with the Ghent PDF Workgroup to bring PDF/X Plus specifications to enhance digital file exchange globally.” New Chairwoman, Saskia Desmet During the meeting, Workgroup members voted to name Saskia Desmet as chairwoman. Mrs. Desmet, currently International Sales Account Manager for Enfocus Software, has been the communications officer of the Ghent PDF Workgroup since its inception almost one year ago. She replaces founding Workgroup chairman and former Enfocus CEO Peter Camps, who resigned in March to pursue other interests. “I am pleased to be given this opportunity to lead the Workgroup into its next phase of growth,” said Desmet. “In less than one year we have moved much closer to our founding vision: to develop and make available on an international basis a set of PDF-based file exchange specifications for the publishing industry. With an expanding membership, a continuously evolving specification set, and increased acceptance of the benefits of standardized workflows, it’s clear that our goal of helping the industry save time and money is being accomplished.” she added. New Online Resource: www.GhentPDFWorkgroup.org The Workgroup has announced the launch of its new on-line resource at www.ghentpdfworkgroup.com. The site currently provides a complete set of approved specifications and associated documentation. Plans call for more information to be added, including downloadable versions of all new specifications, news, brochures, meeting details, and more. New PDF Specifications The Workgroup also took steps to consider specifications and practices for other important market segments and technology solutions. A subcommittee was formed to begin developing file exchange specifications for the packaging industry. Additional groups have been set up to explore color management, job ticketing, and Adobe Acrobat 6/QuarkXPress 6 applications in standardized PDF workflows. These initiatives are in addition to the well-established settings the Workgroup already has in place for commercial web and sheetfed printing, magazines and newspapers. Next Meeting The next meeting of the Ghent PDF Workgroup is scheduled for June 10, the day before the start of the Seybold Seminars Amsterdam 2003 PDF Summit. In addition to European members, it is expected that many participants from North America will also attend this meeting.