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Exstream Software: Dialogue 4.0 Raises the Bar for Enterprise Personalization

Press release from the issuing company

August 6, 2003-- Exstream Software, Inc. announced today the general availability of version 4.0 of its award-winning Dialogue enterprise personalization software for high quality, fully personalized document creation. Dialogue v4.0 offers four new modules and a plethora of enhancements that give users greater flexibility and control when creating documents. The new modules include a Quark plug-in, which allows users to easily import Quark designs into Dialogue and make them variable; ODBC Access, for directly retrieving data and updating any ODBC data source; VIPP output driver for high quality output on Xerox high-speed, variable color printers; and IJPDS output driver for duplex, black and white and full color printing on Scitex Digital inkjet printers—a low cost way to produce high-volume color. Other key enhancements in Dialogue v4.0 include: Dynamic PDF Import—Especially important for fulfillment applications, allows PDF files to be dynamically included in output at run time. Simplified Document Assembly and Sorting—Makes it easier to specify the order in which documents are dynamically created and assembled for fulfillment applications. Extended Color Capabilities—Provides exact color matching through the use of color formulas and Pantone templates that can be re-used across applications. Color selection can also be adjusted to accommodate different printers, ensuring consistency no matter what delivery format is chosen. Smart Table Analyzer—Reviews table designs for common design errors and suggests improvements. Version 4.0 also includes support for serpentine rows, multiple table types and the ability to split or group table rows. Dialogue Exchange Format Converter—Allows users to create their own programs for converting existing designs, such as Quark and OGL, into a standard XML format (published by Exstream) that can be imported into Dialogue. Enhanced Campaign Management—Provides more control over timing and placement of targeted campaign messages on documents. Expanded Charting—Ability to create range bar charts, which is particularly useful in financial applications (e.g. can show a range of returns for different investments), as well as many other enhancements that provide more flexibility when creating charts of all types. Design Layers—Allows variable documents to be designed using multiple layers, which can be included or excluded for specific printers. Other significant enhancements in Dialogue v4.0 include greater control over inserters in the production process, ability to create bezier curves in designs, and several features that further simplify usability. “Dialogue v4.0 is a true example of Exstream's commitment to customer-driven development,” said Dan Kloiber, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Exstream Software. “Incorporating our customers' feedback and valuable insight into the development process allows Dialogue to continue to evolve as our customers' business demands do. This ensures they can continue to effectively respond to a dynamic marketplace and maintain a competitive advantage.”