ORLANDO, Fla., February 20, 2005 - NexPress Solutions, Inc., part of Kodak's Graphic Communications Group, is announcing the late February availability of the KODAK NEXGLOSSER glossing unit. The NEXGLOSSER operates in conjunction with a KODAK NEXPRESS 2100 digital production color press that is equipped with a fifth imaging unit to deliver the NEXPRESS intelligent glossing solution, a high-gloss coating applied to printed pieces for higher marketing impact. With the addition of the intelligent glossing solution, NexPress delivers new services of higher value for the photographic market and broadens the array of digital color applications produced on the NEXPRESS 2100 press that are especially suited for the photo services market, such as: -- Consumer-tailored, image-rich photo products, such as postcards, greeting cards, photo books and calendars. -- Products that add value to professional photographers' offerings, including memory books, sports cards, wedding print products, organization event books and yearbooks. -- Applications geared towards traditional commercial and wholesale/portrait labs, such as art books and portfolios. "Digital color printing technologies have evolved to provide businesses and consumers in a variety of markets new opportunities and options for their imaging needs," said Venkat Purushotham, president and CEO, NexPress Solutions, Inc. "The intelligent color, coating and glossing solutions are driving new applications in the photo market which help our photo services customers increase their revenue and profits. There is tremendous pent-up demand for the NEXGLOSSER and our customers are eagerly awaiting its availability." KODAK NEXPRESS fifth imaging unit solutions NEXPRESS Intelligent color, coating and glossing are three solutions enabled by the fifth imaging unit in the NEXPRESS 2100 press that allow imaging solutions providers to offer new application opportunities that expand the creative possibilities for achieving high impact results. -- The NEXPRESS intelligent glossing solution delivers a high-gloss coating to printed pieces for higher marketing impact. The glossing solution is a cost-effective and easy-to-use near-line offering that gives users enhanced image quality and productivity improvements. It features near-line NEXGLOSSER unit, which achieves higher gloss than UV-coating processes and produces a photographic look and feel to printed pieces. -- The NEXPRESS intelligent color solution allows customers to achieve a color range that is 80 percent richer than standard offset process printing. It significantly improves the reproduction of spot colors and enables unique special effects and watermarks. -- The NEXPRESS intelligent coating solution lets users add a flood or spot coating of the new KODAK NEXPRESS clear dry ink for greater image protection and greater productivity. It is designed to increase efficiency by reducing damage to images that can be caused by finishing and bulk-mailing equipment. This solution can also produce an authenticating watermark or communicate copyrights on proofs of portrait images.