Global Graphics and Oki Data Americas, which markets its products under the OKI Printing Solutions brand, announced at the 2006 Graph Expo in Chicago they will work together to develop solutions to address the low-end, digital press market. Global Graphics will combine its Harlequin RIP technology with the LED print engine technology from OKI Printing Solutions to develop the industry’s first entry-level Digital Press System. The system will be distributed worldwide through selected Global Graphics channel partners. According to Ralph Lloyd, vice president product marketing for Global Graphics, “The relationship between Oki Data Americas and Global Graphics is a win-win situation. It represents an opportunity for both companies to take advantage of the growth in the on-demand digital press market, particularly in the low-end segment. Small print shops worldwide (24,000 in the US alone) are looking for an entry-level digital press (30-40 ppm, sub $10,000) to handle small print jobs cost-effectively. Global Graphics chose Oki Data Americas as a partner because their existing product line offers the features, performance, and price point to address the current needs of the market and because of their commitment to developing future products for this market.” According to Rich Egert, general manager of Oki Data Americas’ Strategic Business Relationships Group, “Our charter is to expand the presence of Oki Data Americas’ proprietary print technology, including our award-winning Single Pass Color LED print technology into incremental, non-traditional market segments by aligning ourselves with strategic partners. We are pleased to partner with Global Graphics because of their Harlequin RIP dominance in this market, their knowledge of the industry, and because of the breadth and strength of their existing Graphic Arts distribution channel.”