CHICAGO, Oct. 15—Kodak delivers customers new services and higher value with flexible and modular enhancements to the KODAK NEXPRESS 2100 and KODAK NEXPRESS 2500 digital production color presses. These enrichments improve performance, and add applications and configurations for print providers. The new NEXPRESS 2100 and 2500 press enhancements include workflow tools and solutions, as well as new hardware capabilities: • Building on the power of a KODAK Unified Workflow solution, expanded capabilities of the KODAK NEXSTATION digital front end software deliver greater automation for customer applications. • The launch of the NEXPRESS System 8.5 software provides new and existing customers several workflow enhancements. New System 8.5 software delivers greater connectivity to KODAK PRINERGY workflow systems through expanded Job Definition Format (JDF) capabilities. Expanded ability is provided to set up and modify print job specifications in ADOBE ACROBAT PDF format using KODAK SMARTBOARD document mastering software. Both enhancements allow more production time on the NEXPRESS press by moving prepress and job specification activities off the press, with greater flexibility, based on the needs of an individual job. New KODAK STACCATO DX screening technology provides higher quality for image rich content with multi-bit frequency modulation (FM) capabilities. With new functionality in System 8.5, customers will also benefit from the ability to confidently move more black only page volume intermixed with color pages in the same job onto the NEXPRESS press through new cost management programs that are part of the innovative NEXPRESS press business model. • Several workflow developments will continue to be introduced. Targeted for the second quarter of 2007, System 9.0 software will incorporate the ADOBE PDF Print Engine, as well as conformance to new KODAK COLORFLOW technology capabilities announced at Graph Expo. All current NEXPRESS press installations can be upgraded to support these new workflow capabilities. “Adobe is pleased with the rapid acceptance of the PDF Print Engine by industry leaders like Kodak,” said Don Walker, Senior Director, Product Marketing and Business Development, Adobe. “Incorporating the PDF Print Engine with NEXPRESS press products will provide customers with the tools and features they need for a more efficient, more powerful workflow.” “Kodak is constantly striving to provide our customers with the latest capabilities and tools in order to drive efficiency and productivity,” said Mike Howard, Vice President of Marketing, Digital Printing Solutions, Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group. “We are excited to be one of the first to embrace the ADOBE PDF Print Engine.” • KODAK SMARTBOARD 4.01 document mastering software is the latest release of the popular SMARTBOARD document mastering software. SMARTBOARD software is a powerful makeready production workflow tool that enables greater productivity by saving job setup time and reducing errors in job reprints by attaching job tickets with content. It is an ideal solution for jobs that require frequent reprinting and repurposing. The SMARTBOARD document mastering software can prepare and submit print jobs to both the NEXPRESS digital production color presses and KODAK DIGIMASTER EX digital production systems. Using SMARTBOARD software, color documents can be sent directly to a color press using established job settings, saving time and reducing errors. • The new KODAK MARKETMOVER Network, when combined with these new capabilities, further extend the applications reach of the NEXPRESS platform and open additional opportunities for NEXPRESS press owners to highlight their competitive edge to their customers through a web to print interface. • The new KODAK NEXPRESS Photo Bundle features an easy to implement set of components that helps photofinishers and graphic communications providers create valuable photo services products. The Photo Bundle includes the software and hardware components needed to enhance a NEXPRESS press for high quality digital photo applications. The professional advisory services, also included, provide tailored assistance, training and workflow consultation. The Photo Bundle consists of a Start Up Assist program, a professional service for shortened time to market with photo products, better operational knowledge for lower cost, and improvements on industry leading up time performance. Hardware products in the bundle include an upgrade for the KODAK NEXSTATION Front End to improve throughput of large file sizes and one off production typical of photo services applications, and new Operator Replaceable Components (ORCs) that enable quick access to longer peak performance and reduced maintenance. • Kodak continues to add flexibility to its press configurations. Now more print providers can install the NEXPRESS 2100 and 2500 presses because a smaller environmental control system reduces the overall footprint and is easier to accommodate in more pressrooms. The NEXPRESS press environmental control system provides conditioned air and water for humidity control so the press is kept in a ready to print state. The smaller profile system takes advantage of in house air and humidity control, requiring less space and site requirements. “Kodak continues to add modular solutions and system components to NEXPRESS press product line to enable customers to produce work faster within the production setting, and to economically extend their reach for more volume,” said Howard. KODAK products are backed by KODAK Service and Support, Kodak’s worldwide service organization. Named Best Support Organization at the 2006 International Business Awards, KODAK Service and Support includes more than 3,000 professionals in 120 countries. These professionals are fully qualified to help customers control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.