Trumbull, CT – Océ, an international leader in digital document management and delivery, today announced Océ JetStream security features have helped Direct Group earn Check Payment Systems Association (CPSA) certification. As a result, Direct Group can confidently print check applications knowing the output will meet all recognized security standards. Océ JetStream MICR Printing Systems enable users to print negotiable documents that meet CPSA security requirements and to become certified by CPSA. CPSA certification authorizes the user to print the CPSA registered padlock icon, indicating the presence of a minimum of three certified security features.

The Océ JetStream family was the first to integrate the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) feature into a full process digital ink jet color engine as an all-in-one solution to support both high-volume color inkjet printing and MICR applications on a single platform. As a result, print professionals can produce convenience and full-color checks with complete reliability, security and error recovery. The technology, which won Océ the 2009 Innovator of the Year from Xplor International, demonstrates Océ's commitment to continuing innovation on the Océ JetStream platform.

Direct Group, a fully integrated direct marketing solutions provider, serves sophisticated multi-channel clients in financial services, gaming, retail, insurance, pharmaceutical, nonprofit and other industries. Companies in these markets often have direct marketing and promotional applications that require highly personalized check-issuance capabilities, such as balance transfer programs, refund checks, reward certificates and coupons.

"We are always looking for ways to improve our client offerings by providing the latest technologies," said Chris Ryan, Direct Group Chief Operating Officer. "This certification means our clients can benefit from the peace-of-mind our check printing security capabilities offer, especially in this time of economic uncertainty. Right now, fraud – and specifically check fraud – is high on the list of client concerns, creating more and more demand for this type of protection."

Revolutionizing the Check Printing Business Model
"With its abundance of security features and operational advantages, Océ JetStream digital printing can revolutionize the check printers' business model," said Guy Broadhurst, Vice President of New Technology and Client Development, Production Printing Systems division, Océ North America. "Océ is committed to helping customers succeed with new approaches to capturing revenue and growing their businesses."

Enhancements like MICR printing and Océ security features give customers more ways to leverage their investment in high speed color technology. With the Océ JetStream system, marketing and print service providers can expand their services to include more check-related applications. Océ JetStream users can achieve timesaving single-pass workflow for checkbooks or base stock sheets that require color, monochrome and MICR printing. As a variable data digital printer, the Océ JetStream system is already positioned to handle future security features that require variable images and content. As a further cost and security advantage, checks can be printed only when needed, eliminating the risk of maintaining preprinted check stock.

In addition, the Océ JetStream system offers advantages over traditional offset methods for check printing. The Océ JetStream system can decrease offset web units and head count. This in turn can reduce floor space for dedicated offset check printing infrastructure. Output can be produced closer to point of need or to distribution hubs, reducing transportation time and expense. As check volumes fluctuate, print service providers can backfill with other products from their versatile Océ JetStream systems. For example, statements, base stock shells, and business forms printing can be offered as an add-on service to check contracts.

Abundance of Accepted Check Security Features
The Check Payment Systems Association (CPSA), an association of North American check producers, sets standards for check document security. Océ is a member of the Check Payment Security Association (CPSA), and Océ JetStream customers may qualify for CPSA certification. Certification means additional security features have been incorporated into the check design, production process or materials.

CPSA security features supported by the Océ JetStream system include:

    * Micro printing of signature line or check borders appears as solid line when photocopied or scanned
    * Variable micro printing to match account numbers
    * Uneven "laid lines" that flow throughout the check document and fill in when copied or scanned
    * Color change from light to dark, top to bottom, or side to side throughout the check
    * "Copy Void" pantograph across face of check when photocopied
    * "Padlock" icon on check amount box meaning at least three security features are present
    * Faint "Original Document" security screen on check back drops out easily and doesn't copy or scan well
    * Very light "Invisible Ink" can be used for printing security screens, logos, artificial watermarks or other images
    * Security Features warning box appears on back of check