San Francisco - Silicon Publishing, Inc. has announced its latest product, the Silicon Automator framework for automatic production of complex documents. The Web-enabled system can automatically extract and convert structured data from a wide array of sources - including XML - generating customized, high quality printable documents, using Adobe InDesign Server.

"We have relied on Silicon Publishing technology over the years to deliver cutting-edge solutions for our clients," said Lynn Bishop, Executive Account Manager at ABG Marketing and Business Communications. "From member letters to marketing collateral to directories, our clients know that their complex data will flow out correctly to their millions of recipients, through a completely automated process. The new two-way linking offers us the potential for exciting new workflows in several forms of marketing communication."

Live Data Links
Silicon Automator can also provide, for the first time, live linking of data sources and InDesign files. Information modified in the database will automatically update in the linked document file. Two-way data linking is also available.

CEO Max Dunn described Silicon Automator's live data linking as something companies have wanted to do for years. "Almost everyone we've spoken to is looking for a way to keep their documents current right up to the instant they're delivered or printed," he said. "We're the first to offer this level of cost savings and automation."

Silicon Publishing's development partners are also positive about live data linking. "We're excited to have a product that utilizes MediaBeacon's ability to have an URL associated with the process of creating a new digital asset," said Jason Bright, Founder and CTO of MediaBeacon. "Imagine the time saved knowing that regardless of the systems used to create a new asset, the right URL will be used in the final product."

Directories, Catalogs and Beyond
Director of Product Management Chad Siegel pointed out that directory and catalog production are only two applications for this powerful system. "Companies have made massive investments in data infrastructure," he said. "XML is the data currency of modern business, but getting that data published is too often a huge challenge. Silicon Automator is the missing link for easily creating high quality, customized documents from all that data."

Because it uses InDesign Server, Silicon Automator's print production and multiple language support features are the most advanced in the industry. Print quality and multi-lingual support in catalogs and other complex documents are especially important for multi-national brands, according to Siegel.