Chicago - The Production Printing Business Group (PPBG) of Ricoh Americas Corporation today announced the continuation of its strategic partnership with Kodak's Print On-Demand Solutions Group. The implementation of the new C-81 Color Controller, Powered by CREO Color Server Technology, with the RICOH Pro C901/C901s Graphic Arts Edition is the next evolution of this partnership. Ricoh's new Pro C901/C901s Graphic Arts Edition will offer Color Controller C-81, which will provide open connectivity to digital workflows, putting the power of an existing KODAK PRINERGY Digital Workflow System within Ricoh products.

"Kodak's Print On-Demand Solutions Group has over 30 years of leadership experience in graphic arts," stated Carl Joachim, vice president of marketing for PPBG, Ricoh Americas Corporation. "The continued partnership between the companies will underscore both companies ability to deliver full color and imaging needs to customers while continuing to optimize workflow solutions to a multitude of digital production printers and presses."

CREO Color Servers feature color consistency, powerful processing, and compatibility across all avenues of printing. The Color Controller C-81, which features built-in qualities such as SMS and email notification, support for the ADOBE PDF Print Engine 2, and JDF connectivity for integration within Graphic Arts workflows, will help customers increase productivity and improve flexibility while continuing to boost profits.

"This is the second time Ricoh has chosen a CREO Color Server to drive its flagship engines," says Chris O'Connor, Vice President, Global Business Group for Kodak's Print On-Demand Solutions Group. "We are pleased that our professional color management and open connectivity for an integrated, automated workflow continues to serve our partner and their customers with excellence."

The CREO Color Server, C-81, which also offers a fast learning curve for immediate use and error reduction, out-of-the-box color and image control, market-leading document printing features and advanced built-in Variable Data Printing (VDP) capabilities, will be unveiled with the new Ricoh Pro C901/C901s Graphic Arts Edition during GRAPH EXPO at the Ricoh booth, # 2017. Full availability of the new CREO Color Server, C-81 Color Controller will begin in early first quarter, 2011.