January 13, 2004 -- CIP4 and IPA have announced a strategic partnership to present a “JDF Expert Certificate” training program via LIVE on-line IPA webinars in 2004. The program will consist of 13 sessions, beginning on January 20 and continuing approximately every two weeks concluding on July 13. Program content, registration details and pricing can be accessed at www.ipa.org/jdf. Content for the training program is being developed by CIP4 Organization Technical Committee leaders and experts. All training sessions will be provided via IPA’s LIVE webinar capabilities, allowing for instructor interaction and audience questions. ON-DEMAND recordings of the basic instruction will also be available for internet viewing shortly after the live presentations. Attendees will have access to both LIVE and ON-DEMAND sessions. ON-DEMAND sessions are available on-line for those not able to attend the LIVE programs. Students who complete the entire JDF Expert Certificate program will: • Better understand how process automation can meet their company's requirements, • Gain insight into strategies and methods that can be used to migrate to a JDF-enabled environment • Learn how to read JDF and understand how print meta data flow throughout the workflow and how the data flow can be leveraged to improve the process, • Be better prepared to evaluate new software, systems, and equipment. After mandatory attendance at all training sessions, individual students must pass a final examination to achieve their personal “JDF Expert Certificate” and be permitted to professionally use the "JDF Expert" designation. Background The certificate program is specifically designed for those persons leading their company’s efforts to implement JDF (Job Definition Format) based automated processes and CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing) into their operations. This includes Chief Information Officers (CIO), CTO (Chief Technology Officers), and lead systems and technical staff at leading printing, prepress, and publishing companies. The CIP4 organization has developed the JDF certification and training curriculum content. IPA, who has been highly successful in webinar productions, designed for graphic communications professionals, will produce, market, and administer the “JDF Expert Certificate” program and testing. For continuing information, go to http://www.ipa.org/jdf and http://www.cip4.org/