Cambridge UK - Global Graphics has won a contract with Showa Information Systems (SIS) of Japan, to supply the Harlequin RIP for the SX9000 high- speed The SX9000 printer is used for the high-volume production of bank statements, invoices and direct mail and is capable of handling vast quantities of Japanese data. Global Graphics is a leading developer of OEM software used in printing and electronic document solutions. SIS' core business is the production of Kanji digital printers for the Japanese home market. SIS was the company that first gave computers the ability to process Japanese Kanji characters in the 1970s.

By using the Harlequin RIP the SX9000 can print from any application that can generate PDF rather than from proprietary applications, giving SIS the opportunity to extend their business by providing them with additional flexibility. The SX9000 will print up to 600 A4 pages per minute monochrome. SIS chose the Harlequin RIP because it processes PDF natively - without conversion to another format -, has many different features, such as simple imposition which SIS will license, is very flexible and easy to integrate.

Junji Shoji Development and engineering director at SIS says, "The Harlequin RIP provides the performance which we need for our high speed printer systems. Also, it contains rich features and SIS is expecting that it can accelerate their development cycle and extend their products in the future."