Enfocus today announces that the Switch product line has undergone a metamorphosis: restructured to make it easier for customers to immediately get faster, higher quality turnaround from their existing systems’ workflows. Enfocus will show Switch in its newest iteration at the drupa 2012 exhibit Hall 8b, Stand A23.

Now, instead of choosing between three versions of Enfocus Switch (Light, Full, and Power), customers can completely customize Switch according to their unique needs. The difference begins with a new, multi-purpose Switch Core Engine that not only serves as the necessary foundation for all Switch operations, but is now itself an automation solution for the most common, time-consuming tasks faced daily by all publishing production companies.

Eight additional modules cover the market’s most in-demand functions for intelligent connectivity with existing or new prepress, database and other applications. These are the Configurator, Metadata, Database, Scripting, SwitchClient, Web Services, Performance, and SwitchProxy modules. Additional modules may be developed by Enfocus on an as-needed basis; and customers have the option of using the Scripting module for development of specific integration needs.

Switch Core Engine – The Foundation

Switch Core Engine enables powerful file management such as sorting, routing, and tracking of files. Companies are confronted with these kinds of tasks on a daily basis. Automation gives them the ability to reduce errors and standardize procedures, thus reducing costs. The Switch Core Engine also enables PDF-specific handling, like split and merge PDF files. To lift the workflow to an intelligent level, Switch enables operators to utilize the information already available in jobs to make routing decisions based, for example, on file naming conventions, the number of pages or colors, etc.

Enfocus customer research shows that over 50% of Enfocus product users would purchase Switch for these primary operations, only!

When a business is ready and able to start automating more complex operations, Enfocus offers a range of modules.

For Integration Requirements

Configurator Module:

Enables integration, control and automation of the most popular 3rd party, Enfocus Crossroads partner applications in the graphic arts industry. Building solutions for preflight, imposition, color management and many more applications is a breeze with those ready to use configurators. Operators can use the tools they are already using today, or can feel free to choose the tools that suit their needs best.

For those with specific needs, Switch offers the necessary tools to integrate in a very effective way, through hot folders, CLI or scripting.

Database Module:

The Database module for Switch automates the communication between a database application and Switch. Scripting is no longer required, making it easier and faster for customers and integrators to build communication paths between Switch and an MIS or any database.

This module makes database integration accessible to more integrators and customers by allowing them to:
·     Use values from a database wherever Switch can use variables.
·     Read, write, update, and delete info in databases whenever a job passes the new “Database connector” flow element.
·     Visualize content straight from a database in SwitchClient and PitStop Connect.

Metadata Module:

Much like the database module, this module enhances workflow intelligence by using existing information stored in XML or JDF tickets, or as XMP data.

• Use metadata wherever Switch uses variables, for example to route files or process jobs dynamically.
• Update or add information in XMP packages.
• Visualize variable content in SwitchClient and PitStop Connect.

By reusing this information Switch enables professionals to get the most out of previous investments and personalize their service to customers.

Scripting Module:

Enables Switch to take advantage of custom-developed Visual Basic Scripts, Java Scripts or AppleScripts. A separate SwitchScripter application is provided to assist the user in development and debugging of scripts. This module literally makes the sky the limit as it gives operators the freedom to completely customize workflows to their needs. 

Performance Module:

To boost performance of the Switch Core Engine and get the ultimate processing power out of advanced hardware configurations with multiple processors and high amounts of RAM memory, those who choose this module can extend the number of processes that Switch is executing simultaneously.

Stand-Alone Functionality and Communication Modules

SwitchClient Module:

SwitchClient Module is a separate desktop application that is used to submit jobs into Switch flows, and is used to interact with jobs where required.

The SwitchClient Module comes with 5 SwitchClient licenses, enabling 5 separate SwitchClients to run and access Switch simultaneously. Additional clients can be purchased.

Switch Web Services Module:

This module enables 3rd party applications such as web portals to integrate and drive Switch. Organizations can improve customer service by allowing customers to submit files directly from a familiar environment like the company website. This enables them to track and approve jobs directly in Switch, without having to leave the comfort zone of the company website.

SwitchProxy module:

Users and their IT departments can count on extra peace of mind through SwitchProxy. This proxy server ensures network security and business continuity: clients can always deliver data to the company’s server -- even while it is being maintained or updated.

Availability
Switch 11 is available as of today. Pricing of Switch 11 starts at $1,900. For more information on pricing and modules, interested parties may contact preferred resellers or [email protected].