Enfocus announces the release of Switch 11 update 1 by end of Q2, 2012. This exciting new version of Switch 11 includes full support for the new Smart Preflight functionality introduced in PitStop Server 11. Smart Preflight offers Switch and PitStop Server users a more dynamic and accurate way of applying preflight and auto-correction settings, driven by the power of Switch variables. Additional new and updated configurators in this release include a direct link to Esko's Automation Engine and a new Microsoft Word configurator supporting the latest versions of the popular word processing application. 
 
Smart Preflight that takes full advantage of the power of Switch 11
Switch 11 update 1 includes a new version of the PitStop Server configurator, compatible with the newly announced PitStop Server 11. It enables Smart Preflight in PitStop Server 11 using any of the variables available in Switch, including SQL databases, XML and JDF job tickets, embedded XMP values, private data variables created with the scripting API, and all of Switch's built-in variables.

"PitStop 11 has introduced a new era in PDF preflight, and the combination of PitStop Server 11 and Switch 11 update 1 are making the possibilities endless," says Dieter Wullaert, Switch Product Manager. "Each job can be checked to specific job requirements that can be sourced from the file itself, metadata values, job tickets or external data sources.
 
"For example, you can check to see if an incoming file matches the specifications for that job in your order system, or alternatively whether it corresponds to the information entered on your website by the customer when uploading the job. Using these rule-based variables, it is possible to translate those values into real preflight checks. This new functionality is both huge and unique in workflow automation." 
 
New configurator streamlines communication between Switch 11 and Esko Automation Engine 
Switch has been designed from the beginning to be a complementary and vendor-neutral automation solution, allowing users to do more with their existing technology investments and workflow solutions. The new configurator for Esko's Automation Engine (AE) provides support for AE job names, id's and references. Based on the functionality in this new configurator, files can be picked up by Switch, processed as required by any of Switch's many tools and other third-party configurators, and delivered into an AE Job without operator intervention. The new configurator also supports unattended initiation of AE workflows upon the delivery of a production file or XML job ticket by Switch.

"Because of Switch's unique file handling capabilities and thanks to the many other configurators already supported in Switch, it is now possible to complete additional processing before a file is delivered to Automation Engine," states Dries Vandenbussche, Automation Engine Product Manager. "For example: a print buyer places 'chocolate gift box.zip' containing an Illustrator file on an FTP server monitored by Switch and the result in Automation Engine is a preflighted, color correctedand trapped PDF file. We are also very excited about formally joining the Switch community soon as a Crossroads Application Partner."

Enfocus Crossroads is a community related to Enfocus Switch automation. Comprised of Crossroads Application Partners, Crossroads Integration Partners and Switch users, the community provides automation best practices to other Switch users and prospects. A dedicated Crossroads web portal (www.crossroads-world.com) provides an extensive source of information about the Crossroads Partners and their integrated solutions. 

Updated Microsoft Word configurators 
Switch 11 update 1 includes new configurators for the world's most popular text editor. Users can automate file processing in Microsoft Word 2010 (Windows) or 2011 (Macintosh) and convert all supported Word documents to PDF, rtf, txt, html, doc and docx at blazing speeds.  

Switch 11 Web Services Module support 
Switch 11 update 1 includes support for the new Web Services Module that allows users of Switch 11 to build secure, web-based interfaces into a Switch workflow environment for job submission, file upload, review and approval.  

Availability
Switch 11 update 1 will be available by the end of Q2, 2012 from Enfocus' network of Switch-authorized resellers and integrators. This update is available for customers with current Switch maintenance agreements. For more information on pricing and modules, please contact your preferred reseller, or Enfocus at: [email protected].   

drupa 2012 
Enfocus will show the entire Switch 11 Smart Automation solution, along with the all-new PitStop 11 Smart Preflight family of products at drupa 2012 in Dusseldorf, Germany, on May 3-16, in exhibit Hall 8b, Stand A23. To book a demo with one of Enfocus' product specialists, visit drupa.enfocus.com.