MELVILLE, N.Y. – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today released Océ PRISMAprepare 6.1, the Company's latest generation of all-in-one document preparation software. This solution streamlines the make-ready process from composition to production to help printing professionals shorten production turnaround times, expand their capabilities, enhance productivity and reduce operational costs - all while maintaining color quality and consistency. In addition, the latest PRISMAprepare solution allows users to create and compose Variable Data Printing (VDP) applications.

This device-independent software optimizes the productivity capabilities of Canon's imagePRESS and imageRUNNER ADVANCE lineups, the Océ VarioPrint DP line and a variety of color and black and white production cutsheet printers.

"The document preparation process can be one of the most time-consuming aspects of production work," said Sam Yoshida, vice president and general manager, Marketing, Business Imaging Solutions Group, Canon U.S.A. "When this process is not optimized, profitability and customer satisfaction is at risk. The improvements Canon made to the Océ PRISMAprepare software will support print providers and enhance their ability to meet increased and more complex customer needs."

Recipient of the IF Communication Design award and recognized by Nielsen Norman as one of the top ten best-designed applications, the Océ PRISMAprepare platform also offers a variety of solutions, tools and enhancements that streamline the make-ready process.

Designed for ultimate ease-of-use, Océ PRISMAprepare 6.1 provides a simplified interface that allows users of varying skill levels to navigate the prepress process without the need for a lengthy onboarding process. The WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) preparation approach ensures that the on-screen layout matches the final printed product. From the position of staples to the location of fold lines, users can easily and quickly preview the exact look and design of a document before it is ever sent to the printer.

The latest version of Océ PRISMAprepare now includes Variable Data Printing composition capabilities -- such as adding specific content and graphics to each printed piece based on information in a linked database -- so users can create simple VDP applications without having to open a specialized software application. The new VDP capabilities allow users to expand their offerings and support clients with highly targeted and personalized print communications.

Océ PRISMAprepare 6.1 offers a variety of innovative capabilities that support every part of the make-ready process. This new version also offers end-to-end workflow based on open Adobe PDF standards, and supports multiple PDF plug-ins. Print providers can take advantage of hot-folders to automate make-ready for repeating job types, eliminating unnecessary steps so that make-ready processes are efficient and cost-effective. In addition, the automatic color page recognition and color splitting capabilities allows users to reduce operational costs by outputting documents in the most cost effective way.

The diverse and integrated color management features of Océ PRISMAprepare 6.1 solution allow users to ensure color integrity and optimization for print. This includes the ability to ensure consistent spot color usage and modification of individual image tone and color reproduction prior to printing. With the support of these features, print providers can easily prepare and optimize color documents for high-quality color printing.

PRISMAprepare 6.1 is currently available* for a free upgrade to PRISMAprepare v5 customers with existing software maintenance agreements. For more information and details visitwww.usa.canon.com.