VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA -- April 19, 2004 -- Creo has today launched version 6.0 of the Darwin(tm) Variable Information (VI) Authoring Tool. This powerful one-to-one marketing software now provides advanced solutions for the growing demand of complex variable Information jobs. Creo Quote... "For designers, creative shops, advertising agencies and any marketer who embraces the value of ROI-driven marketing models, Darwin 6.0 includes all the features required to design, author and manage personalized variable information documents," said Yaron Mohaban, director, On-Demand Applications, Creo. "These high-volume applications are used by a broad range of marketing professionals to increase differentiation, stimulate business growth and generate increased revenues." About Darwin Variable Information Publishing Software... Darwin turns QuarkXPress documents into variable data documents, making all elements-text, graphics, charts, colors, layouts, backgrounds and even entire pages-dynamic. The software efficiently handles large databases which is ideal for targeted marketing and promotional campaigns. Version 6.0 offers a new Apple AquaÆ-based user interface and improved workflow, including a robust, standalone database engine that improves performance and flexibility. It also supports optimized PostScript output format which keeps spooled file size minimal, speeding up file creation, which is useful for black and white printers. Darwin 6.0 runs natively on Mac OS X and supports QuarkXPress 6.0. Available in DTP and Professional Versions... The Darwin application is now available in two configurations: the industry recognized Darwin Desktop and the new, more powerful Darwin Pro with an enhanced feature set for more complex jobs. Darwin Pro enhancements include support for Darwin Driven Graphics. Users can now choose from multiple chart types which can be created dynamically for each record. Flexible controls allow users to preview and soft-proof graphics in QuarkXPress before sending to print. The ease of use and WYSIWYG functionality means that incorporating data-driven graphics into documents requires no special learning and there's no uncertainty regarding print results. Dave Rohe, president of The Document Center is pleased with the release of the new data-driven graphics applications. "We have even more solutions at our disposal that provide us with unique competitive advantages," he said. The Document Centre produces and distributes technical and marketing literature from Carol Stream, Illinois, USA. "The elegant simplicity of the new GUI for these data-driven graphics clearly demonstrates that Creo understands the markets' needs as well as their expertise to manufacture intuitive and powerful software solutions," said Mr. Rohe. Another new feature of Darwin Pro software is the ability to edit profiles by adding or deleting fields and even changing their types. Upgrade Paths... Darwin 4.5 users can upgrade to either Darwin 6.0 configuration by purchasing a license number at www.creo.com/darwin. Customers who purchase or upgrade to Darwin Pro 6.0 will also receive a free copy of QuarkXPress 6.0, English or Passport version (available on a first come-first served basis). Visit www.creo.com/darwin for more information about Darwin 6.0 products, an application demo, and the schedule for webinars where Creo will demonstrate the benefits of Darwin 6.0. Darwin 6.1 Preview... Scheduled for release in June 2004, the new version of Darwin 6.1 features new variable information tools. Creo will demonstrate these new features at Drupa: -- Support for Xerox VIPP(tm) (Variable-data Intelligent PostScript Printware) format. This PostScript-based language defines variable information color documents. This support enables an integrated solution for users of Darwin software, for both color and black and white printers. Support for the VIPP format makes Darwin accessible to multiple printers support industry standards. -- Hot folder automation integrated with web applications. This feature enables the initiation of importing a database and executing a print run by simple drag and drop operation. The flow is fully automated, initiated with a keystroke and can be easily integrated into web applications. -- Set page device enables the user to define different paper attributes for each page of a document. This feature is especially useful when using the page rule feature in Darwin, for jobs that require variable number of pages in each booklet. Each needs to be printed on different paper attributes.