Gives print service providers access to more workflow tools

Cambridge (UK) - Global Graphics is launching its first ever formal partner program today to bring together the ecosystem of software developers whose products are designed to work with the Harlequin RIP. 

The Harlequin Partner Network formally recognizes the growing community of third-party software developers whose products are used in the same print workflow as the Harlequin RIP or alongside it inside a Digital Front End.  There are hundreds of thousands of Harlequin RIP installations worldwide and the Partner Program is designed to maximize the value of the Harlequin RIP to those users.  It creates a framework for third-party vendors to develop and integrate their products more efficiently so giving print shops access to a broad workflow of products from multiple vendors.

Initial members include Pageflex, Color-Logic, Ultimate TechnoGraphics, Hamillroad Software, Bodoni Systems, Dynagram and Alwan. Global Graphics expects the network to expand steadily over time to include vendors of products used in newsprint and publishing, direct mail, packaging and wide format graphics:  “The Harlequin RIP has an extensive installed base worldwide, offering an extremely rewarding ecosystem for a business to develop and market add-on applications that are tied to the RIP”, notes Martin Bailey, Global Graphics Chief Technology Officer.  

“There are already many third-party products designed to work with the Harlequin RIP that we are aware of but there could be many others who would benefit from joining. With the Harlequin Partner Network we are building a cooperative environment in which software developers can thrive. It offers companies the opportunity to learn, share, innovate and enjoy increased success” 

Network members can request copies of the Harlequin RIP for use in their test labs, together with extensive documentation, and will receive alerts about upcoming releases and enhancements so that they can accelerate development of their own products. They will also have a limited amount of access to Global Graphics support teams and product management and the opportunity to influence and take part in co-marketing programs. 

Members are permitted to display the Harlequin Partner Network logo on their web sites to indicate that they are a member of the program and a new section on the Global Graphics web site is dedicated to listing member products and news.

The partners already signed up for the program have expressed very strong support of the network.

“We are thrilled to part of the new Harlequin Partner Network,” says Leslie Wengenroth, Director of Marketing at Pageflex. “The Harlequin RIP is known throughout the industry for its robust architecture and excellent performance. There are numerous synergies between the Harlequin platform and our solutions for variable data composition, web-to-print, and multi-channel marketing, and we look forward to a productive relationship.” 

“Over the last five or so years we have worked very closely with Global Graphics, especially with regards to the development of our Auraia DM screening product. The new Harlequin Partner Network program really does formalize and encapsulate the very real and tangible benefits of everything that we’ve experienced over those years,” comments Andy Cave, CEO, Hamillroad Software. “In my opinion, if you have an idea for a product that would enhance a RIP, no matter how large or small, there is no other RIP in the world that you should look at, or company you should talk to when deciding your route to market.”

“Ultimate is glad to join Global Graphics new partner program and get to know the new developments first-hand”, said Joanne David, President/CEO of Ultimate TechnoGraphics. “We are leveraging the nice Harlequin architecture with our high-volume solution called Impostrip Scalable used in large RIP farms such as the HP Ultra Print Server and we are looking forward to see where this closed partnership will take us next.”

According to Mark Geeves, Color-Logic Director of Sales and Marketing: “Color-Logic is pleased to be among the initial Harlequin partners.  The Harlequin RIP is among the most advanced in the industry.  We have been working to ensure that with the Harlequin RIP and Color-Logic technology, OEMs ensure their digital print customers can use white ink on metallic substrates and eliminate the onerous task of creating white ink masks.”

Companies who wish to join the Harlequin Partner Network can do so by visiting the website at www.globalgraphics.com/harlequin-partner-network , or by contacting Martin Bailey at [email protected]

Print shops using Harlequin technology – there are estimated to be hundreds of thousands of active installations world-wide – will be able to look up which technology is complementary to their RIP from the list of partners and their products on the Global Graphics web site.