LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J., June 9 -- What do world-class orchestras have in common with world-class color production? Both benefit from the influence of a master conductor. Aptly named Datacolor Maestro, a new software tool has been developed to serve companies for whom color is critical. It works in much the same way the conductor serves an orchestra. Datacolor Maestro brings color measuring instruments (spectrophotometers) into harmony for incredible results. This latest innovation was developed by Datacolor, a world leader in color technology, to address an evolving need. Companies increasingly rely on color measuring instruments and the electronic color data they produce to communicate, manage and approve color on a global scale. Yet spectrophotometers -- developed to deliver "absolute" numerical representations of color -- often fluctuate due to instrument age, environmental changes, and usage over time. Even seemingly minor differences between spectrophotometers can severely impact the bottom line. Production as well as quality discrepancies can occur. Datacolor Maestro is a simple but effective solution. The software tool correlates spectrophotometers with a Datacolor master reference instrument. Those in agreement with the reference instrument are "in tune" with each other and performing at their best. As a result, Datacolor Maestro: - Ensures instrument accuracy from day to day, month to month; - Helps reduce the number of submissions needed for color approval; - Enables detection of changes in instrument performance before product is affected. "Datacolor leads the way in creating entire virtual environments for color creation and approval. This environment empowers manufacturers to bring their products to market faster and more efficiently," notes Derek Finch, Product Marketing Manager for Datacolor Maestro. "The need for Datacolor Maestro has evolved as more companies rely on electronic sample color data in addition to or replacement of physical samples. However, spectrophotometer performance changes over time -- and operating standards among manufacturers may vary. That's where Datacolor Maestro comes in -- regardless of whether you're operating standalone instruments, corporate fleets, or a production supply chain."