For Entire Output Management Process BOULDER, Colo., May 21, 2002.. IBM today announced a workflow "backbone" that serves as a starting point for achieving the operational efficiency and cost savings of an integrated Infoprint* Workflow and Infoprint Manager output management system. At the core of this base backbone system is Infoprint Workflow, which provides a single print management view as well as the technological framework to automate the control of an enterprise's total output management process. This system will allow users to extend the benefits of sophisticated operations management beyond print, to the total workflow process. "As we look to the future and how we can best help our customers cut printing expenses, the biggest cost savings occur when we address the entire output process, not just the hardware which only makes up a fraction of the total cost of printing," Richard Troksa, business line executive, enterprise output solutions, IBM Printing Systems. "Utilizing our software and systems integration leadership, we have developed a solution for managing the enterprise workflow, and now through a single point control, both information and operational processes can be seamlessly managed." The integration of Infoprint Manager and Infoprint Workflow is unique. Starting with the first level of integration, a customer will receive Infoprint Manager and the base level of Infoprint Workflow. The base level of Infoprint Workflow includes a print management and input management component, a new graphical user interface (GUI), and three days of on-site installation and training. This is the first step in the workflow migration path, making it easy for customers to get started. At the second level of integration, the base system can be easily enhanced to meet expanded output management requirements. This could include sophisticated input management for accepting print files and automatic routing of jobs based on their characteristics. These jobs can then be tracked and controlled end-to-end -- through all of the steps in the process, including composition, printing, finishing, and dispatching to postal or courier services. A fully integrated Infoprint Manager and Infoprint Workflow system will allow users to perform process management of individual documents within a job; distributed operations control; automated management of all of the devices and applications in a complex output management system; sophisticated reporting, costing and billing; and process scheduling.