IPEX 2002 BIRMINGHAM, UK -- April 12, 2002 -- Creo Inc. introduces the Synapse software family, powerful tools that serve as the "smart connections" to Networked Graphic Production. This Creo initiative is the roadmap to an integrated, collaborative environment that streamlines printing cycles, shortens cycle times and minimizes errors on press. The Synapse family includes Synapse Prepare software, which enables creative designers to create perfect PDF files that meet the printer's requirements and are production-ready. Synapse InSite is an Internet portal into prepress that enables remote job submission, job-status tracking, on-line collaboration, and remote proofing and approval of print jobs in the Brisque and Prinergy(r) workflows. Through a technology demonstration at IPEX, Spire color servers are connecting with Synapse InSite to access the same benefits for print-on-demand applications. The newest tool in the Synapse family is Synapse Link software, which enables the exchange of production data and job status information via JDF (Job Description Format, a CIP4 format) between prepress workflow systems and management information systems (MIS), such as those from Printcafe. The automatic exchange of production data between database-driven print production systems and management information systems enables printers to have a clear view of business operations with access to the information they need to make quick, accurate decisions on estimating, scheduling, billing, and inventory management. Printers can easily identify and eliminate inefficient processes or unprofitable practices and be more responsive to their customers' demands. The first version of Synapse Link software will be beta-tested with printers this summer. This version focuses on collecting information from the Prinergy workflow database and forwarding it using a JDF interface to the Hagen OA management information system from Printcafe. By adopting this format and making the interface publicly available, Synapse Link software will enable other MIS systems and printers' own customized systems to integrate with Creo prepress workflow systems. Connectivity with the Brisque workflow and the Printcafe Logic and PSI systems will occur after Prinergy integration is complete. Synapse Link software automatically gathers and tracks prepress production information using open file standards such as JDF. When a customer orders a change to a print job that requires a new plate, or increases the print order, the data that records additional material usage and machine time, and job control data are automatically forwarded to the printers' business systems. This will in turn increase billing accuracy and inventory control. Tracking the change request data is also enhanced when used in conjunction with Synapse InSite, the Internet portal into prepress systems. Creo is presenting several new features for Synapse software at IPEX. The latest version of Synapse InSite version 3.5, the Internet portal into prepress, is now available in French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Chinese, as well as English. Print buyers use Synapse InSite for the software's collaborative, timesaving benefits. Another new feature enhances automation by allowing the print buyer to select pre-configured processing options. The print buyer specifies attributes of the job in advance by selecting hot folders, fonts, or image search paths. Communication between users of Synapse InSite has been enhanced by the addition of Job Notes. This feature allows job specification details to be attached to a job and viewed by both print buyers and production staff. Comments can be added throughout the approval and production cycle for both external and internal communication. All the new features of Synapse InSite are being demonstrated at the Creo booth at IPEX. Synapse InSite is another key piece of an integrated, collaborative production environment and it another step to getting printers to a Networked Graphic Production environment. Synapse Prepare software has been enhanced to allow creative designers working in languages other than English to create perfect PDF files that are production-ready and meet the printer's requirements. Synapse Prepare is now released in four languages: French, Spanish, German, and English. Synapse Prepare allows printers to streamline and optimize their file creation and submission process, eliminating errors and decreasing turn-around time. Networked Graphic Production integrates the power of Creo's workflow solutions, quality-imaging devices, production data and now management information systems from Printcafe, to facilitate better communication, production management and eliminate costly errors by bringing print buyers closer to the production cycle and reducing manual steps in the process. Join Creo at IPEX for the whole story on Networked Graphic Production. Presentations are running throughout IPEX, April 9-17, at the Creo stand (#650, hall 4) in Birmingham, UK. For more information, visit www.creo.com.