New Software for Variable-data Imaging

Print Action, May 2004

Techno Design and Quark

Version 4 of Personalizer-X will be launched at drupa by Techno Design. Personalizer-X software module enables designers to create personalized documents - including one-to-one marketing collateral, brochures, catalogs, coupons and newsletters - in the QuarkXPress page layout program. The software merges database text information, variable images and graphics into standard QuarkXPress-designed documents. Personalizer-X is compatible with any ASCII database format, and currently has the ability to output PPML, PPML/VDX, Intelli-Stream and variable Post-Script files. Personalizer-X Version 4 introduces new features and tools, such as embedded font support, copy fitting, a nummerator technology, support of TCP-IP XT (platform, location and authoring independent automation solution), enhanced imposition, enhanced barcode functionality, enhanced performance in PPML and PPML/VDX creation, enhanced conditional statements, and optional VPS driver (support of the VPS output format).

Creo Evolves Darwin into Aqua

Version 6.0 of Creo's Darwin software is now available in two configurations: the preexisting Darwin Desktop platform and a new, more powerful Darwin Pro. Darwin Pro, unlike Darwin Desktop, supports Darwin Driven Graphics. These datarich diagrams, charts and bars extend the range of complex VI documents beyond variable text, colours, images and pages. Darwin Driven Graphics uses pop-down menus and drag-and-drop operations, and allows the user to preview and soft-proof graphics in QuarkXPress. Darwin Pro also includes database manipulation and cleansing tools, such as upper/lower case changes, job-profile editing, and the ability to export the database back to its source. Darwin 6.0 has a standalone engine to handle extremely large databases and also employs a completely new Aqua-based user interface. Creo is also introducing the Windows-based VI Toolbox. The software creates variable-information printing from desktop applications by creating a Creo Variable Print Specification file from the master file and variable-information PostScript files. The merged file can then be sent to Creo's Spire server to be RIPed and digitally printed. At drupa, Creo will also preview Darwin 6.1, which features new variable-information tools. There will be support for the VIPP format and hot -folder automation integrated with Web applications. This feature enables the importing of data into existing Web-based-Darwin jobs and using hot folders to send data to the printers.

Exstream Suite

Aimed at high-volume environments, Exstream has added what it calls AFP Studio to its product mix set for enterprise personalization. Advanced Function Presentation (AFP) is a set of tools for content management, delivery and reprinting of documents. AFP Studio makes it possible for legacy AFP documents to be integrated with Exstream's Dialogue enterprise personalization solution and existing operational systems for consolidation; conversion to PDF, PCL or TIFF formats for electronic delivery; file modification to meet production processing needs. Exstream's AFP Studio includes AFP Post: Post-processing and postal optimization software for sorting, bundling and consolidating AFP files. AFP Post allows customers to bundle partial or complete AFP documents, and index and enhance them with barcodes or other content. According to Exstream, the benefits include reduced postage costs, repurposing of legacy applications and the option of merging legacy AFP print streams with other print streams. The new AFP Viewer is display software for viewing, modifying, indexing and printing files. AFP Viewer allows customers to view AFP documents on screen exactly as they will be printed. A trio of conversion tools convert and segment AFP print streams into industry-standard PDF, TIFF and PCL formats for print and electronic delivery. This format conversion software provides a bridge between legacy applications and electronic delivery devices, and routes AFP documents to available production printers and Internet output formats.

Elixir's Opus

The next release of Elixir's Opus software will support a new server component, called Opus Web-Service, which will provide interactive Web presentment of personalized PDF documents. Individual documents are composed in real-time to deliver up-to-date information for each individual. The scalable system, according to Elixir, can be easily integrated into a corporate website, and used for call centres, customer support, customer self service (to view bills, for example) and to personalize marketing collateral. Opus WebService allows for multiple-server load balancing and multiple-processor support, so that the system can be simultaneously used. When installed on a separate server, the system can share designs and resources with the classic Opus server. It is expected that Opus WebService will be released in the second quarter of 2004. Other variable-data applications from Elixir include DesignPro Tools and Vitesse. DesignPro Tools allows users to create and edit existing print resources directly in their native formats, which eliminates conversion steps. A suite of DesignPro editors generate PDF, PostScript and PCL print resources, and the user can also create/edit PageDefs and FormDefs in source/object format using the Visual PPFA editor, and proof on-screen - all without hand-coding. The new PrintDriver, also included, converts Word documents into Xerox/AFP forms. DesignPro Tools is available in four configurations. Vitesse can be used for creating variable documents for VIPP printing. The software's drag-and-drop design for transactional and one-to-one marketing documents uses XML, line and database data to eliminate hand-coding. It includes data-driven images, barcodes, 3D charts, conditional logic and preview capabilities.