Software

Print Action, Jun 2004

Kodak Polychrome Graphics

The company launched an enhanced version of its powerful RIP and universal file conversion software called MatchFlow Composer. The new version 4.3, compatible with Mac OS X version 10.3 can now generate ISO-compliant PDF/X-3 file formats and allows page selective RIPping for multi-page PostScript and PDF files.

Installed directly on standard G4 or G5 Macintosh computers, this multipurpose prepress tool allows viewing, conversion and generation of secured print-ready files including New CT & LW, TIFF-IT, PDF/X-3 and 1-bit TIFF, as well as other graphic art formats. MatchFlow Composer incorporates the latest Eclipse version of the Global Graphics Harlequin RIP.

EFI

The company announced improvements to the arrival of its Designer Edition 4.0, a proofing solution that incorporates the PostScript 3 engine (Adobe CPSI) with PDF/X support, a nesting function and selectable RIP resolutions. While the software works across several inkjet platforms, the company made particular note of its compatibilty with the new HP Designjet 30 and HP Designjet 130 series multi-format desktop inkjet printers.

Extensis

The company's new Suitcase Server software helps administrators control fonts to which users and groups have access - a continuous challenge to the graphic communications industry. Suitcase Server handles the font licences and gives administrators remote access. All font types are stored in a centralized database, and individual users and groups have specific permissions and access to fonts. The administrator can decide which fonts are required and therefore automatically downloaded to a user, and which fonts are optional.

Quark

At drupa 2004, Quark previewed its QuarkVista, a forthcoming image manipulation XTensions module for QuarkXPress 6. QuarkVista will integrate what the company calls simple yet elegant image manipulation tools into QuarkXPress. In addition to standard image adjustments like colour balance, levels, brightness and contrast, QuarkVista will allow users to apply filters to images used in a layout.

Pageflex

The company premiered Storefront at drupa, which will enable a print provider to define and deploy a branded web-to-print site, based on Pageflex technology. The application provides tools for publishing and managing a catalogue of customizable document products, setting up user access, reviewing and managing orders submitted, setting site skinning, and defining user profile, shipping and purchasing options.

Global Graphics

The company unveiled its new Cortex development platform at drupa 2004. Cortex provides industry-standard, core components enabling OEMs and system integrators to quickly commercialize added-value digital production workflows. Cortex takes care of the standard tasks like format conversion, preflight, imposition, colour management, trapping, interpretation, screening, rendering, file management, message logging, distributed operations, job ticketing and process management which form a common base in all print workflows. At the heart of Cortex is the next generation of Global Graphics' SOAR SDK, the established Harlequin RIP architecture already familiar to many OEMs.