Software - Web-to-print

MONTREAL, QUEBEC— Global Vision, the leader in automated proofreading solutions will be exhibiting its graphical inspection capabilities at Graph Expo September 9-12, 2007 in Chicago. Global Vision will be giving live demonstrations at booth #5435 on how Digital-Page, can prevent copy and artwork related errors on all graphic files. “Our clients are printing thousands of graphic files each and every year and it is important for them to be able to ensure the accuracy of all printed material. Guaranteeing print perfection is essential to client satisfaction and avoiding costly reprints,” says Reuben Malz, President of Global Vision. “Global Vision solutions give our clients a

KENNESAW, GA—August 7, 2007—Heidelberg will showcase its commitment to small print shop owners at Graph Expo 2007 with a dedicated Small Business solutions area in booth #1200 at McCormick Place in Chicago from September 9 -12. Small business printers can now find everything they need from one place, and Heidelberg will demonstrate many of their small business solutions, including prepress, press, postpress and workflow products, at the show. “Small businesses are the engine of the printing industry, and Heidelberg offers them the best technology available to remain competitive,” said Joerg Daehnhardt, director of product management for general commercial print, Heidelberg USA. “We recently added many

PARAMUS, NJ—AUGUST 2, 2007—Following yesterday’s announcement by Adobe Systems, Inc., that the company will remove the “Send to FedEx Kinko’s” service and functionality from its Adobe® Reader and Adobe Acrobat® software, NAPL (www.napl.org), the trade association for excellence in graphic communications management, the National Association of Quick Printers (NAQP), part of The NAPL Network, and the Graphic Communications Coalition for Open Competition, voiced its approval of Adobe’s decision. Adobe plans to issue an update to Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat that will not feature the FedEx Kinko’s link sometime in October of this year. “We’re delighted that Adobe has responded so promptly and

Companies to consolidate their global market position in pre-production products and services for packaging and printing GENT, BELGUIM—August 2, 2007—Esko and the three principal shareholders of Artwork Systems (Euronext Brussels: ARTS) today have reached an agreement whereby Esko and Artwork Systems will combine their operations. The resulting new entity, with estimated 2007 revenues in excess of EUR 180 million and a combined workforce of close to 1,000 professionals, consolidates the market leadership of both companies in packaging and printing pre-production products and services in Europe, the Americas and Asia Pacific. On August 2, the three principal shareholders of Artwork Systems Group NV signed an

PITTSBURGH—August 1, 2007—PIA/GATF is delighted with the announcement by Adobe that it will remove its sole source print solution button within Acrobat Reader 8.1 which directed customers to FedEx Kinko’s. “We recognize that the company must have had to move mountains to retreat on its position, and we commend Adobe for its swift action,” notes PIA/GATF President and CEO Michael Makin. “They have clearly restored confidence in our long-lasting partnership.” Adobe software engineers are fast at work producing Acrobat Reader 8.1.1 which they hope to have on the market within 8–10 weeks in October. This is lightening speed in terms of software releases. Once this new

EFI Connects With Record Number of Users LAS VEGAS—Reaffirming its status as one of the largest graphic arts users groups, the Eighth Annual EFI Connect Conference recently drew nearly 1,500 attendees to the Wynn Hotel & Resort. That made it the biggest turnout ever for the conference, and is still impressive even given that the total registration included 250 EFI employees, a number of sponsor partners and a smattering of journalists. Connect is well-designed to deliver an effective mix of stimulating and informative keynotes, an extensive array of educational sessions and networking activities. Topics of the 160 sessions ran the gamut from EFI’s MIS

SAN JOSE, CA—Adobe will remove the “Send to FedEx Kinko’s” service and functionality, currently available to US customers in Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat. The versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat that are scheduled to be released in October will not contain the feature. We are implementing these changes as quickly as we can. However, we need time to write and test the software. Adobe Reader and Acrobat are critical pieces of software for tens of millions of customers and we have to be sure the software we deliver is up to its usual quality. Adobe originally announced the FedEx Kinko’s features on June

PARAMUS, NJ—JULY 24, 2007—In a July 20, 2007, letter to Adobe Systems, Inc. CEO Bruce Chizen, Joseph P. Truncale, president and chief executive officer of NAPL (www.napl.org), the trade association for excellence in graphic communications management, and Steve Johnson, president and chief executive officer of the National Association of Quick Printers (NAQP), stated that their position regarding the Adobe/FedEx Kinko’s agreement remains as follows: Adobe should extricate itself from the agreement and remove the FedEx Kinko’s logo and embedded link from Adobe software in a timely manner. The letter followed a July 17, 2007, Print Advisory Forum held in San Francisco, CA, and

International Best Practice Organization Has Evolved and Expanded into Major Global Force GHENT, BELGIUM—July 24, 2007—The Ghent Workgroup (GWG) has become one of the world’s most respected graphic arts best practice organizations, the group says on the occasion of its fifth anniversary. Chairperson David Zwang attributes the international association’s viability and solid credibility to the work of the group’s 45 members, all recognized as technological leaders and experts, and contributing their time and efforts on a completely voluntary basis. “The GWG deserves congratulations for its exemplary work. The GWG represents the best of our industry, in bringing together talented people, from all over

The outcry continues regarding Adobe’s announcement to put a “Send to FedEx/Kinko’s” button in Acrobat and Acrobat Reader. Everyone is very busy these days, so when 214 plus members of Print Buyers Online.com voted in last week’s PBO Print Buyer and Print Supplier Quick Polls, they spoke loudly both in terms of numbers and intensity. The consensus is that the vast majority of printers and print buyers are disappointed if not outraged by Adobe’s decision. Our polls show that 81% of print buyers and 94% of print suppliers feel that it’s inappropriate for Adobe to add a “Send to FedEx Kinko’s” button. Moreover, if