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Xerox rolled out a handful of new software tools Sept. 5, including enhancements to its FreeFlow Digital Workflow Collection, aimed at driving adoption of digital print.
By reducing steps in the printing process, the software can expedite personalized marketing materials or short-run digital books, speed and simplify Web-to-print jobs, and route print jobs to the correct printer.
The software is intended for use by in-plant printing and reprographic departments and by commercial print providers, said Deborah Cantabene, vice president of Workflow Marketing for Xeroxs Production Systems Group, of Stamford, Conn. “It helps our customers connect to their departments within enterprises, or connect to their customers. It helps reduce costs and improve productivity, and enables new printing applications, such as one-to-one marketing with customized, personalized documents.”
Additions and enhancements for enabling new applications include:
- Xerox VIPP PRO Publisher and Xerox FreeFlow Variable Information Suite 6.0
- VIPP PRO Publisher, a plug-in, lets graphic designers use Adobe InDesign software to produce customized statements, postcards and direct-mail pieces from a PC or Mac, eliminating precomposition. The plug-in will be available in North America in the fourth quarter as part of the Xerox FreeFlow Variable Information Suite.
- FreeFlow Variable Information Suite 6.0 streamlines production of customized documents and includes security imaging effects, which help prevent counterfeiting.
- Xeroxs FreeFlow Web Services 6.0 Web-to-print software lets users submit and reorder print jobs securely online. This software will be available Oct. 15.
“Despite all of the advances in digital printing technology, implementing an automated production process can still be a daunting task for a printer—but it doesnt have to be,” said Quincy Allen, president, Xerox Production Systems Group. “We have integrated the knowledge and expertise printers have used to run their traditional businesses and production processes into tools that streamline and automate the digital aspects of their business and help them expand their offerings.”
Daniel P. Dern is an independent technology writer. He can be reached at dern@pair.com.