IBM Unveils Innovative Software to Automate Print Environments

IBM Infoprint ProcessDirector(R) Designed to Help Clients Lower Costs, Improve Operational Capabilities

BOULDER, CO - 03 Feb 2006: IBM today introduced IBM Infoprint ProcessDirector, a new software product for high speed production printers. This innovative software is a customizable process management system that automates many tasks in the print shop that today are handled manually.

Built on IBM DB2® Universal Database™, embedded IBM Web server software, and the Linux operating system, Infoprint ProcessDirector is designed to improve the management of output environments, which can help clients reduce costs and seamlessly respond to changes in their processes. Its modular architecture enables businesses to add capabilities as needed, delivering the capability to start small and grow over time.

Web-based Interface for Single Point of Control
Operators are able to use an innovative browser-based user interface with shop floor dashboard to help facilitate efficient and effective host-to-post process management. “Clients can configure Infoprint ProcessDirector for their specific output environment,” said Karen Fukuma, vice president of production print solutions for IBM’s Printing Systems. “As a result, it can deliver superior output process management and job level control functions from a single point of control.” Infoprint ProcessDirector is designed to help clients re-engineer their end-to-end transaction output processes to maximize efficiencies.

Latest Addition to the IBM Output Environment
Infoprint ProcessDirector is the most recent example of IBM’s commitment to the IBM Output Environment, a technology roadmap for the future, designed to allow clients to leverage current and future products, services, and expertise in order to integrate and optimize output across their enterprises. The IBM Output Environment provides a technology roadmap to link current and future IBM Infoprint hardware, software and services offerings. The framework can not only help integrate printer hardware and software, but also help seamlessly link print technologies to IBM server, software, and services offerings, to help drive business growth while keeping a check on costs.

Infoprint ProcessDirector is IBM’s entry-level process management product, joining a comprehensive family, which includes IBM Infoprint Workflow, a customized output transformation professional services offering for transaction printing and IBM Infoprint Manager, an enterprise print server that can support transaction, print-on-demand and distributed environments.

Availability
The initial release of Infoprint ProcessDirector is designed to provide job level process management. Future releases are expected to include additional features and functions that can be added based on client requirements. General availability of the first release is scheduled for the second half of 2006. For more information on IBM’s comprehensive output management offerings, contact an IBM sales representative or visit ibm.com/printers.



About IBM Printing Systems Division
With more than 40 years of experience in helping customers with print solutions, IBM Printing Systems Division specializes in output solutions for the on-demand era. A leader in production print solutions, print-on-demand technologies, distributed print technologies, one-to-one marketing initiatives and print management software; IBM Printing Systems’ offerings include printers, software, consultation, systems integration, supplies, service and support. For more information visit ibm.com/printers

Contact Information

David Scholes

IBM Media Relations

IBM

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