Latest Addition to Infoprint Software Offering Provides
Transform Output Consistency Across Job Submissions and
Platforms
BOULDER, CO, November 30, 2004 – As today’s changing
business needs demand more complex print jobs, IBM today announced
IBM Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux® as a scalable solution
to help accelerate RIP intensive non AFP workflows on IBM Infoprint
production printers.
IBM Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux is intended for
production print customers with heterogeneous environments who
require high-speed, compute intensive PDF, Postscript, and image
transform capability in support of their high-volume AFP production
print workflow. Infoprint Transform Manager is seamlessly integrated
with industry-leading Infoprint Manager for AIX and Windows, so that
the transformation function is transparent to the job submitter or
operator.
To alleviate demanding and processor intensive datastream
transformations, IBM Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux allows
PostScript, PDF, TIFF, GIF and JPEG RIPing to be offloaded to a cost
effective dedicated system for processing and then returned to
Infoprint Manager for spooling and printing on AFP printers.
Infoprint Manager continues to manage and monitor print jobs, but
transforms are shifted to a dedicated server to help improve output
workflow and efficiency.
“Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux offers the best of
both worlds. Customers can continue to design using existing
standard document composition tools, while enjoying the reliability
and high-speed AFP architecture to lower the overall total cost of
print,” said John Kia, manager of production products and
solutions for IBM Printing Systems. “Integration with Infoprint
Manager can help customers expedite high-volume production print
workloads, optimize system resources and obtain high quality output
even in heterogeneous print environments.”
Scalable, Reliable and Cost-effective
Infoprint Transform Manager can be installed on a scalable system
from an entry-level sever to an expandable powerful blade server
based solution. Infoprint Transform Manager allows print jobs to be
spread across multiple processors, and it can scale as printing needs
grow. For example, customers can start with a two processor IBM
IntelliStation Z Pro server or IBM eServer BladeCenter™ and add
more processors or Server blades when needed. Dedicating processing
power to transforms enables accelerated ripping of PostScript, PDF,
TIFF, GIF and JPEG workflow.
Regardless of the hardware, the proven stability of the Linux
operating systems complements the high-quality, reliability
associated with AFP production print systems. The low entry price
and high reliability add up to a system that can quickly yield a
positive return on investment.
Price and Availability
IBM Infoprint Transfer Manger for Linux is scheduled for
availability on December 17th. Several options are available for
customers who currently use Infoprint Manager with help from a local
IBM sales representative. For more information, see
www.ibm.com/printers/ipm.
About IBM Printing Systems Division
With more than 40 years’ experience helping customers with
print solutions, IBM Printing Systems Division specializes in output
solutions for the on demand era. IBM is helping customers link
electronic information with the various forms of output choices that
businesses need today, while allowing them to improve operations,
reduce costs and maximize business value. 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