RORKE DATA RELEASES PAGECOMPOSER 2.0

Upgrade Adds Support of AppleScript^®, ColorSync^®, and DCS2 w/Spot Colors, and a New, Lower Price Point

Eden Prairie, MN, March 1, 1999 — Rorke Data, Inc. has announced the introduction of a substantial upgrade to its PageComposer file combining/conversion package for the Macintosh^® platform. PageComposer 2.0 now features the workflow-enhancing attributes of AppleScript^® and ColorSync^®, as well as an expanded list of conversion-compatible file formats, including DCS2 with Spot Colors.

Developed for the workflow needs of the prepress industry, PageComposer has been designed to bridge the gap between standard PostScript files and proprietary prepress file formats. The package allows the user to view full-page previews of combined files, and is used worldwide for the conversion of prepress file formats such as Scitex Native, Handshake CT & LW, TIFF/IT-P1, Hell and Crosfield, for output of any resolution to all PostScript devices, including high-resolution imagesetters, color proofers and CTP equipment. PageComposer also delivers data for Gravure applications, and performs extremely fast anti-aliasing of linework for output to proofers and color printers with high quality small text, thin lines and close-cut masks.

"With PageComposer 2.0 and Mac OS 8.5, any Power Macintosh G3 can become a fully-automated file conversion management center," said Jeff Martin, worldwide senior director, design & publishing, Apple Computer, Inc.  "PageComposer takes advantage of key Apple technologies such as AppleScript and ColorSync, for a significant workflow boost."

AppleScript is a PowerPC-native architecture for writing, sending and receiving spoken language-like messages that control and query the Mac OS and applications running on it; the unique AppleScript tool allows Mac users to automate repetitive tasks and make various applications work in concert as customized solutions.

Other new features in PageComposer 2.0 include ColorSync support, which offers users the ability to softproof combined TIFF/IT-P1, Scitex Native and very large NewLW files, among other prepress file formats, with ColorSync accuracy.  ColorSync is Apple's color-management workflow architecture that provides essential tools for fast, consistent, and accurate desktop color calibration, proofing and reproduction in all areas of the graphics, publishing and printing industries.  The PageComposer upgrade also provides support for up to 28 spot colors for output in DCS2 and Postscript.

"PageComposer 2.0 offers more modularity than previous versions," said Joe Rorke, vice president/marketing, Rorke Data, Inc.  "Users can now customize PageComposer's functionality to suit their personal requirements at an overall lower cost," said Rorke. "We've listened to requests by our dealers and users for a lower price point for functions such as Handshake CT&LW In and TIFF/IT-P1 Out. The result is that while our previous price point was close to $4,700, you can now custom-build that same functionality into PageComposer 2.0 for as little as $2,500.  Combined with our new Mac OS 8.5 AppleScript and ColorSync support and the consequent workflow benefits, the PageComposer package is more attractive than ever."

For complete PageComposer pricing, call 1-800-328-8147.

Set up a PageComposer Internet Demo at www.rorke.com.

PageComposer was developed, and is manufactured and distributed, by Rorke Data, Inc., a leading VAR and distributor/manufacturer of workstation hardware and software.  Rorke Data is a full digital storage solutions provider with expertise in RAID subsystems, high performance magnetic drives, tape and optical libraries, Unix NT and Mac environments, high bandwidth networks, digital asset and document management, and engineering and maintenance services.  Founded in 1985, Rorke Data is a privately held Minnesota corporation.  Together with its European subsidiary, Rorke Data Europe, located in Emmen, The Netherlands, the company is composed of six divisions: Audio/Video, Prepress, Imaging, Document Management, Digital Media Supplies, and Engineering and Installation Services. More information about Rorke Data can be found at www.rorke.com.

From Rorke Data, Inc. 7626 Golden Triangle Drive, Eden Prairie, MN  55344; 800/328-8147 or 612/829-0300; fax: 612/829-0988; web site:  www.rorke.com.