Rorke Data and Harlequin Sign OEM Agreement for ScriptWorks® RIP Technology
Chicago, Ill., GraphExpo 99, Booth #4581, October 17, 1999 — Rorke Data announced today that it has signed an OEM agreement with Harlequin for the company's ScriptWorks RIP Management System technology. The agreement specifically allows Rorke to implement Harlequin's SOAR PostScript 3 RIP as a module within Rorke's PageComposer file combining/conversion package for the Macintosh® platform.
By means of PageComposer and its new ScriptWorks RIP module, Apple Macintosh users at advertising agencies, in-house marketing communications departments, prepress and catalog houses, and smaller printers can now create industry standard TIFF/IT-P1 files for highly consistent file transfer and exchange. This unique use of RIP technology for file conversion purposes is fully supported with hot folders and job templates for powerful workflow management. Additional efficiencies are gained with PageComposer's support and integration of AppleScript, ColorSync, and various file compression choices, through the PageComposer GUI front-end.
"As digital ads and digital file delivery methods become more and more commonplace," said Joe Rorke, Rorke Data's VP/Marketing, "consistent file formats that avoid PostScript errors are crucial. By implementing Harlequin's SOAR postscript 3 RIP, PageComposer can take this type of workflow to the next level. A PageComposer user can now RIP Postscript files into TIFF/IT files right on their Macintosh desktop. This is basically a low-cost means to not only receive and view TIFF/IT files, but also to build TIFF/IT files for delivery and convert those files to suit a printer's needs, thus distributing 100% consistent files from DTP to CTP."
"Rorke Data's unique use of Harlequin's RIP technologies perfectly complements our traditional output device OEMs," said Ian McCure, Harlequin's Director of OEM Sales. "More and more output devices, CTP hardware, imagesetters, and proofers are including the Harlequin TIFF/IT-P1 output option. By using Rorke's upgraded PageComposer package, the majority of content creators can now deliver TIFF/IT files for output, whatever the given output device."
PageComposer has been designed to bridge the gap between standard PostScript files and proprietary prepress file formats, said Joe Rorke. The software 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 CT, LW, NLW, Handshake CT & LW, DCS2 w/spot colors, 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.
Harlequin's ScriptWorks is a powerful and complete print production management system for open-system environments, and is faster and more robust than other PostScript® language interpreters. The software-based RIP boosts productivity in high-resolution digital printing and publishing environments and also controls a diverse set of processes with "late-binding" flexibility. ScriptWorks is licensed exclusively on an OEM basis, and Harlequin OEMs market their ScriptWorks-based products under many different brand names as integral components of imagesetting, direct-to-plate/press, proofing and printing systems.
For complete PageComposer pricing, call 1-800-328-8147.
With a large and growing base of OEM partners, Harlequin is recognized worldwide as a leading supplier of open systems-based software for digital printing and publishing applications. Established in 1986 and acquired by Global Graphics (EASDAQ: GLGR) in July 1999, Harlequin has grown into an international software company with world-class expertise in high quality digital printing and publishing, information management, and software development tools. For more information about the company, visit Harlequin's Web site at www.harlequin.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.
