Cambridge, UK and Centreville, US 10/27/2005 01:00:00 PM
Global Graphics has entered into a strategic alliance with QualityLogic to provide the print industry with the first set of comprehensive third party tools for testing and printing XPS (XML Paper Specification), Microsoft’s new document and print format, formerly code-name “Metro”.
The two companies are collaborating to make it possible for Independent Hardware Vendors (IHVs) to be ready to market with qualified products as soon as the XPS format becomes available in the next version of Microsoft’s operating system, Windows Vista, currently scheduled for availability at the end of 2006.
Current print devices do not support XPS and IHVs will need to enable support for XPS in their products. Global Graphics revealed its credentials and commitment to providing the industry with an XPS compatible RIP at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) in April 2005 when it announced that it had been providing consultancy and proof of concept development services to Microsoft for almost two years. One of the highlights of this event was an on-stage demonstration by Global Graphics of native XPS printing, using the XPS RIP it had already developed.
Jim Freidah, Global Graphics’ chief operating officer comments, “We made a commitment to XPS three years ago as part of our broader technology strategy for RIP development. Today we have the technology and tools in place to enable the industry to adopt high quality XPS RIPping and native printing easily and affordably. Our relationship with QualityLogic will further allow the industry to have independently validated XPS print implementations.”
James Mater, QualityLogic president and CEO adds, “Working with Global Graphics gives us a head start on developing our test suites for XPS. They are providing us with advanced XPS RIP technology that will accelerate our development of useful tests that can be printed on a real device. These tests will be critical in helping IHVs assess conformance to XPS requirements. We have no doubt that Global Graphics will be a critical contributor to the successful implementation of the Microsoft XPS technology.”
Today in the race to market for XPS compatible products, IHVs can get a head start on their development programs by integrating the current release of Global Graphics’ XPS RIP into their new XPS solutions. As a result of the Global Graphics-QualityLogic alliance, QualityLogic's XPS test suites will come to market faster and will provide better tests for IHV's who are bringing XPS printers to market.
Global Graphics has a long history of providing cross-platform, high-performance software that allows businesses to create, share, store and print documents. The Company’s software technology is integral to products produced by printer manufacturers, document companies, and systems integrators worldwide. The Company’s broad technology portfolio includes: Raster Image Processors that convert text and images into printable form; software for document conversion and manipulation; and, components for digital workflows and color management.
Editor's Notes
About Global Graphics
Global Graphics (http://www.globalgraphics.com) is the technology expert for open document and print solutions committed to the continuous development of industry standards. It is a leading developer and supplier of sophisticated high performance RIPs, PDF document, workflow and color solutions to Independent Hardware Vendors, Independent Software Vendors, system integrators and resellers. These partners include the world's leading vendors of digital pre-press systems, large-format color printers, color proofing systems, workgroup copiers and printers, desktop inkjet printers and software applications. Customers include: HP, KonicaMinolta, Sharp, Agfa, Kodak and Quark. Global Graphics is a subsidiary of Global Graphics S.A. (Euronext:GLOG)
About QualityLogic
QualityLogic (http://www.qualitylogic.com) provides leading-edge QA and QC test tools and services for the imaging and telecommunications industries. Its tools and services are used for conformance, performance, and interoperability testing – from low-level firmware testing to high-level multi-tier application testing. QualityLogic’s target markets are companies that develop and market printers, multifunction peripherals, Telephony/IP products/services, and client-based/mobility software.
About XPS
XPS is an open format, developed by Microsoft, that allows users to share, print and archive paginated-layout documents and used in document workflows. As a Page Description Language (PDL), XPS will offer significantly improved screen-to-print fidelity to meet knowledge worker demand for documents rich in graphics content as well as the high fidelity needs of the digital imaging marketplace.
Trademarks
Global Graphics, the smarter alternative, Harlequin, the Harlequin logo, are trademarks of Global Graphics Software Ltd. which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. QualityLogic is a trademark of QualityLogic Inc. which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other brand and product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.
Contacts
Jill Taylor/Global Graphics
+44 1223 873874
Jill.Taylor@globalgraphics.com