September 12, 2011, Chicago, USA – Enfocus Switch, the automation platform receiving this year’s 2011 InterTech Technology Award, moves into an increasingly central position within organizations’ publishing production and supply chain systems with the important release of Switch 10 Update 1 and the optional Database Module, available immediately.
 
“Switch’s ability to help inter-connected systems exchange, modify, and utilize different types of data automatically, has resulted in its organic growth in many directions, “ says Elli Cloots, Enfocus Director of Product Management.
 
“Switch’s capabilities are not exclusive to graphic arts,” Cloots says, “and in many cases our Switch customers are showing us exciting applications they’ve conceived of, themselves. Some of the most immediately apparent and effective uses of Switch across different operations tie production data such as job ticket information, to inventory, shipping, and billing databases.“
 
The Database Module
This highly powerful, optional module for PowerSwitch sites brings unprecedented automation to often cumbersome and expensive database-related applications.
 
The Database Module makes it possible for Switch to immediately utilize existing databases for automated processing; handling jobs differently based on information stored in the database. Just a few examples are preflighting files based on the actual order, archiving based on the customer information or job ID, etc. Enfocus has also added the ability to update, add or remove records through SQL without the need for scripting thereby keeping databases synchronized and up-to-date with anything that transpired during file processing in Switch.[1]
 
These benefits are made even more appealing by Switch 10, Update 1’s increased support for XMP, a new feature detailed below. 
 
“We’ve made it really simple to integrate Switch with existing business and prepress systems by making it easier for the software to communicate with various database solutions,” says Dieter Wullaert, Enfocus Switch Product Manager. “Users can utilize existing data in just a few clicks!”
 
Total Support for XMP
The new ability to embed Adobe’s Extensible Metadata Platform (XMP) provides a common way for design applications, workflow systems, and backend publishing systems to capture, share and process metadata. Switch previously supported use of jobs’ existing XMP data, but now professionals can, for instance, insert a complete job ticket. They can also update existing XMP information with, for example, job information gathered while processing the file.
 
Support for XMP becomes even more advantageous when PowerSwitch professionals choose to purchase the Database Module. The combination of these allows users even better tracking, accessibility and application use of the XMP data that becomes available.
 
SwitchClient is an iPad App
SwitchClient for iPad is the one of numerous product deployments Enfocus is developing to accommodate iPad, and other tablet, users. While SwitchClient for iPad is a convenience product, allowing professionals to monitor and manage their Switch jobs via iPad, Enfocus is also developing solutions to assist publishers and other stakeholders in simplifying cross media workflow processes for legacy, as well as new content. One of the first examples is a PDF cross media conversion feature in the latest version of Enfocus PitStop Server, which can be used in Switch through the PitStop configurator.
 
More power for Creative Suite 5.5.
Scarcely any time passes between Adobe’s releases and Enfocus’ support for them. In this case, the new CS5 Switch Configurators for InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop have been enhanced, allowing for more and expanded automation and support for CS5.5. CS5.5 is also one of the hot cross-media growth applications that Enfocus is watching closely, for example the InDesign configurator now allows exports directly to the ePub format.
 
Switch actually increases the functionality of the Suite modules by making it possible for any kind of file type to be sent to InDesign or Illustrator making it possible to automatically use XML data to fill out templates.
 
On the Heels of Switch 10
The Database Module and Update 1 arrive just following June’s release of Switch 10. The press release and a link to a movie about Switch 10 are available here. (will link to http://www.helenesmith.com/enfocus-announces-switch-10-offers-more-power...)
 
“Graphic arts professionals will improve productivity thanks to Switch’s new level of integration and flexibility,” says Cloots.“ Users will be impressed with what they can do with the new features, as well as the time they’ll save thanks to greater automation.”
 
Keeping Up with Switch and 3rd- Party Application Developments
Cloots reminds professionals that existing and new third-party applications that integrate with Switch are featured on the Enfocus Crossroads website, where Switch users can also find numerous automation resources and, even, Switch “flows” that others have posted.
 
Availability
Switch 10 Update 1 and the optional Database Module for PowerSwitch users are available immediately. Switch 10 owners are entitled to Update 1 at no charge.
 
Customers wanting more information on the update and Database Module should contact their local Enfocus reseller, email sales@enfocus.com, or visit www.enfocus.com.
 
About Enfocus
Enfocus provides modular and affordable tools safeguarding job quality and enabling automation throughout the complete production chain. Innovative solutions improve communication between design and production while enhancing productivity and predictability through automation of routine tasks.
Step-by-step deployment dramatically increases added value without forcing users to completely rethink their way of doing business. Well-known brands include Instant PDF, PitStop and Switch.
Enfocus is a business unit of EskoArtwork and has its headquarters in Gent, Belgium.
 
About EskoArtwork
EskoArtwork is a global supplier of integrated solutions for packaging, sign and display finishing, commercial printing and professional publishing. Its products and services help customers raise productivity, reduce time-to-market, lower costs and expand business.
EskoArtwork employs around 1050 people worldwide. Its global sales and support organization covers Europe, the Americas and the Asia Pacific and is completed by a network of distribution partners in more than 45 countries.
EskoArtwork is headquartered in Gent, Belgium, and has R&D and manufacturing facilities in five European countries, the United States, China and India. The consolidated full year financials ended for 2010 with revenue of EUR 184.1 million.