New and enhanced features within Switch 10 will give printers and publishers more robust automation, greater depths of data security, and the ability to extract more value from existing information sources and third-party tools. Switch automation software comes in three versions, depending on users’ needs: LightSwitch for smaller publishers, printers or ad agencies; FullSwitch for larger customers seeking greater integration with third-party applications; and PowerSwitch for more complex graphical environments.
 
“When Switch is at the heart of your company, you’re looking for continuity, predictability and security, and that’s exactly what we want to deliver with Switch 10,” comments Elli Cloots, Director Product Management at Enfocus. “We didn’t stop there though. Users will also be able to save valuable time and money through the seamless integration of Switch 10 with third-party business software and databases.”
 
Enfocus Switch 10 Highlights
To automate with confidence, Switch 10 includes:
Workload visualizer: this continually tracks whether network loads, file volumes and other critical performance parameters remain within workable limits. The tool informs you of any risk of system overload by means of a simple indicator. Switch also provides more advanced monitoring tools to find the reason of the warning.
Optimized processing: an improved processing engine enabling Switch 10 to handle many simultaneous processes independently of each other. A problem arising with one process will not affect the others.
 
Enhanced data security is provided through:
Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP): this is integrated within Switch 10 to ensure that files are sent and received safely over the Internet.
SwitchProxy module: business continuity is assured; clients can always deliver to a publisher’s server, even if it is being maintained or updated, through a proxy server. This separate module is available for FullSwitch and PowerSwitch users only (optional).
 
Users can gain more value from existing information sources and tools:
Database Connector Module: Switch can automatically use relevant information from other business software such as MIS and ERP systems. In Switch 10, integration is even easier through a specific module (optional). Available for PowerSwitch users only upon release of Switch 10 update 1.[1]
Third-party configurators easier to manage: Switch users can update a plug-in as soon as a new version is published on the Crossroads website. Available for FullSwitch and PowerSwitch users only.
 
Improve customer service with SwitchClient
Further enhancements in Switch 10 (FullSwitch and PowerSwitch only) are improved job filtering, sorting and locking via a new graphical user interface in the desktop SwitchClient collaboration tool, which makes life easier for operators. Customers, on the other hand benefit from an easy and customized interface when submitting files, thanks to the ability to have metadata fields interacting.
 
Pricing and availability
The Switch 10 product family will be available from www.enfocus.com in the 2nd quarter of 2011. For Switch clients having a maintenance contract the upgrade is included. For more information on upgrades and pricing, also for the optional modules, contact your preferred reseller, email sales@enfocus.com or consult the Enfocus website at 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, 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.