The Intelligent Printer Data Stream (IPDS) option of Kodak's 700 Print Manager is compliant with the new AFP standard that is designed for smoother integration of each element of a print system that includes servers, transforms, printers and archive systems.

According to Kodak, the standard features broad colour support for both process and spot colours as well as image file formats including Tiff and Jpeg.

Harry Lewis, chairman of the AFP Consortium, which Kodak is part of, said the new version of the standard cements its position as the standard presentation architecture for both production mono and colour variable-data printing.

"By improving interoperability of AFP solutions across vendors, we reassure customers that they can design their print environment using best-of-breed AFP components from multiple vendors with confidence that they will work together easily and efficiently," he added.

Other features of the Kodak 700 Print Manager include support for PDF, EPS and PostScript formats, as well as connectivity, job management and data processing.

In 2008, Kodak acquired Intermate, a supplier of remote monitoring and print connectivity products, in a bid to grow its presence in the transactional print marketplace.

Kodak said the company's knowledge of Intelligent Printer Data Stream (IPDS) systems, the hardware and software technology that links mid- to high-volume print systems would improve the company's capabilities within transactional print.

Kodak showcased the latest print manager software at an event at its La Hulpe facility, where it also showcased the latest additions to its Versamark series of high-volume inkjet printers.