Creo chose Macworld San Fransisco this week to release a project management tool and launch its new identity.

Six Degrees is a desktop application that links files and communications about each job together, displaying them in a single window. Cutting the time spent looking for elements and messages for a project is the aim of the software, which will be released in Europe in September. It goes on sale in the US in July for $249 (180).

Creo is pitching it as an entry point to its Networked Graphic Production concept for print production. Six Degrees analyses how e-mail is used and how files are named and grouped in folders. From this information it builds up a list of related documents and communications. It uses an interface called the Legend, which is split into panes to show messages, files and people. These are all linked, so clicking on a person will bring up all related files and messages in the relevant windows.

As its first move into desktop software, Creo recognised it faced a challenge finding the best way of marketing and selling the software. It will offer time-limited versions online for people to try before they buy.

Story by Barney Cox