Its Fiery System 5 software for the Fiery Z5 and Z18 servers has extra support for variable data printing including up to five times faster printing.

Variable data file formats supported by the software include PPML, Xerox VIPP and Creo VPS.

"We are faster than other VI front-ends in the market," claimed EFI chief executive Guy Gecht. "Way faster than the Creo Spire handling VPS."

It will also start shipping its Graphic Arts Package software that adds screening, spot colour, trapping, imposition and soft proofing tools and also adds support for TIFF-IT and DCS files.

"Were launching a Fiery to plate because we were asked for it by a lot of people who have CTP and copiers," said Gecht.

Printers with a range of devices will be able to use the same workflow to drive copiers, wide-format printers, proofers, DI presses and platesetters.

Ipex will also be a launchpad for PrintMe, EFIs system for remote printing over the internet, including printing from PDAs and mobile phones. The service, set to go live at the end of March, is being piloted in the UK by managed office and conference venue Regus.

Story by Barney Cox