Unlike other German firms DirectSmile and DirecType,  I-clue offers the service as an ASP under the AlphaPicture brand, with printers paying per click rather than buying software.

"AlphaPicture does the file preparation so printers don't have to invest in software or training," said I-clue chief executive Gerhard Maertterer. "We don't sell software, we sell pictures."

Maertterer claimed that the firm's software also differed from its rivals by working in 3D, handling differential focus and using variable letter forms.

The firm has found the system works fastest with EFI's Fiery workflow and is developing a PPML interface with EFI. It is also working with Xerox, which is supplying iGen3 users with credits to use AlphaPicture as part of its Prospect Accelerator package.

Xerox DocuColor product marketing manager Kevin O'Donnell described feedback as "phenomenal". He also revealed that Xerox is working with DirectSmile on a version for Xerox customers.

Previously DirectSmile was supplied exclusively by HP Indigo.

Story by Barney Cox