Httprint and KBA have teamed up on a new e-commerce product tailored for users of KBAs 74 Karat digital press.


The system will be tested at two German Karat users over the next three months and will be shown at the Print 01 exhibition in Chic-ago in September.


Httprint instigated the project and then took the idea to KBA. "For an e-commerce solution, the Karat has major benefits. Its waterless and its output is very predictable, with little waste," said European sales manager Tony ONeill.


In theory, the e-commerce module could be offered to all Karat users, offering instant web-enabl-ed connectivity and helping to drive sales of the press, which has yet to make major inroads in the DI market. There are around 50 installations in Europe, with two UK installations.


KBA digital press sales director Ralf Sammeck said: "We are trying to give our customers the potential to generate more jobs this whole solution can build good business."


Httprint could also offer the solution to other vendors. "The Karat is a symbol for an output device. It could be any digital press, or it could work across exposure units for flexo or grav-ure. We are establishing it for one market, but it could be used in any similar market segment," added Wolfgang Toaspern, httprints manager for Germany.


The system employs Gretag-Macbeths colour management know-how and Markzwares pre-flight tools, and will use the BestColor RIP if used for remote proofing.


Marketing director Tim Smith emphasised that the system "has everything to do with where the job is printed" and would not distance printers from their customers.


"It is using technology to speed up the front-end and get product to market more quickly. The system will be tailored to each Karat customers requirements effectively, it will be their site, connecting to their customers."


Story by Jo Francis