Hafiba takes job information directly from ad agencies to define how each page is produced. Both Hafiba and fellow DALiM user Adplates in London developed similar production systems independently for their systems using TWiST''s ability to communicate with databases. Now DALiM has developed the process still further so a TWiST workflow can be automatically reconfigured according to information it finds in the database entries - a feature it claims is unique.
Other DALiM developments at Drupa include the porting of TWiST and LiTHO (high end image editing and colour page composition) to the Linux operating system, the announcement of PDF 1.3, PDF/X and Scitex NLW support for both in upgrades due to ship in June, and the introduction of a new entry-level workflow management system called SWiNG.
Essentially a stripped-down version of TWiST, SWiNG will ship in Q3 2000 at a projected price of Euro5,000, announced CEO Carol Werl at Drupa. Running under Linux, it will include automatic tools for pre-flight checking, normalising, trapping, proofing and conversion of CT/LW files to PDF. Once set up, Swing will appear as a Chooser-level device on a network. Orders were being accepted at Drupa, with special deals promised for anything placed before 16 June.
Some 18 months after its resurrection as a new company DALiM claims to be in profit, and 60% of its sales last year were to new customers, reported Werl. The company has just closed major sales of TWiST to Quebecor Dalson, a gravure plant in Tennessee, and of LiTHO to the Integer Group which prints high end labels and advertising materials.
Story by Simon Eccles
