WebFlow allows users to automate time-consuming daily tasks, such as sending and receiving files via FTP or email, file conversion and renaming, splitting files, and preflighting.

The software, which is already in use at companies including Lego, DDB, Bauhaus and Aller, interacts with all other hotfolder-based workflows on the market and, according to WebProof, can replace them in many cases.

Jan Adeltoft, chief executive of WebProof, said that the software was not intentionally developed as a rival to Switch; however, he acknowledged that it performed the same task.

"We have definitely not developed WebFlow to be a rival to Switch - WebFlow was developed to help our customers to make their proofing workflow completely automatic," said Adeltoft.

"However, through the years, our customers have asked us for more functionality and in this way it turns out that we can deliver the same functionality as Switch."

Adeltoft added that the company's strategy was to offer WebFlow as an entirely free product, including version upgrades and email support, in order to highlight the benefits of its WebProof software.

"The internal cost savings [printers] can get with WebFlow is one thing, but they will realize that the savings with WebProof are much higher, especially when they integrate their free WebFlow with WebProof," he said.

Companies who integrate WebProof Enterprise with WebFlow will gain access to additional features, including making corrections to the original InDesign files, via the internet, through the WebProof user interface.

The software is aimed at advertising agencies, printers, packaging companies, magazine and newspaper publishers, and any other business with internal graphic production requirements.

For more information see freewebflow.com