The business evolved from humble beginnings operating from the dining room table of founder Peter Camps, who initially set up FirstClass software to capitalise on the new world of PostScript and desktop publishing.
After going down something of a dead-end by originally focusing on software for Steve Jobs’ NeXT computer, the firm changed tack.
In a mini documentary filmed to mark the anniversary, Camps said: “We sold about 1,000 copies but NeXT was not going anywhere so we switched to Macs.
“We came from Barco and high-end workstations that were custom built, to using the Macintosh as a workstation.”
The firm’s specialty is PDF validation and process automation via its PitStop and Switch family of products.
Enfocus used the show to announce its plans to move into cloud-based software with Enfocus Cloud.
Product manager Davy Verstaen described it as a new platform for a new era, and said the move had been driven by five factors: market demand, faster product development, removing the speed limits of hardware, sustainability (regarding customers’ desire to simplify hardware management), and security.
PDF Review will be the first product in Enfocus Cloud, which promises 99.99% uptime via the use of Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Verstaen said he expected continuous delivery of fresh developments “every six weeks instead of every six months”.
“SaaS also allows customers to upgrade or downgrade their plans as needed,” he added.
The Enfocus Cloud version of Review will be available from 24 October worldwide for trialling and demonstrations.
Head of marketing Piet De Pauw noted that in 1999 – as the dotcom boom loomed – Camps had been quizzed by venture capitalists about whether his business plans involved the internet.
“Finally, we have an internet play!” he quipped.
Enfocus was acquired by Artwork Systems in 2000, and then became a subsidiary of the combined EskoArtwork business when Esko acquired Artwork Systems in 2007. Esko Artwork was in turn acquired by US group Danaher in 2011.
At the beginning of this month, Danaher span off its Product Quality & Innovation, and Water Quality businesses into a new venture, Veralto, with sales of around $5bn (£4.1bn).
The Product Quality & Innovation wing includes Esko, Pantone, Linx, Videojet and X-Rite.
