Server-based & Adobe InDesign DesignMerge Solutions at Print 2005

News Highlights

• DesignMerge Server is a suite of software modules that work with QuarkDDS®, the server version of QuarkXPress®, so users can upload QuarkXPress templates and database files to the server, and create personalized output in many of the popular VDP output formats, including PPML, using only a web browser interface;
  
• DesignMerge Pro for Adobe® InDesign® brings all the same capabilities of DesignMerge Pro for QuarkXPress to Adobe InDesign users;
  
• Meadows Publishing Solutions is demonstrating DesignMerge Server, as well as DesignMerge Pro for Adobe InDesign, in booth #8637 at the PRINT 2005 show (September 9–15 in Chicago).

Chicago, IL– September 9, 2005 – Meadows Publishing Solutions (MPS) today introduced two new offerings to their DesignMerge suite of variable data publishing solutions. DesignMerge Server is a server-based version of the DesignMerge Pro VDP solution that is compatible with QuarkDDS, the server version of QuarkXPress. With this system, users can upload QuarkXPress templates and database files to the server, and create personalized output in many of the popular VDP output formats, including PPML, using only a web browser interface. DesignMerge Pro for Adobe InDesign brings all the same capabilities of DesignMerge Pro for QuarkXPress to Adobe InDesign users. MPS will be demonstrating the new offerings in booth #8637 at the PRINT 2005 show (September 9–15 in Chicago).

Meadows Publishing Solutions Quote
“With these introductions, we are expanding our reach and offerings of VDP solutions to new players in the market,” said John Kriho, President, MPS. “It’s rewarding to see us growing to meet the needs of both server-based users and InDesign users. With variable data publishing increasingly delivering greater and more rewarding results for marketers, the rise in demand is understandable.”

More About DesignMerge Server
With DesignMerge Server, all of the page composition and merging takes place at the server using the QuarkXPress industry-standard publishing engine. Users will be able to utilize server-based output modules for PPML and other VDP formats, which will allow a complete variable data print run to be handled by the server, freeing the workstations for other tasks. DesignMerge Server will be released in Q4 of this year.

About DesignMerge Software
DesignMerge is a suite of software modules that allow users to quickly and easily create variable data output from most QuarkXPress documents in both Macintosh® and Windows® workflows. The software is valued by designers for it’s many unique production-oriented features:

• CopyFit™ is an exclusive DesignMerge feature that automatically fits any copy that flows beyond the bounding text box. It adjusts for point size, leading, tracking, horizontal scaling, and space before and after paragraphs;
  
• GroupPicture™ allows embedding of a variable QXP document within a variable QXP document. Example: coupons can be “made variable” and dropped into a layout, further customizing the output;
  
• The DesignMerge Rules Module provides powerful, conditional processing features. Conditional processing (if-then-else statements) offer users the ability to perform specific actions based upon the contents of one or more database fields. Rules can be attached to links, boxes, or pages, and can be used to conditionally modify virtually every aspect of the data or the document layout;
  
• DesignMerge supports all leading variable information formats and languages, including Optimized PostScript, FreeForm, PPML, Xerox VIPP, and Creo VPS.

The key feature to DesignMerge is that it maintains the look and feel of the QuarkXPress or InDesign application. By preserving the existing workflow, a DesignMerge user benefits from a shorter learning curve; greater familiarity for the production team; "predictable" variable data output; and continued confidence that the job will be delivered on time.

1000 Users
MPS has also announced the 1000th DesignMerge installation worldwide. In addition to being sold direct, DesignMerge is distributed through the Canon, Xeikon, and Xerox channels, as well as through Enovation Graphic Systems and other select value-added resellers. MPS also has marketing partnerships with leaders such as EFI and Quark, Inc. The collaboration of these marketing efforts has elevated DesignMerge to a leadership position in the VDP space.

For more information about DesignMerge, please visit www.meadowsps.com

About Meadows Publishing Solutions
Meadows Publishing Solutions is a software development and consulting company specializing in commercial and custom XTensions for QuarkXPress, plug-in modules for Adobe InDesign® and Adobe Acrobat®, and other extensible technologies. Meadows has developed a number of popular software packages for the database publishing and variable-data printing markets, including their award-winning products AutoPrice and DesignMerge. Founded in 1991, Meadows is based just outside of Chicago in Schaumburg, Illinois.

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© 2005 Meadows Publishing Solutions. The Meadows Publishing Solutions product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or service marks of Meadows Publishing Solutions, Inc. and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Other company and brand, product and service names are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Data subject to change without notice.