Since acquiring Best Color Proofing technology in 2003, EFI has done little to the well-known proofing software packages apart from version upgrades and a newly-designed and simplified GUI shown at drupa, until now. EFI has now brought to market a range of new proofing offerings featuring Best technology, under the new name of Colorproof XF.
EFI ColorProof XF aims to deliver all options in a modular and cross-platform, client-server environment. This means printers only pay for what modules being used, but all functions are on the product CD or website and can be activated via simple low-cost license passwords. XF works on Mac OSX or Wintel (PC) and the software can reside on a central server where all terminals can access it to make contract proofs on multiple cheap desktop printers.
Russell Cavenagh of local distributor DES, says, "Contract proofing can now be integrated into any IT/workflow infrastructure and non-colour management literate operators can perform highly complex proofing tasks by clicking and dragging icons in the simple GUI. It’s a whole new attitude to proofs."
Being a ground-up rewrite of a proven digital proofing rip which has sold around 38,000 copies worldwide, EFI says it is taking full advantage to introduce new functionality that is not possible by simply bringing out new versions of old software.
"All software has a life cycle, just look at Windows and Mac. The Windows 95-based operating system lasted five years until 2000 and XP, which are totally different core products, based on NT," says Cavenagh.
"Apple did the same when it introduced Mac OS-X, which is Unix-based and bears little resemblance to 9x. Most digital proofing Rips are now five to six years old in their core architecture and, whilst new versions bring benefits, only a ground-up rewrite will deliver all the benefits that new hardware and workflows offer."
EFI ColorProof XF is JDF-ready and is designed to integrate seamlessly into EFI Oneflow and many other workflows. Three output size options are available; ‘M’ for printers up to 17" wide including laser and Fuji Pictroproof; ‘XL’ for printers up to 24" wide and ‘XXL’ for printers 25" and upwards. It is available from August 2004.
