Global Graphics Provides Consulting Services and a Reference Implementation for Next Generation Microsoft Print Technology.

CENTREVILLE, Va. & CAMBRIDGE, U.K. -- Global Graphics' print industry expertise helps usher in next generation printing in Microsoft Windows operating system code-named "Longhorn"

Global Graphics (Euronext: GLOG), an acknowledged expert in technology for open document and print solutions, announces that it is providing consultancy and proof of concept development services to Microsoft to help deliver new and innovative solutions for printing and electronic documents built on Microsoft's new XML-based document technology, code-named "Metro". This new format is planned for availability in Microsoft's next version of the Windows operating system code-named "Longhorn".

As an extension of this work, Global Graphics is debuting its own new generation of Raster Image Processor (RIP) and Page Description Language (PDL) solutions which will be made available under license to hardware and software vendors to support this new print and document format in their products.

For almost two years, Global Graphics' Technical Services Consulting Group has been working with Microsoft's Windows development teams on the specification for "Metro". Unveiled today by Microsoft, "Metro" is an open format that allows users to share, print and archive paginated-layout documents and used in document workflows. As a Page Description Language (PDL), "Metro" will offer significantly improved screen-to-print fidelity to meet knowledge worker demand for documents rich in graphics content as well as the high fidelity needs of the digital imaging marketplace.

As an integral part of the consulting project, Global Graphics has been developing a print reference implementation RIP that will be shipped with a Microsoft Windows-based developer toolset, enabling hardware and software developers in the evaluation and benchmarking of quality printed output.

Jim Freidah, Global Graphics' chief operating officer, says, "It is exciting to have been involved right from the earliest stages of this project and today, be at the leading edge of a new technology that will have a beneficial impact on a huge user base. We will offer products based on this next generation RIP technology and make them available under license to printer manufacturers and software integrators worldwide. Customers will reap the commercial benefit of our early involvement and development because they can get their own products to market earlier. In effect, we have made an investment on their behalf in an emerging print path and electronic document format that they will need to process in the future."

Madelyn Bryant McIntire, product unit manager for the Windows Digital Documents Platform and Solutions group at Microsoft Corp., comments, "We are working closely with the team at Global Graphics to ensure our printing and document solutions for 'Longhorn' address the needs of the print industry and that our design can be implemented by the hardware and software industries. Global Graphics' expertise makes it a well-rounded company to work with on 'Longhorn' printing and our proof-of-concept project. "

Jim Freidah, added, "The expertise that Microsoft has drawn upon relates to our print and document technologies where we have very strong credentials and a wealth of experience. In particular we are well-known for the speed and quality of our Raster Image Processing and Page Description Language technology."

Global Graphics has a long history of providing cross-platform, high-performance software that allows businesses to create, share, store and print documents. The Company's software technology is integral to products produced by printer manufacturers, document companies, and systems integrators worldwide. The Company's broad technology portfolio includes: Raster Image Processors that convert text and images into printable form; software for document conversion and manipulation; and, components for digital workflows and color management.

In particular, it specializes in technology for processing Page Description Languages. The company has worked with PostScript(R) since 1986, and with the Portable Document Format (PDF) since its introduction in 1993. With an extensive patent portfolio that touches many areas of printing technology, Global Graphics is an active supporter of industry standards and works with a wide range of industry bodies and consultative groups to ensure that its software complies with the latest specifications. More information at http://www.globalgraphics.com

Trademarks

Global Graphics, the smarter alternative, Harlequin, the Harlequin logo, are trademarks of Global Graphics Software Ltd. which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. PostScript is a trademark of Adobe Systems Inc. which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other brand and product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.