Global Graphics Reveals Strategy for Next Generation Printing and Electronic Document Technology.

* One platform for document creation, conversion, thumbnails, low and high-resolution display, manipulation, processing, archiving, and printing.

* Includes new RIP solutions for native consumption of PostScript([R]), PDF, XPS, and PCL in driver-based, embedded and server-based SDKs, and

* A new set of libraries for electronic document conversion, display, and manipulation capabilities including PostScript, XPS, PDF, PCL, and other formats.

LYRA IMAGING SYMPOSIUM - RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. -- Global Graphics (Brussels:GLOG) revealed today that it is well advanced in its plans to launch a next generation OEM document platform during the current year. The two pillars of the integrated platform are new RIP solutions optimized for the full range of printing devices, and, a powerful electronic document library offering file format conversion, creation, display and manipulation capability for a wide variety of applications.

The new driver-based, embedded and server-based RIP solutions will be available for manufacturers of desktop inkjet printers, networked office printers/copiers, high-end multi-function printers, wide format inkjet printers and a range of commercial print devices and workflows. These solutions will support the native processing of the most common Page Description Languages, including PostScript, PDF, XPS and PCL, as well as provide support for proprietary and other document formats. This next generation RIP technology uses a new iteration of the powerful RIP kernel found at the heart of the Harlequin RIP with significant expansion, modularity and optimization for specific printer environments.

The new eDocument technology comprises a set of libraries that will provide application developers, software print workflow producers, online document services, and corporate IT departments with powerful tools for document format creation and conversion, including XPS, PDF, PostScript[R], PCL and proprietary formats, as well as comprehensive document manipulation, processing, and viewing capabilities. The power of this new electronic document technology is twofold: its extensible architecture makes it easy to add any number of Page Description Languages (PDLs) and other current and future document formats; plus, comprehensive document manipulation is possible. This is due to the powerful Document Object Model at its centre that provides access to conversion, optimization, and to both page and object level information, providing the ability to add, modify or delete document and object elements. Customers can add their own PDL input or export filters.

The roll out of the Company's new RIP solutions begins today with the launch of Version 1.0 of the Harlequin([R]) Host Renderer SDK, that provides high-quality components with which to build XPS printer drivers and other host- based solutions for a wide variety of raster devices. This new SDK will be particularly useful for printer/MFP manufacturers who develop their own drivers and need PDL technology.

Today also sees the official launch of the Company's Early Adopter Program under which developers can sign up for exclusive early access to the new eDocument technology libraries and to the Global Graphics eDocument product development team.

Jim Freidah, Global Graphics' chief operating officer comments, "The advantages of using one document platform are that printer manufacturers and application developers can standardize their solutions on one powerful and flexible platform for all their Page Description Language and other document format requirements. This will enable them to reduce the engineering effort they expend on integrating different solutions together or on maintaining several different architectures for the various document formats. Overall, this will lead to reduced support costs and shorter product development cycles.

"Printer manufacturers will benefit from the quality and performance associated with the Harlequin brand name across a much broader range of printing devices yet still benefit from the flexibility they need to create custom solutions. Application developers will be able to use one eDocument library for all their file format conversion and manipulation needs. For example, adding PDF and XPS to an application will be easy. And because the library is modular and extensible, you buy what you want when you need it and you can add other PDL conversions, including your proprietary formats at any time."

Ends

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