Imation Announces Reduced List Prices for Rainbow 2730 and 2740 Digital Proofing Systems.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 1999--

Rainbow Image Quality, Speed and Productivity Deliver Maximum Value

for Desktop Color Proofing

Imation Corp. (NYSE:IMN) today announced reduced list pricing for its Imation Rainbow 2730 and Rainbow 2740 digital proofing systems, making the technology available to a broader range of content creator, prepress and production professionals in the graphic arts market. The Imation Rainbow 2730 and Rainbow 2740 digital proofing systems have been reduced from $19,500 to $11,500 and from $24,900 to $12,500, respectively (international pricing may vary). Pricing includes dye sublimation system hardware and Imation's Rainbow Controller Software v.5.0.

"With the introduction of the Rainbow proofing system in 1992, Imation created digital desktop color proofing and extended its worldwide leadership in color proofing," said John Wadie, director of sales and marketing for Imation's printing and proofing products business. "This move today gives even more graphic arts professionals access to leading-edge, continuous tone, contract-quality digital proofing systems at prices comparable to low-end ink jet printers. Low end ink-jet printers simply cannot match the quality, speed, performance, flexibility and value of the Rainbow 2730 and 2740 systems."

Imation's Rainbow 2730 proofing system can output 11 two-page proofs per hour onto a wide range of ink sheets and substrates, making it an ideal proofer for designers and production professionals handling a variety of jobs. Imation's Rainbow 2730 can also be used with Imation's Rainbow Adhesive Backed Receptors (ABRs) and custom color ribbons in gold, silver and white to create high-quality packaging mock-ups.

Designed for large volume commercial and publication print professionals, Imation's Rainbow 2740 proofing system can output more than 11 two-page proofs per hour onto lightweight, low-gloss publication and commercial bases that closely match many final printing stocks, as well as standard Rainbow design and commercial bases. The Rainbow 2740 can automate output of up to 120 proofs, thus increasing productivity and reducing labor costs. The roll-fed Rainbow 2740 also helps maximize productivity by eliminating jam-related proofing errors and workflow disruptions.

The Rainbow System

Rainbow Controller Software: A key to the Rainbow systems' performance advantage versus comparably priced ink jet printers is Imation's patented Rainbow Controller Software v.5.0. Based on Adobe PostScript 3 RIP technology, the new Rainbow software provides users with a wide range of performance-enhancing features, including direct proofing of PDF files which enables users to create, exchange, proof and print PDF files anywhere in the workflow without loss of color quality.

In addition, Rainbow Controller Software v.5.0 is fully Pantone certified, giving users access to the complete Pantone color library and eliminating the need for operators to process separate Pantone colors. The new software also features a color target selection device that allows users to select and simulate a wide gamut of printing conditions on different substrates that more closely match Imation's Matchprint proofing system, the industry standard for contract proofing.

The Rainbow controller software also enables users to accurately proof traps and overprints, enabling the proof to RIP and proof the same file that is sent to the imagesetter.

"Imation's Rainbow Controller Software v.5.0 provides end users with both color quality 'insurance' and unsurpassed functionality," Wadie said. "These performance characteristics unlock the real value of Rainbow systems, making this software the ultimate front end for this high-quality digital proofing system."

Spectral Profiler Software: When used with Imation's new Rainbow Spectral Profiler Software, Rainbow 2730 and 2740 proofing system customers can accurately simulate output from other color proofing systems, substrates and presses, like non-offset targets such as gravure and flexo. The ability to simulate a wide variety of output devices is a key objective for graphic arts professionals in the packaging industry and other markets that require custom color reproduction and high color fidelity.

Using Spectral Profiler Software, users can create an unlimited number of profiles and color tables as needed. Each color table can then be readily selected from within the Rainbow Controller Software for use in generating a specific proof match.

Color Locking Software: Imation Color Locking Software monitors color accuracy of the Rainbow proofer, and calibrates the proofer to a color target. This target can be based on standard Rainbow color profiles, such as Imation Matchprint color tables, or on a color target generated by the Imation Rainbow Spectral Profiler Software. The calibration settings can then be shared by among other Rainbow proofers. The ability to "color lock," or calibrate the proofer is vital for situations like remote proofing, where files will be output on multiple Rainbow proofing systems at dispersed sites.

Imation supplies a variety of products and services worldwide for the information and image management industry, specializing in imaging and data storage solutions. The company manufactures and markets digital and conventional color proofing systems, including the industry-standard Matchprint color proofing system, brand and media asset management solutions, digital prepress software, imagesetting materials, printing plates and graphic arts films to customers worldwide. Imation products are supported by a worldwide customer service organization.

In 1997, the Company reported revenues of approximately $2.2 billion. As of September 30, 1998, Imation employed approximately 8,400 people worldwide. The Company is based in Oakdale, Minn.

Additional information about Imation is available on the Company's Web site at www.imation.com or by calling Imation toll-free at 1-888-466-3456. To receive recent earnings and news releases, corporate information and related shareholder services, call Imation's toll-free shareholder information line at 1-888-IMN-NYSE (1-888-466-6973).

Imation, Matchprint and Rainbow are trademarks of Imation Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.