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IBM development vice president to speak at Interquest/Xplor MidAtlantic Spring Conference

BOULDER, CO – April 13, 2005 -- IBM Printing Systems will keynote a session on variable data digital color printing at the first Interquest/Xplor MidAtlantic Spring Conference.

The session will include an update on the work of the AFP Color Consortium, a cross-industry group that is working to create a reliable, secure and open standard for full-color production print. The forum will feature a Friday keynote by IBM vice president, Jeff Paterra, vice president of development and professional service, IBM Printing Systems, who will discuss the future for effective color management and highlight the activities of the AFP Color Consortium as it progresses toward an industry-defined, fully open architecture that addresses the complex functions of color management.  

“Organizations across all different industries – from banks to insurance companies - use high-speed variable data printing for customer communications and would like to print account statements or policy changes in full color,” said Paterra.  “The AFP Color Consortium is well on its way to extending the AFP architecture -- paving the way for a smooth convergence of production monochrome printing and production color.”

Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association and INTERQUEST, a leading technology research and consulting firm serving the electronic printing and publishing industry, have joined forces to conduct a series of regional seminars for Xplor’s chapters and regions, as well as communications professionals in the Mid-Atlantic, Chicago, and Northeast areas.  The series opens on April 21 at Washington Dulles in Virginia.

“The banking, finance, and insurance markets are among the top industry segments using variable data and digital color printing to improve the effectiveness of their customer communications,” said Skip Henk, EDP, president & CEO of Xplor International. “The regional forums will provide an ideal opportunity in which technology users and suppliers can exchange ideas and solutions to promote best practices in the industry.”

The Interquest/Xplor regional seminar series is targeted for corporate data center specialists, document services and in-plant print managers, direct mail and graphic arts companies, marketing, advertising, and communications professionals, as well as print buyers and media planners. To register or for more information, visit www.focusedforums.com or call (800-280-6218).

About IBM Printing Systems Division

With more than 40 years’ experience helping customers with print solutions, IBM Printing Systems Division specializes in output solutions for the on demand era.  IBM is helping customers link electronic information with the various forms of output choices that businesses need today, while allowing them to improve operations, reduce costs and maximize business value. A leader in production print solutions, print-on-demand technologies, distributed print technologies, one-to-one marketing initiatives and print management software, IBM Printing Systems’ offerings include printers, software, consultation, systems integration, supplies, service and support.  For more information visit ibm.com/printers