Konica Minolta Kodak Creo IC-309 Server Preview

This week, Konica Minolta and Kodak officially released the IC-309 Server, the newest model in their KODAK CREO Server line. The IC-309 Server was developed for Konica Minolta’s bizhub PRO C1060 and C1070 printing presses. The new front-end server is designed on a new architecture but offers the same ease-of-use so current customers won’t be inconvenienced or have to relearn printing or advanced functions. The Kodak Creo IC-309 server was demonstrated at Print ’13 in Chicago and also at this year’s IPEX (in London). The newest server takes the CREO Server Technology and adds new core architecture as well as over 50 new features including ergonomic and use improvements, increasing job processing speed, and enabling completely parallel, page-level and job-level RIP.

Kodak’s Creo Servers are one of the leading solutions for press-level print-on-demand pros who need to use the latest industry standards, such as Adobe CPSI and PDF Print Engine (APPE). Open connectivity and automation let Konica Minolta’s Press customers to integrate well with a variety of professional workflows using JDF standards, including Kodak Prinergy Workflow. By using a unique architecture, advanced Variable Data Printing (VDP) capabilities and extensive document printing functionality, CREO Servers are designed to a technology platform that is rock solid, and allows for optimal performance when using digital production printers and presses.

“This collaboration has yielded the benefit of a common workflow and image processing regardless of the device’s performance and color capabilities. The connectivity between Kodak and Konica Minolta is ideal for our customers’ very diverse production environments – light or full, mono or color, static or variable production.”

– Chris O’Connor
director of business development, Unified Workflow Solutions, Kodak

The new Kodak Creo IC-309 server should deliver a seamless, fully-integrated workflow experience for users of Konica Minolta’s high-volume printing press products. While the software and server is efficient at all types of press jobs, it looks like short runs with lots of personalization and customization are going to see a particularly profitable productivity increase.

Exceptional Performance

The IC-309 print server supplies high speed hardware architecture that leads the way in RIP performance. Parallel processing can be applied to single or multiple jobs which greatly increases throughput and productivity. Concurrent spooling and processing on the same job enables printing to begin even before the entire job was imported into the system. Files are being analyzed prior to processing creating optimal parallel processing and eliminates processing errors occurring.

HIGH Productivity

The intuitive and simple to use IC-309 user interface allows operators to efficiently process and print more jobs that increases productivity and boosts productivity. Print files can be batched into a single run with job instructions being set at a page level, this includes subset finishing. The operator can easily program jobs, manage color, apply imposition and printer finishing settings from the IC-309 Station or from a remote desktop. Additionally, the unique post-RIP technology allows for late changes to be made without re-RIPing the job, saving hours of reprocessing time.

Variable Data Printing

With Advanced VDP performance and capabilities, the IC-309 utilizes unique developed software and hardware technology that is leading this area of market requirements. The processed and re-usable elements are stored on the controller and pages are built at print time for fast printing output. The exact same workflow and job settings are used for both VDP and static jobs. VDP jobs can be imposed on the fly, previewed, archived and color managed. Support for all industry leading formats such as: PDF/VT, PPML and VPS, enables the creation of a variety of personalized documents that include brochures, flyers and magazines.

Workflow Connectivity

The IC-309 offers open connectivity and full JDF compliance which allows seamless integration with third party workflow and solutions that include existing CTP workflows. This allows efficient and unified management of both digital and offset devices, increasing automation, reducing costs and reducing errors.

Effective Solution for Transaction Printing

The IC-309 can be configured to support and IS/3 compliant or IPDS/AFP production output data stream. The optional Trans Pack enables for the IC-309 with full bi-directional IPDS communication capability for applications requiring native IPDS and APF processing. The IC-309 also provides a dual working mode supported by a single system, IPDS mode for real time inline printing and File submission for Individual print jobs.

Technical Specifications

• Mode: IC-309 Creo Server
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows Embedded 7 (64 bit)
• CPU:Intel Quad Core TM i5-355 3.7 GHz
• RAM: 6 GB
• HDD: 3 x 1TB Hard disc drives
• Interface: Ethernet (10/100/1,000-Base-T), NetBios802.1x Authentication
• File Formats: MS Doc formats, Adobe PostScript 3; Adobe PDF 1.3-1.7; PDFX-1a, PDF/X3-X4,EPS,TIFF 6.0; TIFF/IT; JPEG; PPML 2.2, Zipped PPML, PPML VDX, VPS (AFP/IPDS – Optional Trans Pack Required)
• Client Environments: Windows 7/2000/XP/NT 4.0/Server 2003, Macintosh OS 9.x and 10.x

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