Hi all, some of you have asked for a translation of the heise article.
Here is a quick and dirty one. I put in some html-tags for better reading in an browser (you know the drill). <h>DTP software QuarkXPress 7 focusses on open standards</h> <p>QuarkXPress 7 is expected to improve workflow and moves towards open standards. Quark wants to use the XML based jobticket (Job Definition Format) to improve interoperability. A jobticket contains metadata for printing jobs, as, for instance, information on colour separation, proof, exposure and material requirements.</p> <p>Adobe, Agfa, MAN Roland and Heidelberger initiated the format. It combines the features of PPF (Print Production Format), originally established by Heidelberg and Fraunhofer-Institut for Graphical Data Processing (IGD) and Adobe's Portable Job Ticket Format (PJTF).</p> <p>Quark Job Jackets, derived from JDF, users can control processes and workflow. Such informations can be integrated into a Quark project. Rule based preflight functions will make data ready for output at every point of the layout process. "Multichannel Publishing" will enable different flavours of one document, for instance Web and printing. By using Personalized print Markup Language (PPML), QuarkXPress will be suited for Database publishing.</p> <p>With respect to layout, QuarkXPress 7 will offer more features than its predecessor. As an example, users will be able to adjust transparency of each object. This feature includes soft shadows and masks for bitmaps as PSD or TIFF files, including alpha channels. Moreover, the software will provide a soft proof feature, simulating RGB-CMYK conversion. Unicode support will facilitate the use of special characters.</p> <p>By introducing a new QuarkXPress format, which makes the content available through QuarkXPress Markup Language (QXML), developer will be able to write QuarkXTensions not only in C and C++, but also in Java, C#, VB.Net or any other scripting language. QXML is based on W3C's DOM standard. [...]</p> +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I don't think the use of JDF is an option as it is encumbered by patents (See: http://www.cip4.org/documents/patents/patent_list.php). Quote: "Attention is drawn to the fact that it is claimed that some approaches to compliance with some aspects of one or more CIP4 standards may involve the use of the following patents. The list below sets out all of those for which full details have been provided to the CIP4 association. CIP4 takes no position concerning the evidence, validity and scope of these patent rights. The position taken by the holder of each of these identified patent rights is set out in the detailed listing. In each case the holder of the patent right has: 1. assured CIP4 that they will grant licences at no cost, to applicants throughout the world for the purposes of implementing CIP4 standards, or 2. assured CIP4 that they are willing to negotiate licenses under reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms and conditions, or 3. refused to offer the assurances listed under a) or b) to CIP4. Attention is also drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of CIP4 standards may be the subject of patent rights other than those identified here. CIP4 shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights." Christoph
