Gradual Software Introduces FullSWITCH 06

Core product of SWITCH family automates key workflow processes and seamlessly integrates third-party applications

IPEX (Biringham), April 4th, 2006 — Gradual Software, specialists in software solutions for automating the publishing process, will present FullSWITCH 06 at Ipex 2006 (April 4-11) in Hall 7 on stand B50 and also in Hall 20 on stand B45. FullSWITCH, the core product of the new SWITCH product line from Gradual Software, is a robust, easy-to-use tool that combines the benefits of drag-and-drop workflow automation with the strengths of popular third-party applications to create one seamless flow. FullSWITCH provides efficiencies and cost savings through standardization and lightweight automation of all processes in a workflow. As production automation needs increase, more advanced capabilities can be gradually implemented through a highly visual, user-friendly interface.

FullSWITCH includes all of the functionality of the entry-level LightSWITCH product, such as file reception through FTP and email, sorting of files based on file types and naming conventions, and automatic email notifications to customers. For users who want the next level of functionality beyond this, FullSWITCH provides several additional built-in tools. For ease of implementation, it lets users visually design workflow automation processes with simple drag-and-drop steps. The application also enables seamless integration with a number of key third-party applications, including popular products from Adobe, Apago, callas, Enfocus and more, all of which can be configured from within FullSWITCH.

According to Bart Thiebaut of Enschedé-Van Muysewinkel (Belgium), FullSWITCH has brought measurable efficiency and return on investment in a very short period of time. “We’re a busy commercial printing operation that relies heavily on a few third-party tools for file preparation and handling. When we decided to test FullSWITCH, we knew it would save time by automating repetitious tasks. What we didn’t expect was how truly easy it was to implement—basically a drag-and-drop process that was fast and intuitive. Within a few hours we were up and running. Based on savings we’ve calculated to date, it’s my view that this software will have paid for itself in less than 3 months.”

FullSWITCH functionality is driven by the visual workflow editor that is the core of all SWITCH products. The Flow Wizard makes the task of creating flows as easy as answering a few simple questions. And the full power of the visual editor can be used after the Flow Wizard is finished to make adjustments or expand the flow.

Key benefits of FullSWITCH are:

• Provides savings through increased automation
• Allows implementation of automation at the pace of the organization
• Standardizes processes and reduces human errors
• Eliminates repetitive tasks and frees up staff for more creative work
• Protects investments in third-party products
• Preserves flexibility and freedom to choose best-of-breed technology
• Allows design and configuration of workflows in a highly visual, user-friendly way
• Enables users to manage and maintain automation processes more efficiently
• Manages overall flow of files within an organization and to/from customers
• Monitors workflows for problems and maintains relevant statistics

Ease of use

The SWITCH family of products is extremely user friendly in multiple respects, and not only in how each product functions. All products can be easily installed and quickly utilized without the need for special hardware or software. To assist with implementation, there are multiple sample workflows and configuration suggestions on the Gradual Software website. In addition, SWITCH users benefit from the interactions and feedback of an active user community. For ease of deployment, automation can be implemented gradually as needed over time within a company. Further, the price point of each SWITCH product is such that starting on a path to workflow automation does not require a major investment.

“We believe that listening to customers leads to great products,” said David van Driessche, Chief Operating Officer at Gradual. “Our software stands out because each package is designed to provide a truly useful level of automation for real production workflows, offering the robustness and ease of use needed for such environments. We’ve studied many different workflows and determined where the greatest efficiencies could be realized, and that’s where we focused our attention. Not everyone needs or wants massive automation across every function, so with SWITCH we’re offering a practical, modular solution that can be applied to most flows and provide payback very quickly.”

Multi-platform flexibility and faster ROI

From the initial release, all members of the SWITCH family will be cross-platform, running under Mac OSX 10.4 and higher (both Power PC and new Intel-based Macs), in addition to Windows 2000/XP Professional and higher. This capability enables all-Mac environments to benefit from tailored workflow automation, while delivering the same advantages to mixed-platform workplaces.

FullSWITCH is available at a price of £1,799, or EUR 2,500. In typical production environments with multiple users and several workflow-integrated third-party software applications, FullSWITCH can deliver a measurable return on investment typically in less than a few months, based on labor savings alone. The ROI benefits, however, go beyond the time saved in automating common file handling tasks. Cost savings are also realized as automation standardizes common processes and greatly lessens human errors. Further, by reducing the time that staff members spend on dull, repetitive tasks, a publisher can shift their efforts to more stimulating, creative work.

System Requirements

To successfully install FullSWITCH you will need:

• Microsoft Windows 2000, 2000 Server, XP Professional and 2003 Server
• Mac OSX 10.4 or higher (both PowerPC and Intel-based)

About SWITCH software

The SWITCH family of products was developed to deliver immediate cost savings and efficiencies in publishing environments by quickly and easily standardizing various functional processes. SWITCH software automates the everyday tasks of multiple participants in multiple organizations—even those who use a variety of systems and tools. For ease of implementation, automation can be introduced gradually as needed, through a highly visual user-friendly interface. As more processes are automated, a user’s return on investment is dramatically accelerated.

About Gradual Software

Gradual Software was established in November 2004 to develop and deliver software for full automation across the numerous stages of professional publishing. Gradual’s automation solutions are designed to benefit all participants in the publishing workflow, including content originators (authors and designers), content processors (editors, designers and layout artists), brand owners (publishers and marketing departments) and service providers (printers). As the next-generation successor to its original CaslonFlow product, Gradual now offers the SWITCH family of workflow automation software.

Gradual Software is privately held by its management team, and is located in Ghent, Belgium. For more information, please visit www.gradual.com

Press Contact:

Duomedia Public Relations
Lutt Willems

Phone: +32 2 454 85 57
Fax: +32 2 454 85 59

Email: lutt@duomedia.com
Web: www.duomedia.com