New library and tools from DALiM (29.01.08)

New look for DALiM automation.

DALiM’s Drupa line-up includes improvements to its TWiST modular automation software, its DiaLOGUE remote soft proofer and its MiSTRAL publication project management and flatplanning system. Important enough, but what’s particularly eye-catching has been the work it’s been doing with new user interfaces. DALiM has always been a Unix developer, and so was able to transfer its systems relatively easily to Mac OS X. Now it is adopting elements of the latest Apple user interface concepts that are appearing in consumer products such as iTunes and the iPod Touch.

For instance DALiM is introducing a new Virtual Library for users of MiSTRAL, the automated project manager/flat-planning program mainly used by periodical publishers, and PRiNTEMPO, its web-based job tracker. This can display a row of cover pages available that can be scrolled through in a way that looks like they’re on a shelf. Once a title is selected, it can be read as if it were a paper magazine, with page-turning, and optional simulation of paper characteristics such as weight/flexibility, show-through and reflectance. Metadata can be streamed automatically from DALiM MiSTRAL, including categories such as titles, and editorial or ad pages. Links such as URLs can be live.

DALiM says that the Virtual Library can be used for proof-reading, but also made available to advertisers instead of voucher copies. It has reached an agreement with paper group UPM to create a database of paper characteristics.

MiSTRAL itself is being upgraded to version 3.0. The highlight will be Publisher’s Production Flatplan, intended so non-technical users can approve pages more easily. Instead of conventional flatplan displays MiSTRAL 3.0 shows PDF images of complete pages. The iTunes-like user interface speeds up the process for these users, with more helpful information. Other new DALiM MiSTRAL 3.0 features will be revealed at Drupa.

Another Drupa launch will be the JDF Connectivity Package for the TWiST modular automation/workflow system. This will make it easier to link to and drive third party systems directly from the workflow – DALiM cites Alan Color’s CMYUK Optimizer ink management software as an example.

“Basically, the application becomes a DALiM TWiST tool,” said Bertin Sorgenfrey, DALiM’s head of international marketing. “There is a certain amount of handshake information exchanged, the workflow sends the file, the application processes it, and the file returns to the workflow when the task is done.”

TWiST’s module line-up will also be joined by the latest Adobe PDF Print Engine, its replacement for the earlier CPSI Rip.

The DiALOGUE soft proofer will gain vector text, allowing users to extract text from displayed pages, and pasted with edits into annotation boxes, to make highlighting or changes clearer.

Contact: www.dalim.com

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