News Release

IBT Global Installs Foremost Color Proofing System

AGFA Graphic Systems' Sherpa 24M Ensures Superior Color Matching

Troy, New York, USA, May 8, 2003 - The United States' leading digital book manufacturer, IBT Global, based in Troy, New York, has announced the installation of an AGFA Graphic Systems Sherpa 24M digital inkjet color proofing system in support of IBT's offset color cover production. According to Agfa, the Sherpa 24m "combines the latest precision engineered, proven hardware with the most advanced software technology... to deliver superior quality color proofs".

IBT Global will now provide its book publishing customers unsurpassed color cover proofs that previously had been produced on laser printers, which are sometimes limited by their technology to producing imprecise color representations. The Sherpa 24m proofs will be far better, and in most cases exact, depictions of the final offset product. This is accomplished by utilizing the same RIP technologies for both the Sherpa 24m proofer and the PressTek direct to plate platemaker. The Sherpa 24m is recognized as the most advanced high-resolution inkjet proofer available that Agfa says integrates "its specially formulated proofing media, advanced in-RIP color management and quality control software with the latest seven-color piezo-electric inkjet technology to deliver a complete contract proofing solution". To ensure optimum operations, IBT houses the Sherpa 24m in a climate-controlled environment and continuously monitors color calibration.

The Sherpa 24m is the perfect solution for publishers interested in quality pre-press proofs of four-color and PMS offset covers, especially with first printings of books and the special care they demand. It is another IBT Global enhancement in pursuit of continued digital book manufacturing excellence.

IBT Global, also known as Integrated Book Technology, manufactures books in the United States and Great Britain for the world's leading scientific, technical, medical, professional and scholarly publishers.