SoftCare to Introduce Version 5.7 of SoftCare K4
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At this year’s IfraExpo in Amsterdam from October 9-12, SoftCare will introduce version 5.7 of SoftCare K4, the powerful editorial system based on Adobe InDesign, in Hall 1, Booth 1370. This new version will be available in the fourth quarter of 2006. In addition to many helpful and exciting innovations that further simplify daily editorial tasks, version 5.7 will connect to the DC5 asset management system by Digital Collections and MetaGrove by Poundhill Software. K4 Web Editor 2.0 in connection with SoftCare K4 now makes it possible to write to fit directly into the web browser with a WYSIWYG preview generated by Adobe InDesign Server in the web browser, and thereby offers significantly more flexibility in including the staff in the work processes. In addition, SoftCare is introducing the new publishing solution SoftCare K2 to the public. SoftCare K2 is an ideal editorial system for small workgroups that is based on the same technical basic principle as its “big brother”, SoftCare K4.
One interesting innovation is a new connection module for the simplified transfer of images from the DC5 asset management system by Digital Collections. The DC5 asset management system includes all of the components for the organization, research, classification, and further processing of images, graphics, and audio and video information within a central database. MetaGrove by Poundhill Software extends the meta data functionality of SoftCare K4 with the XMP standard (Extensible Metadata Platform). Hierarchical meta data fields can be displayed within K4 and can be managed in accordance to each other. In addition, key words are being generated to prepare the archiving of data.
A major improvement in Version 5.7 enables the remote control of SoftCare K4: Functions provided by the editorial system can be accessed automatically through scripts (JavaScript, AppleScript, Visual Basic). This makes it possible to automate the editorial processes for individual customers. Product Manager Niels Hufnagl comments: “The scripting function is a logical consequence of our development philosophy to create an open editorial system that can be integrated and adjusted quickly in order to suit the customer’s processes without any problems. SoftCare K4 can therefore noticeably increase comfort and efficiency.”
SoftCare now has a new search function in the system, adding in turn yet another improvement. The user can now select whether he or she wants to use flexible and pre-defined inquiries or if he or she would like to search for his or her documents using a text search. Of course, the SoftCare developers’ main focus was to improve the details and implement customer requests that make the work process even more efficient. For example: Improved display of newly assigned objects and administration of templates.
K4 Web Editor 2.0 will also be presented at the IfraExpo. This tool is suitable for including freelance staff that deliver contributions and provide easy access for proofreaders and editors-in-chief that want to monitor article progress every now and again while they are on the road. Publishing houses can thereby provide cost-effective access to articles without having to install and maintain software locally.
About SoftCare
SoftCare was founded in 1990 and is a leading developer of workflow solutions for the publishing industry, helping magazine, newspaper and book publishers work more efficiently. The efficient, integrated publishing solution SoftCare K4 combines efficient working process with verifiable time and cost benefits for users and is now regarded as a standard product within the industry. SoftCare K2, the workgroup system, has provided an excellent base product for people entering the world of professional publishing. The system is ideal for small workgroups that want to combine creative know-how with efficient processes. Simple and secure use as well as flexibility and stability represent decisive benefits for the user. SoftCare K4 has been successfully implemented at sites ranging from 10 to more than 1,000 users. Both solutions support Mac OS X and Windows clients in mixed-platform environments. The server software is available for Mac OS X Server, Windows, Sun Solaris and Linux. SoftCare teams up with trained System Integrators to ensure high-quality service and support for the system on a local level.
WEB www.softcare.de
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