Adobe has launched PDF Transit, a software kit that printers can use to set up e-production systems that allow customers to create a commercial print job by calling up the print function within desktop applications.

"We wanted the ability for users to deliver print orders anytime, anywhere to any device," said Adobe European market development manager for cross media John Cunningham.

US quickprint chains AlphaGraphics and Ikon Office Solutions are among the first firms to use PDF Transit. Adobe is talking to several firms in the UK, but doesnt expect to introduce the product over here until early next year.

With PDF Transit the printer sets up a Distiller profile, which creates an encrypted PDF to the printers specification. When the user hits print it makes the PDF and launches a website where the user can proof the PDF, and submit job details such as paper type, quantity, delivery date and location, along with credit card or account details for payment. Job details are used to create a JDF file that can be used throughout the printers factory to communicate job settings and management information.

As the file is encrypted jobs can only be sent to that printer. For corporate print applications PDF Transit simplifies IT set-up by removing the need for Acrobat or browser plug-ins.

Adobe believes the software also has applications for ad delivery, where publishers or gateway repro houses can define the settings for an ad as a print
driver for the customers applications.

Story by Barney Cox