News Release: August 31, 1999

Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd., Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. and NTT Communications Corporation have jointly developed “GTRAX”*1, a communication application that promises to enhance the revitalization and reform of the printing, advertising and publication industries. The three companies will begin trial testing of GTRAX on September 1. The test will last six months and conclude on March 31, 2000.

Needs in all three aforementioned industries are rapidly changing, with clients demanding shorter delivery dates and greater streamlining of the entire process from planning to printing. GTRAX will meet these needs by integrating digital equipment via computer networks. The application unites clients, designers and printers, and is unrestricted by distance and time. Additionally, it greatly reduces energy consumption and lowers other costs. GTRAX realizes concurrent publishing*2 by systematically connecting related companies and all processes from planning to printing.

*1 GTRAX:
The three companies are now filing an application to establish a brandname for the application.

*2 Concurrent publishing:
To simultaneously and seamlessly integrate all stages of work related to the planning, printing and publishing of material via a network database. Personnel involved in every phase of the process will be united and cognizant of the publishing process, therefore, considerable time and cost savings can be expected.

Outline

Efficient digital distribution of high-volume content files becomes possible when participating firms access the GTRAX server located in Tokyo. The three companies will conduct a test to measure the efficiency (shortening of delivery dates, cost cutting), function and performance of GTRAX by using the application to carry out all tasks involved in the planning and publishing of printed matter.

Features of GTRAX

1) Nationwide data access

	•	Effective circulation of high-volume contents for printing is possible with network access speed from 64 kbps to a few Mbps accessible to the central server from nationwide locations. Dial-up access is also possible.
	•	The client, advertising agency, design company and printing company all may use GTRAX, which eliminates communication borders between these firms.
	•	Users can utilize NTT Communications’ 110 nationwide access points. By doing this, users can access the network from nearby access points at lower cost.

2) Functions appropriate for print, advertisement and publishing

	•	Digital-contents transmission function*3
	•	Remote-proof function*4
	•	Other functions, such as one that links pre-press and press systems, will be added on according to the demand of participants.

*3 Digital-contents transmission function:
The application includes functions to support secure and effective data transmission and reception. It also features data compression, encryption, tracking (confirmation of data transmission/reception), robust (to restart from the point of transmission/reception failure) and JOB ticket (to attach movement orders, such as to order printing after the content is received).

*4 Remote-proof function:
This function enables the printing company to send data for proofreading directly to the client electronically.

3) Open environment for use

	•	Macintosh, Windows and UNIX versions will be released to accommodate all types of client software.
	•	By releasing the plug-in specification of the client software, third vendors and users may expand the functions on their own.

Trial Period

During the trial from September 1, 1999 through March 31, 2000, basic client software will be provided free of charge.

Three Companies

Dainippon Screen, Japan’s top maker of equipment for pre-press and printing, and Fuji Film, the country’s top producer of photosensitive materials for make-up and printing, have joined hands to create an optimal system that is based on know-how which both firms have accumulated through product development and sales. Also, safe data transmission has been assured by cooperating with NTT Communications, which is experienced in the construction and operation of various network infrastructures.

Future

According to the outcome of the trial, the GTRAX application will be modified and eventually placed into commercial service.

Notes: All product names mentioned above are company trademarks and/or registered trademarks.