Ripping XPS Files Isn't So Hard

How do I RIP an XPS file that might be supplied by a customer? I've heard the XPS file format is an option for some new RIPs, such as Harlequin, but don't know how it will affect my workflow. For instance, I'm used to imposing projects on my Mac before sending them to the RIP. Will this still be possible when working with an XPS file?

Answer: As the Vista operating system deploys, XPS files may be looming on the horizon for many prepress departments. When they materialize, vendors who have implemented support for this new format will be charged with creating successful workflows. To find out more about how Global Graphics' popular Harlequin RIP platform will be affected by XPS, I spoke with Martin Bailey, chief technology officer for Global Graphics.

“Version 8.0 of the Harlequin+ Server RIP includes native support for XPS, alongside native support for PDF 1.7 and PostScript Language Level 3,” observes Bailey. “That means you can submit an XPS file to the RIP through any of the same channels that you'd use for PostScript or PDF and it will be processed in the same way. If you need color management, trapping etc, then the in-RIP functionality will work just fine with XPS, just as it does for PDF and PostScript.”

So the Harlequin RIP is ready for XPS, but isn't there more to prepress than that? I asked our expert if Global Graphics has been working with other vendors to help create a complete workflow for XPS. “As the question suggested, most jobs need imposing before output,” confirms Bailey. “A number of imposition vendors have spoken to us about supporting XPS files in their products (sorry, all under NDA), but I don't know of any who have publicly announced that support in upcoming versions yet.”

If you are a software company serving the graphic arts industry that has added XPS support to your product line, write me. We'll be certain to revisit this topic.

Southern California's fires made me wonder: are there specialists in this area for printers?

Answer: Yes, xpedx is one source for disaster preparedness. I spoke with Ron Browske, xpedx's senior systems integrator (a disaster recovery expert certified in “Business Continuity and Emergency Planning” by Cleveland State U.) and Scott Dunlap, technical manager at the xpedx National Technology Center in Twinsburg, OH.

“It's tough to convince people that their business can survive after a disaster,” says Dunlap. “You need to have plans in place, including where to put your data and how to partner with printers outside the disaster area.”

“Most printers figure that if it hasn't happened yet, it won't happen to them,” acknowledges Browske. They advise: 1) Don't lose your data; 2) Partner with a printer; 3) Don't forget the basics, like sprinkler systems. For more, write ntcinfo@xpedx.