CIP4 swallows up PrintTalk

PrintTalk is a specification for the interface and exchange of data between printers, prepress services and their customers. NPES along with CIP4 announced its incorporation into the Job Definition Format (JDF) for long-term maintenance and distribution, with PrintTalk to be included free of charge and kept up to date with future versions of the workflow solution.

“The PrintTalk standard is mature and the 'pairing' with JDF under CIP4 enhances the capabilities of both, as well as insuring continued interoperability in the future,” says William Kip Smythe, vice president of NPES and president of PrintTalk.

CIP4 CEO Martin Bailey was also insistent that the move would benefit the future prospects of the workflow solution. "We've made it very clear over the years that ensuring that JDF connects well with other print standards is as important a part of CIP4's as developing JDF itself,” he says. “I'm very pleased to see that we've delivered well enough on that promise that we're trusted to continue that process in this way.”


PrintTalk will cease to exist as a separate organization, with its members to continue the term of their membership until renewal, at which point they will be offered membership of CIP4. NPES will also become an appointed CIP4 member as part of the agreement, with Jim Mekis to serve as the organisation's representative to CIP4.