IBM Infoprint Transform Manager improves print datastream transforming
IBM United States Software Announcement 204-279November 30, 2004
 ENUS204-279.PDF (35KB)
|
At a glance
 |
| At a glance |
 |
IBM Infoprint Transform Manager is a cost-effective, Linux-based data and image transform offering that provides:
- Scalable performance through the use of multiple processors or Blade servers for scalability (Professional Services engagement is required for Blade Server installation.)
- Single transform appliance for heterogeneous environments
- Superior image quality
- Consistent output independent of job submission platform
- Built and supported by IBM
Infoprint Transform Manager represents IBM's strategic transform solution for multiplatforms. This component technology eliminates the need for individual transforms running on each platform. This provides a solid architecture for flexible integration of additional transforms.
For ordering, contact:
Your IBM representative, an IBM Business Partner, or IBM Americas Call Centers at
800-IBM-CALL
(Reference: YE001).
Back to top
|
|
| Overview |
|
If you are an Advanced Function Presentation™ (AFP™) production print customer with a heterogeneous environment who requires a high-speed, compute-intensive PDF and PostScript transform capability, then you will be interested in Infoprint® Transform Manager for Linux™. Infoprint Transform Manager accepts input in various data and image formats from one or more print servers and can balance the transform workload across multiple processors. Infoprint Transform Manager can be installed on a scalable system from a two-processor zPro Intel™ server to an expandable powerful BladeCenter™.
Infoprint Transform Manager seamlessly integrates with industry-leading Infoprint Manager for
Windows™ and AIX® to provide transform capacity on demand. Infoprint Transform Manager exploits
IBM patented image technology that assures image quality for standard image formats including GIF,
TIFF, and JPEG. The combination of high quality image and scalable performance for data and image
conversion results in improved workflow efficiency, helping you meet your stringent service level
agreements.
Back to top
|
|
| Key prerequisites |
|
- IBM Intellistation zPro with dual Xeon processors
- SUSE 9.0 Professional (i386) Linux
- IBM Infoprint Manager for AIX V4.2 or IBM Infoprint Manager for Windows V2.2
|
|
| Planned availability date |
|
December 17, 2004
Back to top
|
|
| Description |
|
What's the problem?
The on demand business transformation has increased the complexity of electronic documents and resulted in new output standards. On demand business is driving a worldwide transformation which has resulted in increased options on multi-channel input requirements. The input data standards established in this business on demand environment include PDF and PostScript.
- PDF has become widely used for electronic document exchange and presentation.
- These mission-critical documents require printing in a managed and secure environment. AFP is the industry-standard print architecture for printing and managing sensitive documents.
- Datastream transformation is demanding and processor-intensive.
This product provides the best of both worlds. You can continue to design using your existing standard document composition tools while enjoying the reliable and high-speed environment that the AFP architecture provides. Infoprint Transform Manager enables you to consolidate your PDF and PostScript printing onto AFP printers, ensures that your service level agreements are met, while lowering your overall total cost of print.
Why is Infoprint Transform Manager important?
In today's dynamic on demand business environments, you are increasingly faced with managing complex, varied data, and image input formats. You are required to deliver high-quality, cost-effective documents in full color and not just black and white. You are experiencing dramatic demand increases for compute-intensive complex job manipulation due to significant growth in the use of color images in your most significant high-value documents. It is no longer cost-effective to continue to increase print server capacity to deal with considerably expanding requirements for high-performance rip capability.
Infoprint Transform Manager provides a Linux-based flexible, scalable, powerful, and cost-effective solution for datastream transformation which will leverage your investment in AFP printers while extending the benefits of the AFP architecture to your entire enterprise. Features of Infoprint Transform Manager include:
- Runs on less expensive Intel hardware platform
- Scalable performance (multiple processors/Blade servers for scalability) (Professional Services engagement is required for Blade Server installation.)
- Support for PostScript Level 3 and PDF V1.5
- Leverages Infoprint Manager
- Black and white plus full-color output support
- Simple installation, maintenance, and upgrades
The transforms included in Infoprint Transform Manager V1.1 are:
-
PostScript to AFP
- With multiple transform processors, multiple PostScript jobs can be transformed in parallel, improving the performance of your production workflow.
-
PDF to AFP
- Individual pages of a single PDF file can be transformed in parallel by multiple transform processors, reducing the time it takes to convert your print to AFP.
-
TIFF, JPEG, GIF to AFP
- Multiple images can be transformed in parallel to increase the throughput of you image-intensive workflow.
-
Output datastreams include
- IOCA FS10 (bi-level grayscale output)
- IOCA FS45 (CMYK output)
Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux offers performance alternatives for transforming print data and is both powerful and simple to install. This helps our clients maximize the effectiveness of their business communication documents, reduces the cost associated with high-volume production workflow, improves printing services to the clients of our customers, and reduces the overall cost of print.
Accessibility by people with disabilities
Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux V1.1 has the following capabilities for vision-impaired users:
- Communication of all information independent of color
- Documentation provided in an accessible format
Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux V1.1 has the following capability for users with mobility impairments or limited hand use:
- Operation using only the keyboard
Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act
Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux V1.1 is capable, as of December 17, 2004, when used
in accordance with IBM's associated documentation, of satisfying the applicable requirements of
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, provided that any assistive technology used with the products
properly interoperate with them.
Back to top
|
|
| Statement of direction |
|
It is IBM's intent to provide support in IBM Infoprint Server for z/OS® for Infoprint Transform Manager.
All statements regarding IBM's plans, directions, and intent are subject to change or withdrawal
without notice.
Back to top
|
|
| Reference information |
|
For more information about Infoprint Manager for AIX V4.2 or Infoprint Manager for Windows V2.2, refer to Software Announcement 204-265 , dated October 26, 2004.
Trademarks
Back to top
|
|
| Offering information |
|
Product information is available via the Offering Information Web site
Back to top
|
|
| Publications |
|
The following publications are included as PDF files and are shipped with the Infoprint® Transform Manager executable code:
- Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux™: Administration (S550-0391)
- Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux: License Information (G550-0392)
These publications may be downloaded from
or can be ordered in hardcopy from the IBM Publications Center.
The IBM Publications Center
The Publications Center is a worldwide central repository for IBM product publications and marketing material with a catalog of 70,000 items. Extensive search facilities are provided. Payment options for orders are via credit card (in the U.S.) or customer number for 50 countries. A large number of publications are available online in various file formats, and they can all be downloaded by all countries free of charge.
The IBM Publications Notification System (PNS) enables subscribers to set up profiles of interest by order number/product number. PNS subscribers automatically receive e-mail notifications of all new publications defined in their profiles. These may then be ordered/downloaded from the Publications Center
The site is available in English and Canadian French.
Back to top
|
|
| Technical information |
|
Specified operating environment
Hardware requirements
You should install the Transform Manager on a standalone Linux machine on a private network. The Linux machine should not store any customer data other than transform requests currently being processed.
IBM recommends that you use a Linux machine, preferably an IntelliStation® zPro with dual Xeon processors and the following characteristics:
- Intel™ 32-bit platform
- Two 3.06 GHz processors
- 2 GB RAM
Software requirements
IBM Transform Manager for Linux V1.1 requires the following software:
- Linux operating system: SUSE 9.0 Professional (i386)
- IBM Infoprint Manager for AIX® V4.2 or IBM Infoprint Manager for Windows™ V2.2
- Web browser: Internet Explorer 5.5, or later, Mozilla 1.4, or later, or Home Page Reader 3.0, or later
- XWindows to use the InstallShield Wizard to install the Transform Manager
- PDF viewer for viewing the documentation CD-ROM
Performance considerations: Transform execution speed varies with the datastream type, job length, output resolutions, and the density and complexity of the average page. Careful evaluation, including benchmarking key jobs, may be required to determine feasibility with a particular Infoprint Transform Manager configuration. In particular, PostScript and PDF datastreams vary greatly in complexity and it should be expected that transform speeds for similar but different jobs may be significantly different, even on the same hardware configuration.
Samples of performance information for various job types will be available by May 1, 2005.
Starting on February 1, 2005, it will be possible to request benchmarking of key customer jobs through the Printsamp facility. It is highly recommended that this be done before setting any performance expectations for a planned Infoprint Transform Manager configuration.
Limitations
- Infoprint Transform Manager V1.1 is not supported with SUSE 9.1.
Planning information
Packaging
The Infoprint Transform Manager package consists of:
- CD-ROM containing executable code (LK3T-9920)
- CD-ROM containing softcopy publications (SK3T-9915)
- Proof of Entitlement (PoE)
Security, auditability, and control
IBM Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux V1.1 uses the security and auditability features of the
Linux operating system. The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation
of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and
communication facilities.
Back to top
|
|
| Ordering information |
|
IBM Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux V1.1 consists of a base with no optional features. It is licensed per-processor.
Note that you need at least two Infoprint Transform Manager licenses since the minimum configuration requires a two-processor server.
Order an Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux V1.1 license for each processor on which it will be run. For example, an Intellistation zPro with dual Xeon processors requires two licenses. You do not need to order licenses for backup installations. Specify 5639-P51, media feature 5809, and the one-time charge (OTC) billing feature from the table below:
OTC
feature CD-ROM
Description Model number medium
IBM Infoprint Transform 5639-P51 2662 5809
Manager for Linux V1.1
Basic License
This software license includes Software Maintenance, previously referred to as Software Subscription and Technical Support.
Extending coverage for a total of three years from date of acquisition may be elected. Order the program number, feature number, and quantity to extend coverage for your software licenses. If maintenance has expired, specify the after license feature number.
5639-A1A — Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux V1.1
1-Year After License
OTC
feature
Feature description number
1-Year After License per processor 2663
5639-A2A — Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux V1.1
1-Year Registration and Renewal
OTC
feature
Feature description number
1-Year Registration per processor 2664
1-Year Renewal per processor 2665
5639-A3A — Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux V1.1
3-Year After License
OTC
feature
Feature description number
3-Year After License per processor 2666
5639-A4A — Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux V1.1
3-Year Registration
OTC
feature
Feature description number
3-Year Registration per processor 2667
5639-A5A — Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux V1.1
3-Year Renewal
OTC
feature
Feature description number
3-Year Renewal per processor 2668
Customization options: Select the appropriate feature numbers to customize your order with delivery options desired. These features can be specified on the initial or MES orders.
Feature
Description number
Expedite Shipments
Local IBM Office Expedite 3445
(for IBM use only)
Customer Expedite Process Charge 3446
($30 charge for each product)
Expedite shipments will be processed to receive 72-hour delivery from the time IBM Software Delivery
and Fulfillment (SDF) receives the order. SDF will then ship the order via overnight air
transportation.
Back to top
|
|
| Terms and conditions |
|
Licensing: IBM International Program License Agreement. PoEs are required for all authorized use.
This software license includes Software Maintenance, previously referred to as Software Subscription and Technical Support.
The following agreements apply for maintenance and do not require customer signatures:
- IBM Agreement for Acquisition of Support (Z125-6011)
- Addendum for Support (Software Maintenance) for Select iSeries™ and pSeries® Programs (Z125-6495)
Limited warranty applies: Yes
Warranty: This program has warranty for a minimum of one year from acquisition from IBM or authorized IBM Business Partner. The warranty provided to the customer, for at least one year from acquisition, is access to databases (read Web sites) for program information and FAQs, including any known fixes to defects, which the customer can download or obtain otherwise and install at leisure.
Money-back guarantee: If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the program, return it within 30 days from the invoice date, to the party (either IBM or its reseller) from whom you acquired it, for a refund. This applies only to your first acquisition of the program.
Copy and use on home/portable computer: No
Volume orders (IVO): Yes, contact your IBM representative.
Passport Advantage® applies: No
Usage restriction: Yes
- IBM Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux V1.1 is licensed per processor.
Software Maintenance applies: Yes
All distributed software licenses include Software Maintenance (Software Subscription and Technical Support) for a period of 12 months from the date of acquisition, providing a streamlined way to acquire IBM software and assure technical support coverage for all licenses. Extending coverage for a total of three years from date of acquisition may be elected.
While your Software Maintenance is in effect, IBM provides you assistance for your routine, short duration installation and usage (how-to) questions; and code-related questions. IBM provides assistance via telephone and, if available, electronic access, only to your information systems (IS) technical support personnel during the normal business hours (published prime shift hours) of your IBM support center. (This assistance is not available to your end users.) IBM provides Severity 1 assistance 24 hours a day, every day of the year. For additional details, consult your IBM Software Support Guide at
Software Maintenance does not include assistance for the design and development of applications, your use of programs in other than their specified operating environment, or failures caused by products for which IBM is not responsible under this agreement.
For additional information, refer to Changes to Distributed Software Products Model for Products Outside Passport Advantage in Software Announcement 201-201 , dated July 10, 2001.
IBM operational support services — SoftwareXcel: No
AIX/UNIX® Upgrade Protection applies: No
Entitled Upgrade for current AIX/UNIX Upgrade Protection licensees: No
iSeries Software Subscription applies: No
Variable charges apply: No
Educational allowance available:
Yes, 15% education allowance applies to qualified education
institution customers.
Back to top
|
|
| Prices |
|
The prices provided in this announcement are suggested retail prices for the U.S. only and are provided for your information only. Dealer prices may vary, and prices may also vary by country. Prices are subject to change without notice. For additional information and current prices, contact your local IBM representative.
OTC
Model feature
Description number number OTC
IBM Infoprint Transform 5639-P51 2662 $7,500
Manager for Linux V1.1
Basic License Per
Processor
IBM Global Financing
IBM Global Financing offers competitive financing to credit-qualified customers to assist them in acquiring IT solutions. Offerings include financing for IT acquisition, including hardware, software, and services, both from IBM and other manufacturers or vendors. Offerings (for all customer segments: small, medium, and large enterprise), rates, terms, and availability can vary by country. Contact your local IBM Global Financing organization or visit
IBM Global Financing offerings are provided through IBM Credit LLC in the United States and other IBM subsidiaries and divisions worldwide to qualified commercial and government customers. Rates are based on a customer's credit rating, financing terms, offering type, equipment type, and options, and may vary by country. Other restrictions may apply. Rates and offerings are subject to change, extension, or withdrawal without notice. For more financing information, visit
Extended support attachments:
5639-A1A — Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux V1.1
1-Year After License
OTC
feature
Feature description number OTC
1-Year After License per processor 2663 $3,750
5639-A2A — Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux V1.1
1-Year Registration and Renewal
OTC
feature
Feature description number OTC
1-Year Registration per processor 2664 $ 0
1-Year Renewal per processor 2665 1,875
5639-A3A — Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux V1.1
3-Year After License
OTC
feature
Feature description number OTC
3-Year After License per processor 2666 $7,500
5639-A4A — Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux V1.1
3-Year Registration
OTC
feature
Feature description number OTC
3-Year Registration per processor 2667 $3,750
5639-A5A — Infoprint Transform Manager for Linux V1.1
3-Year Renewal
OTC
feature
Feature description number OTC
3-Year Renewal per processor 2668 $5,625
Back to top
|
|
| Order now |
|
To order, contact the Americas Call Centers, your local IBM representative, or your IBM Business Partner.
To identify your local IBM representative or IBM Business Partner, call 800-IBM-4YOU (426-4968).
Phone: 800-IBM-CALL (426-2255)
Fax: 800-2IBM-FAX (242-6329)
Internet: ibm_direct@vnet.ibm.com
Mail: IBM Americas Call Centers
Dept: IBM CALL, 11th Floor
105 Moatfield Drive
North York, Ontario
Canada M3B 3R1
Reference: YE001
The Americas Call Centers, our national direct marketing organization, can add your name to the mailing list for catalogs of IBM products.
Note: Shipments will begin after the planned availability date.
Trademarks
Back to top
Printable version