Rainbow Front-End Software Suite Also Available For Purchase Separately

New York (April 23, 1997) -- Imation Corp. (NYSE: IMN), the information and imaging company recently spun off from 3M, today announced that the Imation™ Rainbow™ Model 4700 Proofing System, a new four-page (A2-size) ink jet digital color proofing solution, will be available for shipment in late May 1997. The company also announced plans to make its Rainbow™ front-end software suite available to users of Imation's Matchprint™ color proofing systems who also use the IRIS™ Realist™ 5030 proofer.

A system that produces 21-inch x 28-inch proofs, the Rainbow™ 4700 system is designed to meet the needs of customers who require a format size large enough to accommodate oversized pages, four-page imposed layouts plus bleed, poster and package designs, and efficiently scatter proof multiple images. The Rainbow 4700 proofing system will be available through Imation authorized distributors at a suggested list price of US$79,900 (distributor prices may vary).

For a limited time, Imation also will offer its Rainbow 4700 front-end software suite to current users of the IRIS Realist 5030 proofer who are also users of the Imation Matchprint proofing system. The software suite consists of Imation's new Rainbow™ Controller Software version 4.2, Scatter Proofing Software and Color Locking Software, all designed to ensure the best possible match and color consistency between Matchprint, Rainbow and customers' previously purchased IRIS Realist 5030 machines.

IRIS Graphics, Inc., a subsidiary of Scitex Corporation Ltd., developed the RealistTM continuous-flow ink jet print engine which is incorporated into the Rainbow™ 4700 color proofing system.

In addition, Imation's Customer Support Technology (CST) group offers worldwide service and support to its customers. CST will provide full service options to Rainbow 4700 customers. Customers also have the advantage of Imation's CARE center and the Technical Assistance center, Imation service groups offering telephone support and remote diagnostic capabilities.

The Imation Rainbow™ Software Suite

Designed as the software RIP and control interface for the full Rainbow proofing family, and available initially in both MacTM OS and later in WindowsTM NT form, Imation's RainbowTM controller software version 4.2 offers users expanded productivity, color capability, adds useful, time-saving features.

Imation's RainbowTM color locking software version 1.3 allows customers to easily calibrate proofing devices for remote and distributed proofing, ensuring color fidelity and consistency.

Imation RainbowTM scatter proofing software is a productivity enhancer for all Rainbow proofer users and part of the system purchase for the Rainbow™ 4700 proofer. Rainbow scatter proofing software takes advantage of the Rainbow™ 4700 proofer's large format to automatically fill a four-page proof with multiple full pages or small images.

The front-end software package is available through the end of July 1997 through Imation's authorized Rainbow ™ 4700 proofing system distributors at a suggested list price of $18,900. The price includes the software, a starter kit of Imation proofing supplies and a color training and optimization visit from an Imation Technology Support Specialist.

Imation's Rainbow™ 4700 Proofing System Customers

Jerry Buhl, PostScriptTM systems manager for Weston Engraving Inc., has had access to the Rainbow 4700 system in its test phase. "The spot-color matching is phenomenal. It is the best I've seen by far," said Buhl. "It has provided us with a digital proofing system that allows us to proof packaging files, which contain many spot colors, before we go to film. Previously, we couldn't do that."

Eric Barr, a prepress analyst for R.R. Donnelly & Sons Inc., also used the system in its test phase. "The union of Imation Rainbow software with the IRIS Realist print engine is a match made in heaven," he said. "The system gave the best match to Pantone and specialized colors that I've seen with a digital proofer."

Imation supplies a variety of products and services worldwide for the imaging and information industry. The company manufactures and markets digital and conventional color proofing systems, including the industry-standard Matchprint™ color proofing system, imagesetting materials, printing plates, graphic arts films, digital prepress software, software for digital communications services and carbonless paper products to customers worldwide. All Imation products are supported by a worldwide customer service organization. In 1996, the company generated revenues of $2.3 billion. Imation employs approximately 9,400 people and is based in Oakdale, Minn.

Additional information about Imation is available on the company's website at www.imation.com, by calling Imation toll-free at 1-888-466-3456, or through the company's toll-free shareholder information line at 1-888-IMN-NYSE (1-888-466-6973).

Imation, Matchprint and Rainbow are trademarks of Imation Corp. IRIS and Realist are trademarks of IRIS Graphics, Inc. All other marks are by their respective owners.

Copyright 1996 Imation. All rights reserved.