New York (April 23) -- Imation Corp. (NYSE: IMN), the imaging and information company recently spun-off from 3M, today announced new control and color locking software for the award-winning Imation™ Rainbow™ Digital Color Proofing System. The new software is designed for the full Imation Rainbow™ family, including the new Imation Rainbow™ 4700 proofing system, a new four-page (A2-size) ink jet digital proofing solution, and the complete Imation Rainbow™ 2700 series of dye-sublimation digital color proofers.

The new software includes Imation Rainbow™ controller software version 4.2, Imation Rainbow™ color locking software version 1.3 and Imation scatter proofing software version 1.0. Together, the new offerings represent Imation's continued commitment to respond to its customers' needs in the area of digital proofing.

Designed as the software RIP and control interface for the full Imation Rainbow proofing family, and available in both Mac™ OS and Windows™ NT form, the new Imation Rainbow controller software v. 4.2 adds useful, time-saving features, including:

• The ability to preview a RIPed page prior to proofing, thereby accelerating and simplifying the proofing process. This is particularly useful in remote proofing situations, where previewing can save connect and proofing time.

• RIP only-no proof, allowing users to output proofs at more convenient times or transmit without local proofing.

• A sharpening function, enabling users to accurately simulate press conditions with crisper highlights and shadow detail.

• Enables new scatter proofing 1.0 software, which allows for automatic or manual image placement to make efficient use of proof page "real estate."

Imation Rainbow™ scatter proofing v. 1.0 software is a major productivity tool for all Rainbow™ proofer users and part of the system purchase for the Imation Rainbow model 4700 proofer. The scatter proofing software takes advantage of the new proofer's clarity and large format to automatically fill a four-page (21-inch by 28-inch) proof with images or small photos. The software provides functionality to easily scale, rotate and fine tune images. For printers or trade shops producing catalogs or booklets, this function offers an easy way to proof an entire document in a single proof. The software works with Imation Rainbow™ 2720, 2730 and 4700 proofers.

Imation scatter proofing v. 1.0 software is expected to be available in May 1997 at a suggested list price of $900.

Imation Rainbow™ color locking software v. 1.3 helps Imation Rainbow™ system users to calibrate proofing devices for remote and distributed proofing, ensuring a consistency between the color output from multiple Imation Rainbow™ proofing devices. Version 1.3 features an upgraded user interface and refinements to the CheckCal function, providing earlier alerts to users for the need to recalibrate the proofing device.

Imation Rainbow color locking software v. 1.3 is available in May 1997 at a suggested list price of $1,500. Bundled with the X-Rite Digital Swatchbook spectrophotometer, the package will list for $2,800.

The new software products are available through Imation's authorized graphic arts distributors. Product information is available by calling the Imation C.A.R.E. Center at 1-800-328-1303.

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, Rainbow and Matchprint are trademarks of Imation. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners.

Copyright 1996 Imation. All rights reserved.