San Francisco, Calif. ( September 11, 1996) -- Imation Corp. (NYSE: IMN), the new imaging and information company recently spun-off from 3M, today announced the availability of new Windows™ compatible software for its Rainbow™ digital proofing system.

Rainbow Software Version 4.1 expands the Rainbow system's current Macintosh™ platform by allowing users to run controller software on a PC with either Windows `95™ or Windows NT™.

Rainbow version 4.1 for Windows `95 and NT will retail for $700 and is expected to be available in December 1996.

Rainbow Software Version 4.1 creates opportunities for users to configure their workflow to maximize productivity. According to Chuck Oesterlein, vice president, Imation Printing and Publishing Systems, more and more prepress operations are using a PC running Windows NT as their file server -- the hub of the digital workflow where Open Prepress Interface (OPI) and other prepress workflow functions take place.

With Rainbow Software Version 4.1 for Windows NT, the Rainbow system can be driven directly from the file server. This configuration helps reduce network traffic and decreases image transfer time because it allows high resolution files to remain at the server.

"We are committed to supporting applications that allow us to provide solutions for customized digital workflows," said Chuck Oesterlein. "Windows NT is becoming the server of choice among our customers and Rainbow Software Version 4.1 for Windows NT further allows Rainbow users to take full advantage of the proofing productivity gains offered by this platform."

New to Rainbow software is the ability to preview a previously RIPped file without proofing. This feature is ideal in a remote proofing situation, where users may receive files that have already been RIPped. With the new software, users can view their file before committing to a proof.

The software also includes the time-saving ability to save RIPped files, which are then compressed when saved. The system automatically decompresses the files for later proofing without degradation. RIPped files can then be sent to other locations for remote proofing without repeating the RIPping process.

When used with a digital camera, the software enables direct RGB proofing to the Rainbow system. The software allows the user to see an early, accurate prediction of how the digital image will reproduce in the printing process.

In addition, Rainbow Software Version 4.1 provides users of dye sublimation proofing systems with the ability to support up to eight color separations. The result is that users do not need to spend time converting spot colors into process colors before proofing.

Rainbow Software Version 4.1 also is PANTONE® certified, providing users with use of the full PANTONE color library and eliminating the need to process separate PANTONE colors in applications. The same separated file used to make the proof can be sent to the imagesetter or platesetter. These features are especially important in creating package comps, where the addition of a custom color traditionally costs hundreds of dollars. With the ability to use up to eight colors on the Rainbow system, custom colors can cost as little as a few dollars to produce.

The new software includes a user selectable digital color control scale operation, which will allow a color control scale to be output on each proof. This feature will print other useful information directly onto the proof, including the name of the job file, date and time of production, the Rainbow color table selected (i.e. Commercial) for the proof, and the color calibration ribbon selected. The color control scale can be customized to include a company logo or specific color patches.

Imation's complete digital proofing family includes the Professional Series: Rainbow Models 2730 and the soon-to-be available 2740; new 4-page Rainbow model 4700 proofer and the Imation Pre-Proofer Model 2715. The Rainbow color proofing system is a 1995 winner of the GATF InterTech Technology Award, which recognizes technologies expected to have a major impact on the graphic communication industries. The Rainbow system also was awarded the Macworld World Class Award, given to the top products of 1995 "that deserve to be viewed as superior -- not just in comparison to their competition, but on an absolute standard of quality, value, and performance."

In addition to its family of digital proofers, Imation provides data distribution solutions and connectivity features to enable both efficient remote proofing and color fidelity, regardless of the source or destination of the color image. Imation also markets its proprietary Color Locking Software, a color calibration system that provides a numerical method to ensure that Rainbow proofs provide consistent color, proof-to-proof and machine-to-machine.

On August 28, Imation announced that it reached agreement to acquire Luminous Corporation of Seattle, Wash., a leading developer and marketer of desktop software to the prepress, print production, printing and graphic arts industries.

The acquisition will provide Imation with the added strength of Luminous' portfolio of market-leading desktop prepress software products and future technology platforms.
Imation supplies a variety of products and services worldwide for the information processing industry, specializing in imaging applications and information storage. The company manufactures and markets digital and conventional proofing systems, including the industry standard Imation Matchprint® color proofing system, imagesetting materials, printing plates, graphic arts films, carbonless paper products and chemistries to customers worldwide. The company employs approximately 9,700 people worldwide and is based in Oakdale, Minn.

Additional information about Imation is available on the company's website at http://www.imation.com.

Matchprint is a registered trademark and Rainbow is a trademark of Imation Corp.
Adobe and PostScript are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Macintosh and Apple are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Corporation.
PANTONE is a registered trademark of PANTONE.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Copyright 1996 Imation. All rights reserved.