The new spec represents a large leap forward for the CIP4 organisation, which contains more than 650 specifically identified additions, deletions, deprecations, clarifications and modifications plus at least six global changes. JDF 1.2 also includes several important new features.

The big change for JDF 1.2 is the concept of interoperability conformance specifications (ICS). In practice, no single device is likely to implement all that the JDF specification provides for. For example, if you are in the digital printing business, you may not care to facilitate data on hard case binding. ICS provides the minimum standard for individual classes of devices including the JDF features they must support and how they are expected to handle JDF and JMF.

Of the JDF specs, which have been launched so far, 1.0 could be viewed as a beta, 1.1 as the first production quality version and 1.2 as the next step forward, according to CIP4 chief technology officer Dr Rainer Prosi.

“JDF 1.2 represents both the maturation of JDF as a result of real-world experiences as well as the addition of important new features that users and JDF-enabled solution providers have been anticipating,” says Prosi.

“With JDF 1.2, the core aspects of JDF are becoming very stable and with the standardisation of preflight, we have made a leap forward towards the long term goal of covering the entire graphic arts workflow from the creative to fulfilment.”

There were 75 companies showing JDF-enabled products at drupa, based around the JDF Parc, which served as its hub. The JDF Parc featured 18 demonstration stations manned by 21 companies that demonstrated JDF-enabled interoperability and connectivity. Among the 21 participants, there were 90 connectivity pairs.

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter