PowerSwitch is the workhorse of the Switch product family. Using its comprehensive scripting and metadata tools you can build a smarter and more advanced workflow that integrates seamlessly with third-party technology. The workgroup client bundled with PowerSwitch allows your team members to submit and track jobs from their own workstation.

Customization through full scripting support

In any publishing workflow there comes a time when the standard tools fall short and more advanced customization is in order. That is when you call on the scripting capabilities of PowerSwitch. You can create your own custom tools to control third-party applications that aren't supported out of the box, to integrate with a DAM or MIS system, or to interact with a proprietary solution you have running in your company. Scripted tools have all possibilities of the tools built into PowerSwitch; you can even specify your own custom icons. PowerSwitch supports JavaScript (on both platforms), AppleScript (on Mac OS X) and Visual Basic Scripting (on Windows). Read more...

Intelligent processing enabled by metadata tools

Workflows can often be made more "intelligent" by taking advantage of the metadata that increasingly is stored with documents. PowerSwitch provides tools to read incoming metadata in various formats including XML, Adobe XMP and JDF. The contents of metadata fields can be used in flows to make routing decisions or to set processing parameters for automated tasks.

Embedded metadata such as EXIF, IPTC and XMP metadata is directly available. Variables provide read-access to the embedded metadata and scripting can read but also update embedded metadata.

Involving a complete workgroup - SwitchClient

Even in small workgroups it can be a challenge to keep track of jobs and make sure nothing slips through the cracks. Switchclient allows anyone in the workgroup from their own workstation to submit jobs, to track progress of these jobs, and to intervene when jobs are being held for inspection.

The workflow administrator can determine who has which access rights and keep an eye on all jobs. PowerSwitch activity logs can be accessed through the workgroup client as well.

New features

Expanded scripting support (PowerSwitch only)
Additional JavaScript modules make the scripting support in PowerSwitch more powerful. Switch 08 features built-in support for database connectivity, SOAP and Web Services, Zip compression and uncompression, image and PDF statistics and more.
On top of the JavaScript extensions, Switch 08 also adds substantial improvements to SwitchScripter (the PowerSwitch scripting environment).

Scheduling
Switch 09 implements a more predictable job processing order and implements real job priorities to fast track a job through a flow. Hot folders and FTP/Mail receive tools can be scheduled to automatically activate in a predefined time window.

Additional flow elements
Switch 09 implements a number of new configurators (including an Ultimate Impostrip Ondemand and an EFI ColorProof XT configurator) and substantially upgrades the available tools. Main highlights are an all new rename and job assembler tool, and new tools to easily link flows on different computers.

Read-only job processing
Switch 09 adds the capability to pick up jobs from a folder or FTP server without removing them from the folder or FTP server.

Enhanced variables
A new preview feature shows the value of variables for real jobs; this makes it easier to pick the correct variable while designing a new flow. Additional variables enable picking up external metadata (JDF, XML, XMP).

System Requirements

Windows®

Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional or Home Edition
Microsoft® Windows® 2003 Server Standard or Enterprise Edition
Microsoft® Windows® Vista Home, Premium, Business or Ultimate Edition (32-bit)
Macintosh®

Mac OS® X or Mac OS® X Server v.10.3.9 through 10.5.2 (Universal)
StuffIt Expander 10 or higher (for expansion of the installer package)
Hardware

Dual Core processor(s) recommended
Minimum 256 MB of RAM (512MB recommended)
1024x768 screen resolution
DVD drive (for installation from the products DVD)