What is the fate of DotSpy when Nexus changes to Automation Engine?

[Skibster205]

We have a Nexus system with a server based license for DotSpy. When/if this server is converted to the new Automation Engine, what is the fate of DotSpy? Will it continue to be supported, or is Esko killing this product? Has anyone gotten a definitive answer from Esko?

We really like DotSpy for viewing bitmap images as it is client based software and does not require any addtional load on the server to perform QA functions. It would be nice if Esko had some non-server based viewing software roadmap. They seem to want to load more and more processing requirements on the server when we have all of these workstations with a lot of processing power sitting there and available to handle some of the load.

 

[Lars RJ]

I'm pretty sure that Dotspy will die and be replaced by the BackStage Viewer.

We have both Nexus and BackStage workflows, and while it is true that the BackStage viewer has some nice features, it is a bit more cumbersome to work with than Dotspy for LEN-files since a preview has to be generated before you can view the files.

We have a rip-workflow that also generates the viewfiles after the LEN-files have been made. However, if we move the LEN-files to another location (which we do), view-files has to be generated again since they are placed in a hidden folder with the LEN-files (and cannot be moved from within the Pilot).

It would be nice if Esko at least would treat the LEN-files and the viewfiles as a single entity instead of treating the viewfiles as orphans so we don't have to create viewfiles over and over - they do actually take a bit of time to generate and it does put a load on the server.

wkr
Lars

 

[michaelejahn]

You can also take a look at Hamillroad's First Proof application ( We licence it and integrate this with our EWF workflow application - so we call it Compose Visual Proof ) - but this is Andy Caves product - and a really nice one at that !

COMPOSE SYSTEM LIMITED

Our customers seem to like it very much - and it works with anyones 1 bit TIFF files - and it is fast.

 

[wesley]

First Proof

First Proof

We use FlexoPerfection for tiff viewing and editing although that product may be end of life also. Bitmap Viewer is pretty good, but no editing, just a quick look of you work before QA. I can attest that FirstProof is a real powerful product. We use it for final tiff QA, and I have not seen anything better. Also Very fast

 

[DavidH]

DotSpy is not EOL

DotSpy is not EOL

Hi All,

I am Product Manager for DotSpy at Esko Artwork. DotSpy is not end of life. In the last 12 months we released an updated version with activation licensing, bringing it into line with the rest of our software and providing the added benefit of a floating license (which was not included before with the dongle version). Another update is expected approximately September this year with enhancements and improvements requested by our customer base. Customers only need a current maintenance contract to get these new versions.

If you start using Automation Engine, you can continue to work with DotSpy if that is what you prefer. Also of course there is the option of Automation Engine Viewer as mentioned earlier in the thread.

For more information, contact your Esko Artwork representative.

David

 

[Skibster205]

Re: DotSpy is not EOL

Re: DotSpy is not EOL

Hi All,

I am Product Manager for DotSpy at Esko Artwork. DotSpy is not end of life. In the last 12 months we released an updated version with activation licensing, bringing it into line with the rest of our software and providing the added benefit of a floating license (which was not included before with the dongle version). Another update is expected approximately September this year with enhancements and improvements requested by our customer base. Customers only need a current maintenance contract to get these new versions.

If you start using Automation Engine, you can continue to work with DotSpy if that is what you prefer. Also of course there is the option of Automation Engine Viewer as mentioned earlier in the thread.

For more information, contact your Esko Artwork representative.

David

So just to be clear, Automation Engine (with no Nexus server running in the building), is being configured to serve up a site license for DotSpy going forward? Is this available now or, if not, when in the future?

Thanks.

 

[DavidH]

DotSpy Licensing

DotSpy Licensing

So just to be clear, Automation Engine (with no Nexus server running in the building), is being configured to serve up a site license for DotSpy going forward? Is this available now or, if not, when in the future?

Thanks.

In the current version of DotSpy licenses can be served up from the Esko Artwork License Server. This same server handles the licensing for other software such as Automation Engine. So, you would not have to rely on Nexus to serve the licenses.

David