Qatari daily newspaper opts for QuarkXPress & ArabicXT 6.5

"After extensive evaluation of different page layout software available in the marketplace, Al Watan newspaper chose to adopt QuarkXPress as its desktop publishing software," said Joe Karkour, General Manager of Layout Middle East. "Al Watan's decision underscores the fact that QuarkXPress is the market standard when it comes to newspaper publishing. That's because QuarkXPress offers a powerful suite of features necessary to create and deliver high-impact design for both print and electronic media."

"Furthermore, users have the option of adding numerous XTensions software modules from Layout Ltd. that enhance the value and usefulness of QuarkXPress, such as Online Production Control, Automatic Text Fitting, and a comprehensive Editorial Management and workflow system," added Karkour.

"Today, newspapers are no longer looking solely for a desktop solution, but rather for a total workflow solution that meets the needs of the entire production team," said Vinodh Pisharom, Production Manager of Al Watan. "With the large number of solutions based around QuarkXPress, coupled with Layout ME's unequaled expertise in the market and its dedication to customers, we are confident that we will output faster, while offering our readers an outstanding newspaper that is error-free and impressively designed."

With the support of Al-Mana & Partners co., LayoutME's Qatari local partners, Al Watan deal included a comprehensive certified training program for the entire production staff on the Mac OS X environment as well as on the core features of QuarkXPress 6.5. It also included training on and implementation of Layout Ltd.'s new NewsPaperXT monitoring system, which allows production managers and editors to monitor the newspaper's production Online from their Internet browsers.

The new QuarkXPress 6.5 & the Quark Publishing System will be showcased at the upcoming Gulf-Print 05 in Dubai on December 11-14, 2005