QUESTION: What is JDF?
ANSWER: JDF stands for "Job Definition Format." It is an industry standard designed to simplify information exchange between different applications and systems in and around the Graphic Arts industry. To that end, JDF builds on and extends beyond pre-existing partial solutions, such as CIP3's Print Production Format (PPF) and Adobe Systems' Portable Job Ticket Format (PJTF). It also enables the integration of commercial and planning applications into the technical workflow.
JDF joins the growing number of standards based on XML, ensuring maximum possible portability between different platforms and ready interaction with Internet-based systems.
More information about JDF is available at www.cip4.org.
Information about PJTF and PPF is available at www.adobe.com and www.agfa.com (search for PJTF or PPF).