Extensis: Universal Type Server ships

Longstanding Mac software developer Extensis this week began shipping Universal Type Server, its new centralized font management solution. Released in 2 versions, 'Lite' for teams of up to 10 people, and 'Pro' for 10 users or more, Universal Type Server is a direct evolution of Extensis's Suitcase and Font Reserve Server product lines. Sporting a modern intuitive UI, Universal Type Server acts as a repository for all fonts across a whole workgroup, listing them in a single centralized library. When a font is needed, a user 'activates' a font and assigns it to a project, ensuring there are no font conflicts and complete font consistency across all users who work on the project.

Equipped with auto-activation plug-ins for Adobe InDesign, Illustrator CS3 and QuarkXpress 7, Universal Type Server eliminates 'silent' font substitutions. It automatically detects and activates the exact font required when a document is opened, and subsequently deactivates the font when the work is completed, thereby freeing system resources and eliminating font duplication. Other features include automatic corruption checks, personal 'font playlists', definable user access permissions and easy administration.

The software requires a PowerPC G5 (or faster processor), 1GB RAM, Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5, Server 10.4 or Server 10.5, and Adobe Flash Player 9; 'Clients' require a PowerPC G5- or Intel-based Mac, Mac OS X 10.4 or 10.5 and 256MB RAM. Universal Type Server 'Lite' has a starting price of $1,400.