NEWS

(08/04/2025 / sbr)

Durst Group presents “Open Software Initiative” and new “Smart Factory Portfolio”

The Durst Group, manufacturer of digital printing and production technologies, will present its new Open Software Initiative for the first time at Printing United 2025, taking place from October 22–25 in Orlando, Florida. The Open Software Initiative is a neutral, modular platform for software solutions designed to go far beyond Durst systems. It offers print service providers, resellers, system integrators, and OEMs access to powerful and flexible modules built on proven Durst software technologies, allowing seamless integration of third-party solutions – regardless of printer type or manufacturer. These modules are bundled under the umbrella of “Smart Factory”.

“Our vision is to create an open, future-proof software ecosystem for the entire printing industry – developed by us, but available to everyone. This sets new standards for productivity, automation, and vendor independence,” explains Christoph Gamper, CEO and Co-Owner of the Durst Group.

Smart Factory – an Open Software Initiative

Under the slogan “One Software Ecosystem. Any Brand. Any Printer.”, Durst is launching a modular, cloud-enabled software platform that can be flexibly used and integrated by print service providers, integrators, resellers, and OEMs. The platform focuses on interoperability, open APIs, and integration readiness – clearly separated from Durst’s existing proprietary solutions for Durst hardware customers.

Two booths - one clear message

The presentation will take place across two dedicated but closely aligned booths:

Durst Group - Booth 3156: Focus on proprietary software Durst Workflow and Durst Analytics for full integration with Durst printing systems
Open Software Initiative - Booth 2266: Showcase of new Smart Factory modules, OEM offerings, and integration examples

Smart Factory portfolio overview

Smart Shop – Print-specific eCommerce solution for B2B/B2C
Lift ERP – Cloud-based ERP system designed specifically for the printing industry
Prepare – Automated prepress solution for preflight and data preparation, including PDF editing
Produce – High-performance RIP solution with advanced color management
Production Intelligence – AI-powered, data-driven solutions for smart production environments
OEM Model – The Smart Factory Portfolio also includes dedicated modules for OEM partners, resellers, and system integrators. Callas software represents a successful example of OEM collaboration and will lead the neutral and independent OEM offering within the Durst Group. callas’ PDF engine technologies are already deployed by many global brands – including Adobe. The integration of callas into the Prepare and Produce modules of the Open Software Framework demonstrates how OEM partners can bring callas PDF technology (pdfToolbox) to market-ready solutions under their own brand. In addition, callas will act as an OEM gateway for selected Durst workflow technologies, giving OEM partners access to a broader ecosystem.

“With the Open Software Initiative and the Smart Factory portfolio, we're not just offering products - we're creating an open framework that allows partners to contribute their own solutions, services, or integrations,” says Michael Deflorian, Director Business Unit Software & Solutions, Durst Group. “We are proud to have callas software as a strong OEM partner, and through them, we can now offer complete PDF workflow solutions - not just core technologies - to our OEM network. This is a true blueprint of how we envision future OEM partnerships within the Open Software Initiative.”

A tailored offering for every audience

Print Service Providers (PSPs) benefit from easy entry into professional software - with minimal investment risk
Resellers can expand their portfolio with proven, modular solutions
System integrators gain access to software that integrates easily into existing ERP or workflow environments
OEMs leverage the platform as a robust technology foundation for their own branded products

“We explicitly invite resellers, integrators, and partners to meet us at Printing United,” says Chris Schowalter, Global Sales Director, Durst Software & Solutions. “We'll showcase real-world use cases and offer immediate collaboration opportunities - from turnkey products to beta programs, all the way to OEM integration through callas.”

What to expect at the show

Durst's Open Software Initiative will come to life at Printing United with:

Live demonstrations of all software modules
Expert-led workshops for resellers, OEMs, and integration partners
On-site beta program registration

Further information on the Open Software Initiative and Durst Group contact details will be available here.