Better PDF/A programs based on PDF/A testsuite
callas software declares full support for the PDF/A testsuite "Isartor" announced at the international PDF/A conference in Amsterdam
Berlin, 15th April 2008. callas software welcomes the PDF/A testsuite that has yet been introduced at the PDF/A conference in Amsterdam. The provider of software for validation and conversion of PDF files announces full compatibility with the testsuite. The PDF/A testsuite will be publicly available in early summer 2008. All PDF/A related products from callas software will support Isartor from the first date the testsuite is being published.
“The PDF/A testsuite ends the situation in which some users where not sure whether a given PDF/A application fully supports the PDF/A standard or not. The new testsuite has been specified and implemented by inernational PDF experts and “translates” the PDF/A standard into common, practical test cases. All the PDF/A software industry and their customers take advantage of the new PDF/A testsuite. It has sometimes been difficult until now to explain differences between different PDF/A products. callas software for example is now in the situation to prove full PDF/A support based on an independent test field.” Olaf Drümmer, Managing Director callas software GmbH
PDF/A testsuite, developed by PDF/A Competence Center:
The PDF/A testsuite offers practical tests for all details of PDF/A, the ISO standard for long term archiving of electronic documents. It has been developed with the contribution of several providers of PDF/A software worldwide organized in the Technical Working Group of the PDF/A Competence Center. The PDF/A testsuite comprises of more than 200 PDF files that have been specially designed to test all aspects of the PDF/A standard: Each PDF contains one distinct and particular property, that is prohibited in the PDF/A standard. Additional information incorporated into each of these files describes the test case and makes it very easy to check whether a PDF/A program is able to properly identify the respective problem.
The PDF/A testsuite is a unique tool for developers and providers of PDF/A programs to prove that their products fully support the ISO standard PDF/A. Any uncertainties about how the PDF/A standard is being understood are clarified and differences in the results between the programs from different vendors are thereby avoided. It offers a common base to all vendors of PDF/A products. In addition uncertainties for end users are finished by allowing for user friendly testing of PDF/A applications which does not require deeper PDF knowledge.
About the PDF/A Competence Center
The PDF/A Competence Center was established as an international association in 2006. The objective of the association is to promote the exchange of information and experience in the field of long-term archiving in accordance with ISO 19005 (PDF/A). The management board is composed of executives from callas software GmbH, Compart Systemhaus GmbH, intarsys consulting GmbH, LuraTech Europe GmbH, PDF Tools AG (CH) and PDFlib GmbH.
Technical Working Group of the PDF/A Competence Center
The Technical Working Group (TWG) consist of specialists from the participating companies of the PDF/A Competence Center. Currently about a dozen aktive members engage in the workgroup. TWG members work intensively with the PDF reference and building on that discuss specific questions concerning PDF/A.
