koontz@cam.nist.gov (John E. Koontz X5180) (10/19/89)
The following is taken from Bitstream Ink, 4.7 (undated), incorporated in a Bitstream brochure entitled Newsletter Guidelines. Since I do not think that the information is widely known, I would like to post it here. "In addition to a library of more than 1000 Latin typefaces, Bitstream also offers a growing range of non-Latin typefaces. This foreign library consists of such typefaces as Greek, Amharic, Arabic, Hebrew, Devanagari, Tai Dam, Laotian and Kanji in NIS Gothic and Mincho. To enhance this library Bitstream worked with a distinguished British expert in non-Latin typography, Walter Tracy. For well over a year, Bitstream has been providing OEMs with high-quality Kanji fonts and in 1988 introduced "Smart Kanji" in outline form. Moreover, Bitstream offers an extensive set of phonetic characters. Bitstream's non-Latin policy supports our OEMs in two ways. Our technology is sold to OEMs selling their equipment in countries where Latin type is not used and to domestic companies who publish internationally, such as missionary organizations. In order to respond to new markets, Bitstream has other programs in development. Bitstream is in the process of designing a second simplified Arabic, to be called Malik, available in light and bold, and a traditional Arabic, Medina, also available in two weights. In addition Bitstream will introduce Sharif, a new Arabic design for headlines, to be available in light, medium, and bold. These typefaces are being designed with laser printer production in mind in order to work well with both desktop publishing and typesetting devices. ..." I gather that these fonts are not available directly, but only to OEMs. Does anyone have any additional information on them?