Storefront 2.0: The Web

Surging interest in the Web as a way to sell printing was amply evident at April's On Demand Expo in Boston — from panels (“Web to Print Solutions,” “World-Class Workflows: Web-to-Print”) to offerings across the show floor from Kodak, Press-Sense, Pageflex and, well, too many to list here in their entirety. So here's a sampling of some representative new offerings.

EFI debuted a new version (3.0) of its Digital StoreFront, said to be in use at 1,600 sites. The application was in action on Canon, Xerox (Fujifilm Graphic Systems), Konica-Minolta and Ricoh platforms. It can be hosted on EFI or user servers.

The 3.0 Digital StoreFront features a revamped, more customizable interface. Print buyers navigate through an online offering of print products and services. Version 3.0 shows real-time, on-screen product previews, down to bindings and paper stock choices.

EFI says its PrintMessenger PDF-generating drivers ensure print-ready files. Wide and superwide format services are also now better supported, and the system can employ different pricing models for individual manufacturing steps (area-based, fee-based, etc.).

EFI also incorporates into 3.0 an option to use Xerox's variable-data XMPie software; Printable's FusionPro engine remains a standard component.

NowDocs launched a final beta of NowPrint ASAP; the product is now in general release. Geared towards smaller printers, NowPrint ASAP is a subscription version of NowPrint, starting at $100 per month licensing, with a free 30-day trial (www.nowdocs.com).

The full NowPrint platform, first released in 1999, can be hosted either by the user or by NowDocs, much like EFI's Digital StoreFront. NowPrint also boasts a PDF-conversion engine and instant product previews for the customer. Workflows engaged by print buyers can be customized, with options from a simple two-step catalog order to a four-step document upload approach.

Another interesting application at On Demand was MindFire's LookWho'sClicking, which automates the creation, management and tracking of personalized Website addresses (called PURLs) and variably printed landing pages. Rod Key, president of Phoenix-based R and R Images is using it. “LookWho'sClicking is a natural fit to the inherent mass customization features of digital printing,” he says. The Web-based service takes a mailing list to generate PURLs with passwords and personalized Web “landing” pages for each individual mailer recipient. LookWho'sClicking users receive real-time reports on responses, online activity and questionnaire results.

Kodak's Web-to-Print Solutions application received an honorable mention in the On Demand Best of Show Awards. Its customizable online storefront includes catalogs of frequently printed jobs and shows both printer and buyer a job's status from submission to shipping. An optional variable-data template lets customers order personalized print applications.

The platform boosts turnaround time by integrating directly with the Prinergy workflow system—no need to re-enter job ticket information on the press. Kodak says to expect a version for non-Prinergy systems in the third quarter of this year. www.mindfireinc.com, www.graphics.kodak.com