InfoTrends Inc. News Wire

Over 71% of Oce Shares Acquired by or Tendered to Canon

InfoTrends 2008 — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EDT

On January 28, 2010, Canon, Inc., its subsidiary Canon Finance Netherlands B.V., and Oc� N.V. jointly announced that Canon was making a fully self funded public cash offer for all the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Oc� at an offer price of �8.60 per share.

At the close of the acceptance period on March 1, Canon announced that over 71% of the shares were acquired by or tendered to Canon, which includes the 28.3% of the shares (24,018,597 shares) already held by Canon.

On or before March 4, Canon will announce its decision whether the offer is declared unconditional, extended, or terminated as a result of the offer conditions not having been fulfilled (paragraph 6.2 of the Offer Memorandum). If Canon declares the offer unconditional, Canon intends to announce a post acceptance period (na aanmeldingstermijn) of up to two weeks.

RR Donnelley to Acquire Bowne

InfoTrends 2008 — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EDT

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company and Bowne & Co., Inc. jointly announced that they have signed a definitive agreement pursuant to which RR Donnelley will acquire Bowne & Co., Inc., a provider of shareholder and marketing communications services. The all cash deal is valued at approximately $481 million, or $11.50 per share. The agreement has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to RR Donnelley's earnings in the first full year after the closing of the transaction, which is expected to occur in the second half of the year. The completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval and approval of Bowne shareholders.

The combination with Bowne, which has operations in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia, will expand and enhance the range of services RR Donnelley offers to its customers, while also creating an opportunity for RR Donnelley to provide its comprehensive line of products to Bowne�s clients.

Bowne, headquartered in New York, had revenues of approximately $675 million during 2009 and offers digital one to one printing services for healthcare, transactional communications, financial services, marketing communications and other applications.

Cummins Selects Lexmark for Managed Print Services

InfoTrends 2008 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EDT

Lexmark International, Inc. and Cummins, Inc. announced a multimillion dollar, global managed print services (MPS) agreement for a period of five and one half years. The agreement includes the deployment of approximately 2,500 color and monochrome laser printers and multifunctional peripherals (MFPs) and the management and maintenance of those devices throughout 33 locations worldwide. A second phase of the agreement, underway now, includes extending the Lexmark platform to an additional 40 countries worldwide.

Lexmark has already replaced Cummins� existing fleet of competitor�s devices with new Lexmark equipment around the world. Lexmark is managing, monitoring, and maintaining the entire global fleet of output devices to help Cummins realize the optimal return on its investment. Lexmark is also providing proactive consumables management services, which automate toner delivery to Cummins� locations, eliminating the need to store excess toner and ensuring that replacement toner cartridges and other supply items arrive as needed. The agreement also includes global training, help desk, and other services.

AT&T and Motorola Announce the Availability of the BACKFLIP

InfoTrends 2008 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EDT

AT&T and Motorola, Inc. announced that the Motorola BACKFLIP with MOTOBLUR will be available in AT&T stores nationwide and online at www.wireless.att.com beginning March 7.

MOTOBLUR offers AT&T customers a way to connect to their favorite people, content and applications, whether it's work or personal email, messaging or social networking. Motorola's exclusive Android experience syncs contacts, posts, messages, and photos from sources such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Gmail, Picasa, work and personal e mail, and Last.fm and delivers them to live widgets for immediate reply, right from the home screen.

BACKFLIP features a reverse flip design, keyboard and BACKTRACK touch panel, allowing the display to be hands free while one's fingers work behind the screen. BACKFLIP is powered by MOTOBLUR, Motorola's Android powered content delivery service created to make phones more personal and socially smart. Customers can see photos and learn more at www.att.com/backflip.

MOTOBLUR keeps track of contacts. Users can flip through messages and updates on the BACKFLIP and respond without having to log in and out of applications. MOTOBLUR helps consumers keep a pulse on what's happening on their social and news networks. MOTOBLUR can sync Facebook, MySpace and Twitter with phone book and email contacts, while threading status updates and profile pics through calls, messages and address book. From the home screen, consumers can update their status to Facebook, MySpace and Twitter at once.

With MOTOBLUR lost devices can be located from a secure personal information portal and GPS can be used to locate them. One user name and password brings back a user's contacts, messages and connectivity to previously configured networks and email providers.

BACKFLIP is the first Motorola device to feature the BACKTRACK feature which gives AT&T customers the ability to navigate through Web sites and menus with a touch panel located behind the screen when the device is folded open. BACKTRACK offers a way to scroll through the Web, texts, e mails and news feeds without obscuring the home screen. Flip the keyboard backwards into table top mode to listen to music, watch videos, view pictures with the digital picture frame or to turn BACKFLIP into a digital, bedside alarm clock.

BACKFLIP comes with a full HTML browser that can be viewed on the 3.1" high res, touch screen display and makes use of 7.2 HSPA 3G technology on the 3G network. Android Market has access to 20,000 apps and widgets, in order to customize the device to fit each consumer's personal style. Customers can shoot photos and video with the BACKFLIP's 5 MP camera and flash, and upload them to their favorite photo sharing or social media site.

The Motorola BACKFLIP features Wi Fi connectivity and AT&T customers receive AT&T Wi Fi access at U.S. hotspots included as part of their unlimited data plan. AT&T's has a Wi Fi network with 20,000 U.S. hotspots.

The Motorola BACKFLIP will be available March 7 at AT&T retail locations nationwide or at www.wireless.att.com for $99.99 after $100 mail in rebate. (Pay $199.99 and after mail in rebate receive $100 AT&T Promotion Card. Two year agreement and smartphone data plan required.)

XMPie to Showcase Variable Data Printing, Cross-Media, and Web-to-Print Software Solutions at Dscoop5

InfoTrends 2008 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EDT

At Dscoop5, the fifth annual conference of HP Indigo owners and operators, XMPie is demonstrating its variable data print (VDP), cross media, and Web to print software solutions, showing attendees how to create highly targeted, integrated multi channel marketing communications that build business. As the one to one software provider of choice for a number of leading Dscoop members, XMPie�s presence further affirms its commitment to the HP user community.

In its booth, XMPie is taking attendees through a multi phase, multi touch point, viral cross media campaign that incorporates marketing tactics for customer acquisition and retention, as well as up and cross selling. The campaign elements demonstrated include a personalized postcard, e mail message, Response URL (RURL) Web site, Google Map, PayPal interaction, mobile message, and fulfillment offering.

XMPie is a gold sponsor of the event and is presenting Cross Media 2.0: The Future of Integrated Communications on Sat., Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. Session attendees will have the opportunity to examine how personalized print, new media, and social networks are changing the way businesses reach and engage customers and how service providers, and their customers, can leverage these emerging paradigms for new revenues, high profit, and steady growth. The current and future state of cross channel, conversational communications, and the technologies enabling these highly interactive marketing programs will be discussed, as well as the latest service offerings in VDP and cross media, including personalized video, Twitter driven marketing campaigns, and QR codes.

Canon, Inc. and Fujitsu Limited Collaborate to Offer Cloud Computing-Based Managed Services

InfoTrends 2008 — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EDT

Canon, Inc. and Fujitsu Limited announced their plans to collaborate in offering cloud computing based managed services for printing and other IT equipment. The services will combine Canon�s print management and operations technologies with Fujitsu�s cloud based IT management services to deliver an integrated package of solutions.

Until now, Canon and Fujitsu have jointly collaborated in building and operating a variety of systems, such as Internet based remote maintenance services for printers and multifunctional office systems, as well as a license authentication management system for Canon products. In light of the increasing diversity and complexity of work performed in office environments, the two companies recently reached an agreement to collaborate in the field of managed services for printing and other IT equipment. They will jointly offer Canon Managed Document Services, which provides support in effective management of document input/output environments, combined with Fujitsu�s Workplace LCM Services, which provides comprehensive support for IT resources. By leveraging Canon�s strengths in printing and Fujitsu�s strengths in IT services, the accumulated technologies and combined expertise of this collaboration will enable the one stop delivery of comprehensive, high quality managed services for multifunctional office equipment, printers, and IT equipment.

By using a cloud computing platform, which allows software and information services to be accessed via the Internet, technologies from both companies will be linked to create a platform for managed services that can continually evolve. In addition to increasing productivity, reducing costs, and streamlining operations, the services resulting from this technological collaboration will also deliver new added value by addressing needs in areas such as the environment and security.

In conjunction with this collaboration, the two companies will further enhance their alliance and joint marketing efforts, as well as collaborate on business planning and establishing a support system. Beginning in March 2010, Canon Marketing Japan Inc. and Fujitsu will jointly begin offering these services to large and medium sized companies in Japan, with the goal of signing up 100 corporate customers in the next three years.

Canon and Fujitsu are exploring new ways in the future to expand this collaboration globally.

Kodak Announces that Creo Color Servers Offer Support for Latest Industry Standards

InfoTrends 2008 — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EDT

Kodak�s Print On Demand Solutions Group has announced that all Creo Color Servers now fully support Microsoft Windows 7 Operating System and MAC OS X v10.6. Support for the latest industry standards is part of the commitment to help printers maximize their investments and help them meet their customers� demands.

Supporting the latest industry standards such as Microsoft Windows 7 and MAC OS X v10.6 gives existing customers upgrading to Windows 7 or MAC v10.6, or new customers already using these versions, complete compatibility in their production environment. Kodak�s Print On Demand Solutions Group makes it possible for its customers to use the most current operating systems with no workflow changes required.

Creo Color Servers provide connectivity to graphic arts workflows, automation, color and image quality, advanced Variable Data Printing (VDP) capabilities, and extensive document printing functionality to boost productivity. Creo Color Servers optimize the performance of digital production printers and presses, and increase efficiency and cost effectiveness over the entire print production cycle.

SwiftKnowledge Launches Web-Based BI Application for Enterprise Customers

InfoTrends 2008 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EDT

SwiftKnowledge, LLC has announced the introduction of SwiftKnowledge for the Enterprise, a 100% Web based BI application designed for interactive, high volume use by non technical business users. Like all SwiftKnowledge offerings, SwiftKnowledge for the Enterprise leverages a Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services data infrastructure.

SwiftKnowledge for the Enterprise is based upon SwiftKnowledge�s BI platform, which powers a new era of BI applications that deliver an ad hoc analysis experience to users in Web time via a zero footprint Web deployment. With its Interactive Data Streaming (IDS) and Component Level Security (CLS), the SwiftKnowledge platform provides a BI user experience featuring performance, scalability, and security.

With SwiftKnowledge for the Enterprise, technical and non technical users can securely access unified information which may be located across multiple repositories and data systems. They then can easily configure custom analytical views, threshold driven alerts and visually appealing executive dashboards that simplify their unique reporting and analysis needs�all without requiring IT or developer assistance. In addition, users can easily share the configurable views and analyses they create with other employees, without needing additional downloads or software licenses. Enterprise users also can utilize SwiftKnowledge�s predictive modeling and data mining capabilities to develop advanced BI applications, such as a product recommendation engine based upon customer profiles or a model for understanding the impact of different market variables on financial outcomes.

Benefits of SwiftKnowledge technology include:

Rapid deployment: The entire SwiftKnowledge platform is 100% browser based, with no downloads or plug ins to complicate deployment to end user computers or mobile devices.
Ad hoc analysis in "Web time": Patented, in memory technology allows large numbers of SwiftKnowledge users to get answers to ad hoc analyses within seconds, enabling greater interactive data exploration.
Easy integration with a variety of applications: The SwiftKnowledge look and feel and functionality can be easily, extensively customized to integrate any part of the platform with in house, commercial on premise, or Software as a Service (SaaS) applications or appliances.
Granular security: The SwiftKnowledge CLS delivers targeted content, features, and functionality according to a user�s role and profile, and secures data granularly down to the individual cell, for enhanced security and flexibility.
Increased scalability at a decreased cost: The patented SwiftKnowledge IDS uses virtual and physical tables combined with a proprietary packet engine to deliver high performance and scalability while using less hardware than other solutions�an approach that minimizes hardware expenses for in house and cloud computing deployments.
Low user support and administration costs: SwiftKnowledge�s speed and simplicity put users in control, allowing them to perform ad hoc analysis without the traditional dependence on expensive BI customization and support specialists.

SwiftKnowledge for the Enterprise is available now via traditional software appliance licensing or subscription based pricing.

Bowe Bell + Howell Appoints John Tarascio as Chief Operating Officer

InfoTrends 2008 — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EDT

The board of directors of Bowe Bell + Howell (BBH) announced the appointment of John Tarascio to the office of Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Most recently, Tarascio was President of BBH Services, with responsibility for the North American services organization and for product manufacturing in Bethlehem, PA and Durham, NC. In his new position, he will also assume responsibility for product engineering and manufacturing for all BBH hardware lines.

Tarascio was appointed President of BBH Services in 2009. He led the Services Operations organization at BBH from 2000 until 2009, and prior to that, held positions as Executive Vice President of Field Service (North America) and Technical Support Operations. During his 28 year tenure, Tarascio drove the implementation of one the most advanced customer support infrastructures in the industry using a true service business integrated CRM system and a corporate technical university.

Nikon Unveils the COOLPIX P100

InfoTrends 2008 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EDT

Nikon Inc. unveiled the COOLPIX P100 digital camera, marking a series of firsts for Nikon with the debut of a CMOS image sensor and full High Definition (HD) movie (1080p) capabilities in the COOLPIX line. It includes a 26x Optical Wide Angle Zoom NIKKOR ED glass lens and a 3.0 inch 460,000 dot vari angle Clear Color Display LCD screen.

The COOLPIX P100 is Nikon�s first compact camera to offer full HD movie (1080p), allowing consumers to capture the movies at the touch of a dedicated movie record button. A stereo microphone mounted on top of the camera captures audio to further enhance the video capture experience. Both the optical zoom and autofocus functions are available while recording video. The high speed movie function provides the added benefit of recording movies that can be played back in slow motion or fast motion to create artistic effects. A HDMI connector allows for playback on a compatible HDTV.

The Nikon COOLPIX P100 digital camera features a 10.3 megapixel backside illumination CMOS sensor, which enables high speed shooting at 10 frames per second (fps) at full resolution. Other functions benefitting from the lower noise and image quality of the CMOS image sensor include an in camera high dynamic range (HDR) function, which merges images of the same scene to achieve a single image with a broad range of tonal detail. The Night Landscape mode combines a series of consecutive shots taken at a fast shutter speed into a single image with reduced noise when taking handheld shots in night scenes.

The COOLPIX P100 digital camera includes a 26x Optical Wide Angle Zoom NIKKOR ED glass lens. This lens has wide angle (26mm) to super telephoto coverage (678mm). The focal range lets consumers capture a variety of shots and scenes. This lens allows the user to take images or video as close as 0.4 inches while in macro mode.

Additional features of the Nikon COOLPIX P100 digital camera include:

10.3 megapixels and Backside Illumination CMOS Sensor for prints as large as 16x 20 inches
In Camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) merges multiple images of the same scene to create an image with a range of tonal detail that could not be captured in a single photo
Night Landscape Mode combines a series of images into a reduced noise composite for low light shooting
3.0 inch Vari Angle 460,000 dot Clear Color Display LCD and Electronic Viewfinder: The LCD, with anti reflection coating, can tilt as much as 90 degrees up or 82 degrees down. This enables photographers to shoot from higher angles or from the hip. The incorporation of the an electronic viewfinder enables consumers to see through the lens in most any lighting condition
5 Way Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization System
Optical VR Image Stabilization by image sensor shift compensates for the effects of camera shake, producing clearer, sharper results in lower lighting or unsteady conditions
Hybrid VR Image Stabilization combines both sensor shift VR and Electronic VR
Motion Detection automatically detects moving subjects and adjusts shutter speed and the ISO setting to compensate for camera shake and subject movement
High ISO 3200 capability creates new opportunities to take sharper, more natural looking photos in lower light conditions (up to 10 megapixels)
Best Shot Selector (BSS) automatically takes up to 10 shots while the user presses the shutter, and saves the sharpest image
Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual Exposure modes give ultimate creative control over images
New Sport Continuous Scene Mode for shooting at up to 10 fps at full resolution and 120 fps for 1.1 megapixel images
Subject Tracking automatically activates autofocus while tracking moving subjects such as children and animals. Even when the subject momentarily moves out of the LCD frame, the camera will restart tracking if the subject returns in the frame within 3 seconds
Pre shooting Cache lets users capture up to 40 shots before shutter is released. This setting helps photographers stay ahead of the action
Active D Lighting minimizes loss of details in highlights and shadows

Smart Portrait System integrates the following features to make it a snap to capture stunning portrait photos of friends and family:

In Camera Red Eye FixTM automatically fixes most instances of red eye
Enhanced Face Priority AF can detect up to 12 faces from a variety of angles
Skin Softening ensures smooth skin tone on the face of subjects by leveraging built in face detection technology
Smile Mode automatically detects when a subject smiles and releases the shutter
Blink Warning notifies the user when a subject has blinked in a photo
Blink Proof detects the subject�s face and automatically takes a series of sequential shots, then saves the image in which the subject�s eyes are open

The Nikon COOLPIX P100 digital camera will be available nationwide in March 2010 and will retail for $399.95 MSRP.

GMC Software Technology Announces Speaker Lineup at Xplor’s General Conference and Vendor Forum

InfoTrends 2008 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EDT

GMC Software Technology announced its speaker lineup at Xplor�s Global Conference and Vendor Forum (March 17 19, 2010 in Tampa Bay, Florida). Sessions topics include TransPromo, multi channel communications, social media communications, and improving ROI on database marketing, delivered by executives from GMC Software Technology as well as other noted industry experts. Session descriptions and schedules include:

TransPromo: A Buried Treasure in Customer Communications (March 17; 8:30 to 9:20 AM): Michael Bucka, General Manager at GMC Software Technology, will provide a rare glimpse into trends from the transactional and variable data printing market in Europe as it applies to the banking and insurance industries. In addition, the session will review why TransPromo has been successful in terms of cost savings and considered the "buried treasure" in customer communications.
Multi channel and Social Media Communications (March 18; 10:30 to 11:30 AM): To effectively reach customers, companies must now consider new mediums that reach the next generation of audiences that are more demanding, always connected and are barraged with 250 to 3000 marketing messages a day. During this session, Scott Baker, Vice President of Worldwide Business Development, will explore the challenges facing organizations with respect to customer based communications and trends in multi channel and social media communications.
TransPromo: A Cost Effective Way to Drive New Revenue (March 19; 2:30 to 3:20 PM): Scott Baker will also present a session on how companies can reduce overall costs and generate extra income through TransPromo marketing campaigns.
Ideas to Improve ROI On Statement and Database Marketing Programs (March 19; 3:30 to 4:30 PM): Roger Gimbel, EDP and noted industry expert, will provide a review of a successful TransPromo campaign case study produced by SynQ Solutions. The session will also explore how database segmenting, statement design, and use of PURLs have positively affected the response rate for this TransPromo campaign.

GMC Software Technology will also be an active participant in Xplor�s Vendor Forum, demonstrating its latest solutions for designing, managing, and producing highly personalized customer communications.

Oki Data Americas Announces Launch of proColor Series

InfoTrends 2008 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EDT

Oki Data Americas, which markets its products under the Oki Printing Solutions brand, announced the launch of the Oki proColor Series, a line of products for color critical applications in graphic arts and production environments. The Oki proColor Series delivers professional quality color output, consistent color accuracy powered by embedded EFI Fiery and PANTONE calibration on select models, and media flexibility with variable data capabilities.

The Oki proColor Series includes:

The pro810 Series (U.S. List pricing starting at $3,248): The pro810 is an affordable complement to costly AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) plotters, delivering professional quality color proofs. With productivity speeds of 30 pages per minute (ppm) color/32 ppm monochrome, the pro810 fits into existing BIM (Building Information Modeling) workflows.
The pro910 ($5,960 U.S. List price): Competing at the entry point of the high quality, short run color market is possible with the pro910 tabloid/A3 digital color printer. External RIP software enables users to utilize existing color assets, while benefiting from HD (High Definition) Color output; media flexibility including card stock, magnetic media and static clings; media handling of paper stock up to 330 gsm; and on demand production printing speeds of 31ppm color/36ppm monochrome.
The pro930 ($10,230 U.S. List price): The pro930 tabloid/A3 printer delivers fine color output and consistently accurate color matching every time, with PANTONE calibration, embedded EFI Fiery, and SmartRIP technology for automated color workflow. This new alternative for high quality, short run color printing has variable data capabilities and is the lowest cost, embedded solution supporting XMPie. This product, like its entry level counterpart, supports a wide range of media substrates, enhancing its print shop capabilities.
The pro900DP ($26,500 U.S. List price): The pro900DP digital envelope color press revolutionizes short run, on demand print jobs, with the ability to produce variable data on a wide range of media, including full color envelopes. Powered by PANTONE calibration and an embedded EFI Fiery controller for color accuracy, the pro900DP�s high capacity lift holds up to 4,000 sheets of 20lb. bond paper for high productivity printing at attractive running costs.
The pro510DW ($36,200 U.S. List price): With the pro510DW digital color web press, customers can achieve continuous web printing at up to 30 feet/minute (5.1" per second slew rate), handling a 2,500 foot roll of stock. The compact and easy to operate pro510DW supports paper, labels, and various tag stocks and includes automatic cut and reload between print jobs to eliminate operator intervention.

The Oki proColor Series is available exclusively through a select group of partners serving the graphic arts and production market. The pro810 Series, pro910, and pro930 will be available in February, and the pro900DP and pro510DW will be available in March.

Plustek Technology Expands OpticFilm Line with 7600i SE and 7600i Ai Scanners

InfoTrends 2008 — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EDT

Plustek Technology Inc. announced an extension to its OpticFilm line of scanners with the launch of the OpticFilm 7600i SE and the OpticFilm 7600i Ai. These scanners are designed to take 35mm film and slides and convert them (at up to 7200 dpi resolution) into high quality digital images.

The new OpticFilm 7600i series uses a new LED based illumination system instead of the previous cold cathode system. This LED system provides more consistent illumination and uses up to 30% less power. In addition, the OpticFilm 7600i models take image quality a step further by incorporating Infrared (IR) dust and scratch removal and Multiple Exposure (ME) to increase effective dynamic range of the image.

The OpticFilm 7600i SE ships with LaserSoft SilverFast SE Plus, iSRD + ME scanning software. The OpticFilm 7600i SE allows novice users the ability to quickly and easily produce high quality images.

The OpticFilm 7600i Ai ships with LaserSoft SilverFast Ai Studio. The OpticFilm 7600i Ai is geared toward advanced amateurs, prosumers, and professional photographers looking for the ultimate in control over the film and slide imaging process. An IT8 calibration slide is included, which allows users to generate color profiles to ensure accurate color reproduction.

These OpticFilm scanners feature a USB 2.0 interface and are among the highest resolution film scanners on the market (7200x7200 dpi). They can be used with both Windows and Macintosh computers.

The OpticFilm 7600i SE and OpticFilm 7600i Ai are priced at $369 and $589, respectively.

TransPromo Communications to Return to Xplor’s 2010 Global Conference and Vendor Forum

InfoTrends 2008 — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EDT

Xplor International announced that the topic of TransPromo communications will once again return to its annual Global Conference and Vendor Forum, March 17 19, 2010 in Tampa Bay, Florida. Sessions will be conducted by noted industry experts including representatives from DocuLynx, GMC Software Technology, InfoTrends, InfoPrint, Kodak, Pitney Bowes, Solimar Systems, and The Winters Group. As part of over 70 educational classes covering the latest trends and best practices in the digital document industry, Xplor�s Global Conference and Vendor Forum will feature 10 TransPromo classes that will feature:

Pre Conference Intensive Hosted by Madison Advisors: The program is titled "TransPromotional and E Delivery Market Trends and Directions." The pre conference intensive will be held March 16 followed by the Xplor Global Document Conference and Vendor Forum. Madison Advisors will present the results of their latest market research on TransPromo communications, print suppression and multi channel delivery.
TransPromo: A buried treasure in customer communications: Michael Bucka of GMC Software Technology will provide a rare glimpse into trends from the transactional and variable data printing market in Europe as it pertains to the banking and insurance industries. In addition, the session will review why TransPromo has been successful in terms of cost savings.
Best practices for ADF � TransPromotional/TransEducational Workflows: Highly effective companies are increasing profitability and significantly reducing cost through process automation and Automated Document Workflows (ADFs). This session takes you through actual client case studies and workflow examples that illustrate the benefits of ADF with emphasis on production PDF workflows and how implementing transpromotional and transeducational document solutions that lowers call center numbers and improves customer satisfaction.
Ten reasons for TransPromo NOW!: There is certainly a lot of buzz surrounding the concept of TransPromo in today's market the technology is available, marketers are being challenged to be more creative and targeted with their advertising spending, and consumers are demanding more effective communications. InfoTrends has uncovered ten compelling reasons to explore TransPromo now and this session will walk you through them!
The Use of Color in TransPromo Application Design: Many companies want to deploy TransPromo applications and are learning the new techniques required to create highly variable documents in color with high quality. A key component in TransPromo application design is the proper selection of colors that are within the gamut of the target printer. This presentation will explain the different color spaces that application designers are familiar with and the compromises they will need to understand when working with four color, CMYK printers.
TransPromo in North America and Western Europe: Everyone is talking about TransPromo, but what does the research say? InfoTrends will be sharing results from two recent studies that shed light on the TransPromo opportunity in North America and Western Europe. Where are these regions similar? Where do they differ? Attend to find out!
TransPromo: Making the Shift to Precision Marketing: TransPromo by original definition relates to placing relevant and personalized promotions or advertisements on must read documents, such as statements. This session will define the shift from TransPromo to precision marketing, and how marketers must look at the expansive techniques and platforms available today from Web to e mail, via pURLs and loyalty statements.
TransPromo: A Behavioral Marketing Enabler: When driven by relevant customer data and behavioral marketing, TransPromo can open the opportunity for levels of marketing effectiveness greater than any other channel. This session will discuss how multichannel TransPromo communications enable more effective marketing and customer satisfaction.
TransPromo in the Cloud: Considerations For Hosted Services: Cloud computing has become a hot technology topic, especially as many organizations look to hosted, Web based services to reduce overhead associated with managing IT. There are even cloud based solutions and services on the market today for enabling TransPromo applications, from message creation workflow and management to composition.
The Business Plan for Acquisition of TransPromo Opportunities: The Winters Group, using a performance based model, has successfully transformed more traditional printers into the complex world of CMO selling. Peter Winters will share a replicable process for successful migration.
The Need for Effective Document Archiving In the TransPromo World: In this session attendees will learn how to think of themselves as true communications providers and facilitators. Through learning the latest in practical, fast, and accurate archiving and retrieval processes, attendees will be able to move further into the communications space and understand the important role to play in the whole life cycle of a document.

The conference and vendor forum will be held at the Tradewinds Island Grand Hotel and Conference Center in Tampa Bay.

Inbrics Unveils MID M1 Smartphone at CES

InfoTrends 2008 — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EDT

Inbrics will unveil the MID M1 for the first time ever at International CES, 2010. The MID M1 is an Android powered smartphone with Wi Fi 802.11 and an AMOLED touch screen that slides to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. Other features include GPS, Bluetooth, 3G or WiMAX, a 3 megapixel camera on the back, a VGA camera on the front, 16GB of internal memory, and a MicroSD card slot.

Using human centric technologies, Inbrics is driving the commercialization of the open source Android platform within an entire ecosystem of connected software and devices including the MID M1, PC, IPTV, Server, and media network, leveraging IP based devices such as DMB, VoIP / SoIP, and WiBro / WiMax.

The Convergence One or "3 Screen Plus" Android platform makes it easy for consumers to access and share their digital photos, music, movies, and more from any device in their home and outside wireless networks. The Inbrics convergence "controller" acts as a conduit so data can be pushed to any device the consumer chooses.

Inbrics currently has partnerships with global carriers and manufacturers including T Mobile, SK Telecom, Korea Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom, Celcom, Samsung, LG, and Kyocera. The company plans to introduce the MID M1 in the U.S. through cable companies and both fixed and wireless carriers. It will be available in the U.S. in 2010 or early 2011.

Repro India Implements Suite of EFI Solutions to Manage Growing Print Business

InfoTrends 2008 — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EDT

EFI announced that Repro India, Ltd. of Mumbai is implementing a full suite of EFI solutions (including EFI Monarch, EFI Digital StoreFront, and EFI PrintFlow) to provide an integrated management system that will keep pace with its current growth and meet future needs. Repro India offers design and prepress services, sheetfed and web offset printing, digital printing, postpress, and last mile logistics. Repro India produces annual reports, IT manuals, catalogs, and magazines and is one of India�s largest producers of educational books for the global market.

Repro India selected the EFI Monarch print MIS solution to manage its multi plant, multi technology business. In addition to EFI Monarch�s reputation in the marketplace, Repro India was attracted by the wide range of additional integrated modules available for Monarch (such as scheduling, direct machine interface, and Web storefronts) as well as the ability of the software to address international business requirements such as currency, language, and taxes. The company also needed to manage digital and offset print production from a single interface, so Monarch�s support of industry standards such as JDF was a critical decision factor as well.

Repro India has installed EFI Monarch in both of its plants, including the shop floor data collection capability. This has given the company better control over its production operation, more flexibility in planning, and the scalability that will ensure that its systems are positioned for future growth.

In addition to Monarch, Repro India is piloting the Digital Storefront Web to print platform, with two customer profiles created and beta use started. The company is also piloting the adoption of planning and scheduling practices using EFI�s PrintFlow dynamic scheduling module. Next up is Auto Count, which will accurately track actual production with a direct machine interface to the shop floor. Repro India is also using PrinterSite Internal to make it easier for its sales representatives around the globe to process requests for customer estimates from the field. With PrinterSite Fulfillment, the firm will be able to integrate its fulfillment operation into the overall customer offering.