The Next Wave - Digital Directions

"The emerging trend of DAM vendors failing or exiting the industry should continue and, by the end of 1999, there will be far fewer players in the market serving far more customers.

"As for DFE directions, customers of graphic arts service providers are demanding quicker turnarounds and higher quality, but they don't want to pay more for it. In order to compete in this market, companies need a fully digital workflow that can handle all jobs quickly and reliably. The main force driving customers to digital front ends is direct-to-plate, which promises both lower costs and higher quality.