So how do you filter through the vendor offerings to learn "who does what" and narrow down the scope of your search? Printing Industries of America hosts a Website (www.w2ptestdrive.com) that provides an overview of many vendors in the space, separated by the four business models listed above.
InfoTrends recently launched a frequently updated site called the Ultimate Guide (ultimateguide.infotrends.com) where users can compare vendor Web-to-print solutions, as well as cross-media, VDP and transpromo software. The Ultimate Guide site features in-depth descriptions of dozens of vendors, and lets users filter their search based on more than 50 criteria (hosted, licensed, reporting features, integration, document design, print output formats and others). Once the search has been narrowed by the filter, the user can compare multiple solutions side-by-side, including pricing and dozens of very granular features, like CASS certification or database-driven VDP options.
Julie Shaffer is Vice President, Digital Technologies at Printing Industries of America. She heads up the Digital Printing Council (DPC), as well as the Center for Digital Printing Excellence at Printing Industries headquarters in Sewickley, PA. In her position, Julie plays a lead role in developing programs and tools to help members grow their businesses with digital technologies.
Known for her graphic production expertise, Julie has a 20-plus year background in pre-media and print. She is often called upon for training, presentations and to provide on-site consulting throughout the industry on diverse range of topics, including PDF, color management, digital printing, social media and Web-to-print implementation. Julie is co-author of several books, including "The PDF Print Production Guide" (1st, 2nd and 3rd edition), the "Web-to-Print Primer" and the forthcoming "Field Guide to Social Media."