Notice the words they use in the RR Donnelly story..."global digital printing network", yes. It's just faster for me to type "printernet." An additional benefit is that kids in school and on Wall Street might fall in love with it.
* RR Donnelley Launches 1,000 Digital Presses
Stealthy moves lead to launch of global digital printing network.
More: http://email.graphicartsonline.com/cgi- bin7/DM/y/ eBGHR0ZaVAM0DPB0HaDV0EE&rid= 7031394
Now, if they don't think they can own this network, it should work. But, if they think they should keep it closed, they'll just become the AOL of the printernet. The big question is who is going to be Google?
Maybe it will be Google.
Free Advice for Donnelly
Since you already have almost all the pieces to do deals at the top of pyramid - BPO, Massive Offset production, and now the "global digital printing network" make API's available for everyone else.
It turns out that in a facilitated user network economy, the riskiest place to do business is at the top of the pyramid. Given your DNA, I think you're not built for the speed necessary anywhere else. Always keep top of mind that AlphaGraphics started at Donnelly. Just like Xerox should always remember that Postscript was invented at Xerox.
Posts
Interesting, Michael. I'm wondering how long it will take large ops like Gannett and McClatchy to see the potential with this kind of tech.
ReplyDeleteIf their failing stumble into the digital world over the last decade is any indication, it will probably be a while.
What US publications do you think might jump on this first?
I'm betting on the Christian Science Monitor. They just went basically web only. They have a unique product. Not only the ongoing international focus, but they have reporters and editors looking for good news stories. Not the syrupy feel good kind. But real innovation at the bottom of the pyramid.
ReplyDeletePlus they don't have huge debts that force them to focus on quick fixes.
Meanwhile, they have to find a sustainable business model. They don't have to make silly, funny money profits. Just sustainable profits.
I'm betting that once this gets on their radar, and they stop being confused by blablabla internet lbalblabla, they are going to be the first to get it.
The other promising possibility are the folks in Cedar Rapids. Family owned company. They just went live with "editor as conductor of the information orchestra."
And of course, it might come from Printcasting or any other of the Kinght Challenge people.