Recent Developments

Recent developments[edit]

The main challenge for web-to-print expansion is centered on both the affordability of this solution and software and hardware companies' abilities to converge desktop vector-graphic tools with server technologies designed expressly for a web-to-print goal. While specific software set the stage for major print houses to offer web-to-print services to corporate clients and to the general public, brand name software companies have nudged into this business to offer mid- to high-range solutions.

To address the prohibitive cost of traditional web-to-print software solutions (software, systems, periodic software upgrades, technical staff, ...) noted earlier, providers offer web-to-print as "hosted" or software as a service (SaaS) solutions. Using this model application creation, maintenance, enhancement, technical support, application upgrades, and hosting, are provided as an out-sourced service. Since the software, systems, and support resources are spread over a larger client base costs can be reduced significantly.^[3] This makes it possible for any print house or print broker to offer professional web-to-print applications and services with only a modest investment of time and capital.

SaaS solutions are generally delivered through a purely online environment - allowing them to take advantage of relatively low-cost-per-seat, cross-platform compatibility, multi-user collaboration, and live database integration for product and digital asset management(DAM).

Another option is to find out small and simplified solutions which able to handle online designing, proofing, quote, invoicing & order management of small & medium size print shop.

Another niche in web-to-print solutions that is seen by some as being an indicator of things to come is the provision of WYSIWYGdesign support. Products provide such ability by allowing elements within a template to be moved, inserted, and deleted by end-users following strict rules established by the administrator of the system. This WYSIWYG generally supported by Adobe Flash technology which gives freedom from browser and OS dependency. This type of system begins to blur the lines between Desktop Publishing applications and web-to-print systems, and lets non-designers edit and proof customized artwork within a 'safe' environment.