We’ve seen new technologies implemented in the graphic arts industry faster and faster; and with each wave of new technology comes a certain tension. We should always keep in mind that new technologies do not replace old ones, but that:

• New technologies do not change what we do, new technologies change how we do it.
• New technologies do not compete with old technologies.
• Products produced with new technologies compete with products produced with old technologies.
• New technologies do not create demand; new technologies radically change costs.

As noted in the PEW Internet and American Life Project, The Future of the Internet II (Sept. 24, 2006), Louis Nauges, president of Microcost, a French information technology firm, sees mobile devices at the forefront. “Mobile internet will be dominant,” he explained. “By 2020, most mobile networks will provide 1-gigabit-per-second-minimum speed, anywhere, anytime. Dominant access tools will be mobile, with powerful infrastructure characteristics (memory, processing power, access tools), but zero applications; all applications will come from the Net.” Obviously our mobile devices will become as important as desktops for accessing the Internet and viewing media.

Last fall, no one envisioned the effect Apple’s iPhone could have had. The iPhone will probably be hailed as the technology that changed our concept – and our use – of a cell phone forever. Taking full advantage of the iPhone’s touch screen technology, Rochester Software Associates, Inc. (RSA), rolled out a iPhone Portal Page proof of concept optimized for touch navigation.

The idea of managing and using a web to print application on your cell phone is nothing new, however the WAP technology used on most phones limits “real” Internet browsing. The iPhone gives true access to the Web.

Todd Bernhard, Director of Marketing for RSA, realized that we shouldn’t try to make a phone into a computer, but that “we should leverage each tool for its abilities. It doesn’t make sense to try to write the Great American Novel on your phone, but your phone can access archives that have been created on a computer.”

RSA's WebCRD customizable Portal Page lets the user access documents that have been professionally created and stored in a shared archive; then all the user has to do is order reprints or use the address book to enter business card data and order the card on the fly.

The icons on the bottom row provide access to the production applications. Now managers who really need to stay in touch with their printing operations can do it from anywhere. Today’s user wants his or her tools to:

• Not waste time.
• Provide exactly what he/she wants.
• Deliver value where he/she wants it.
• Supply value when he/she wants it.
• Solve the problem completely.

I’d say from the looks of it, RSA has done that with this new solution.