6/12/01 (WhatTheyThink.com) Noosh, a provider of collaborative, online solutions, says their Noosh Direct product for print vendors will be ready on June 20th. The company announced Noosh Direct in April at Seybold Boston and has been working with several print vendors on the interface and features of the workflow solution. According to Jim Taylor, Product and Marketing Manager of Noosh Direct, the beta test have been well received. "Noosh Direct uses the Internet to help print suppliers better manage their client relations - from quoting and order entry to handling changes and tracking orders." Taylor says that demonstrations and tests with key partner, Waller Press have surprised Waller's staff. "When we speak of this application, people are excited that it has accountability in the order processing area. Everyone is on the same page. Previously, a rep would take the order from the buyer, communicate the job to the estimator, verify the details and then speak with production once the buyer has approved the specs and price. Noosh Direct brings automation to the customer and saves real dollars and time for the print vendor." When asked about the slow adoption rates buyers have to all-out collaboration systems, Taylor says that is the advantage to Noosh Direct. "Noosh Direct allows the estimator, production manager or whoever is over the job to simply send a url or web address to the buyer's email address. The buyer selects the address in their email and they are looking at a web page." Taylor says the product allows print vendors to automate workflow without pressuring buyers into an entirely new way of doing business. "With Noosh Direct, it's more of a pull process than a push." Customers with a web browser and Internet access can review proposals and place orders online. Buyers can participate, whether or not they are a Noosh member. Taylor says there are no transaction fees. "Our pricing is simple - subscription per user per month with an unlimited number and dollar volume of jobs." Noosh has raised approximately $88 million to date. Recently, Taylor said the company's conservative estimates call for achieving break even without requiring additional investment. Noosh was founded in 1998 with the goal of creating the industry's leading business-to-business Internet-based communication and collaboration service for managing enterprise communications such as print, electronic media, creative services and direct mail. The company has expanded its' base ASP model to target industry segments like people services, IT subcontractors, insurance and other markets using custom manufacturing processes.