NEW YORK -- May 29, 2003 -- TWGA predicts commercial printers are about to go digital in a big way. According to a report released today, TrendWatch Graphic Arts is predicting that commercial printing is on the verge of a tremendous upswing in the acquisition and acceptance of digital printing presses and direct digital imaging devices. According to the report, "Digital Color Printing: Ready for Primetime," the number of commercial printing establishments having digital color presses will increase by 234.1% by 2007. In addition, the report predicts a 66.7% increase in the number of commercial printing establishments having direct imaging presses, during the same time period. TWGA's new report on digital color printing finds that the technology is ready for primetime nearly a decade after it was introduced. The report, which analyzes the market forces driving digital color printing, investment levels in press equipment, product applications, user markets, and customer markets, is available for online purchase at the TWGA eStore in PDF format. For more information about this and other TWGA reports, go to the main TWGA website page (http://www.trendwatchgraphicarts.com). Researcher's Quote... "The catalyst for growth in digital color printing is short-run work," offered Vince Naselli, Director, TrendWatch Graphic Arts. "The TrendWatch database reveals that there is gradual downward trend in short-run color with traditional presses as a sales opportunity and a sharp up swing in short-run color using digital presses. And in terms of planned investment in various types of digital color printing equipment, toner-based color presses are rivaling investment in color copiers." According to the Report... --The top five challenge for producers of digital color printing products are economic conditions (66%), capabilities of sales personal (41%), competition (34%), pricing (33%), and reducing internal costs (28%); --The top five sales opportunities for producers of digital color printing products are improving economic conditions (60%), short-run color using digital presses (29%), increasing full-time sales personnel (29%), digital color variable printing jobs (29%), and broadening fulfillment, shipping, and mailing capabilities (24%); --Book Printers are leading the pack in planned investment in digital color printing systems, followed by firms that already own digital presses, and quick printers; --Jobs designed for digital color printing were a big growth area for creative professionals; 10% said this service increased a lot and 28% said it increased a little; -- Currently the number one use of digital color presses by commercial printers is for the production of brochures and business cards. About the Report... This new special report is of value to both solution and service providers. It offers critical analysis of the true value of digital printing as well as emphasizes the perceptions and trends at work in the industry. The report, "Digital Color Printing: Ready for Primetime," offers much more, including: -- Digital Printing Equipment: Analysis of investment levels, prices, and technology adoption; -- Product Applications and Opportunities: The product types and volumes produced are identified and discussed; -- State of the Market: Overall market assessment of the status of digital color printing as a mainstream production tool and product offering; -- Digital Printers' Perspectives: Delves into the market where digital color production lives; -- Customer Perspectives: Discusses what lies ahead for digital color printing and how it's strongly linked to buyer markets. -- Variable Data; Explains the happenings in the area of digital color printing known as the killer application. These are just some of the issues analyzed in this new Special Report. Methodology... The foundation of this report is based upon data compiled from TrendWatch Graphic Arts' proprietary historical databases (for printers, design and production firms, publishers, and Internet design and development firms) as well as the TrendWatch Graphic Arts Printing #16, and #17, Design & Production #14, Publishing #14, and Installed Base Market Share Benchmark Study. Information was also gleaned from various industry sources, including trade associations, newsletters, and experts. Availability... The 100+ page TWGA "Digital Color Printing: Ready for Primetime," report is available for purchase by visiting the secure TrendWatch Graphic Arts eStore online at www.trendwatchgraphicarts.com or by phone at 866-873-6310. The price for the report is $1595. TrendWatch Graphic Arts eStore customers can download this report in PDF Acrobat format immediately after purchase.