ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, Calif. U.S.A (Feb 14, 2007)-- A new report reveals that both print providers and suppliers are optimistic about print provider revenue moving forward, with the strongest growth over the next two years expected to come from digital full color printing and variable data printing. Titled “Supplier and Service Provider Priorities: 2006 Survey Results,” the report results from an EDSF research grant and mentor program. A grant was awarded to the Graphic Communications Program at Clemson University, where faculty and students collaborated with InfoTrends to conduct the research. The survey provides insight on the priorities, future plans, and perceptions of those in the print-for-pay business and those who supply the industry. The report is available now as a free download at www.edsf.org. EDSF is the non-profit organization dedicated to the document management and communications industries. The vast majority (77%) of print providers expect digital color revenue to increase over the next two years, as well as wide format color printing (51%), color digital prepress (44%) and high-speed black & white digital printing (44%). Print provider respondents say they are more likely to expect a revenue decrease for forms design (24%), traditional offset printing (16%) and high-speed black & white digital printing (10%). Suppliers were also optimistic about growth for most print provider services. Digital full color printing scored highest, followed by digital spot/highlight color printing and database composition. Charlie Corr, group director, InfoTrends, indicated, “In order to provide the advice and counsel expected of them, as well as make more accurate sales forecasts, vendors should work more closely with print providers to understand the trends and beliefs of print providers.” Key Findings from the Report: ---Print providers are more optimistic than suppliers about revenue growth. As in 2005, print providers forecast growth for offset printing, while suppliers see it in decline. ---Among the print providers surveyed, Adobe remains in an enviable position. Survey respondents identify Adobe PDF as the most common print language, and it retains a high level of use and interest in a PDF-enabled workflow. ---Print providers and suppliers differ significantly in a number of investment categories. Overall, suppliers remain more optimistic than print providers about planned investments. Suppliers are more optimistic than print providers when it comes to investments in cut sheet spot/highlight color printers 50+ ppm, roll fed spot/highlight color printers, full color digital printers under 24 ppm, and workflow solutions. ---Print providers have greater investment interest in bindery and finishing equipment, creative software, and mailing equipment than suppliers predicted. For additional information on EDSF, or to find a downloadable PDF of the report, visit www.edsf.org.