NEW YORK, NY (May 22, 2001) – The potential and pitfalls of commercial variable data printing (VDP) are reviewed in the newest special report, "Variable Data Printing: Where Are We Now," just released by TrendWatch Graphic Arts. The 141-page report focuses on the technology, the players and the customers who bring commercial full-color VDP to life. It illustrates some smart, appropriate uses of the technology and takes a shot at other costly and rather lofty tendencies perhaps better left on the pressroom floor. It examines what can be produced versus what is being produced and what needs to be produced. "Just because the technology exists doesn't always mean we should pursue production," said Marguerite van Stolk, Publisher, TrendWatch/AF Lewis Group. "This special report investigates how the industry is approaching full-color variable data printing and where it will go from here. Where will the players draw the line between effective application of VDP and costly overkill? Which printers are best suited for VDP and what customers will be willing to foot the bill?" Some of the questions discussed in this special report include: * How is VDP defined for the purposes of this report? * Is there a market for VDP? * What are the levels of VDP and its usage? * What software is available? * What hardware is available? * What's holding back VDP? * What competition does VDP face? * What are suppliers doing to stimulate the creative markets? TrendWatch Graphic Arts reports, developed and published for the past six years, have gained the respect of graphic arts professionals as the foundation for market-sensitive decision making. The reports have earned the reputation of containing the most reliable and timely market intelligence in the graphic arts and graphic design marketplaces.