(Norwell, MA) December 16, 2003… The demand for communicating through multiple channels is on the rise, and necessitates the deployment of new technologies and changes in work processes to do so consistently and efficiently. According to recent research by CAP Ventures, published in a landmark report entitled The Multi-Channel Communication Challenge, organizations see multi-channel communications as a significant challenge requiring cultural, technical, and process changes in their current workflow to implement an effective business solution. Half of the organizations surveyed reported executive-level visibility into the challenge, which is one indicator that this is a growing problem. In 2003, the average amount spent for improving multi-channel communications across organizations of all sizes was $337,321. Looking ahead to 2004, organizations project average expenditure on solutions to increase to $397,344, further validating the importance of developing an effective multi-channel communication approach. “Although print remains the most dominant channel, organizations are undergoing a shift in workflows from 'print first' to 'electronic first,' with an average of nearly 40% of corporate information published to multiple channels already transitioned,” commented Michael Maziarka, a Director at CAP Ventures. “One requirement driving this workflow migration is the need to provide newly created, updated, or modified information to the market as quickly as possible. Information users now expect to have the most current information available through electronic channels such as the Web and e-mail.” CAP Ventures' report analyzes the key trends of multi-channel communications with respect to dynamic content technologies, outlines the components involved in various initiatives, and describes how technology and process changes are being implemented to enable organizations to more effectively communicate across multiple touchpoints. The research consists of over 250 surveys with IT professionals and Transform Magazine readers. The Web-based survey explores respondents’ current and future plans related to multi-channel communication endeavors. Respondents answered questions related to: Business drivers for delivering content through multiple channels Problem ownership and funding Current and planned technology investments Workflow and skill changes necessary to meet cross-publishing goals In addition to the primary research, this report aggregates and synthesizes relevant secondary research from CAP Ventures' extensive knowledge and research on the dynamic content software market. Included with the report are several in-depth case studies of companies delivering information through multiple channels. The case studies discuss deployment and process changes, quantitative and qualitative benefits, and how dynamic content solutions from such providers as Banta Integrated Media, FatWire, Quark, Stibo Catalog, Vignette, and Xerox are used in innovative ways to support multi-channel communication initiatives. The data tables, charts, and questionnaire are available immediately to clients of CAP Ventures’ Dynamic Content Software Strategies Consulting Service. The complete report with analysis is scheduled for delivery at the end of December. The report will also be available for individual purchase. To learn more about the report or to make a purchase, please contact Keith LaVangie at (781) 871-9000, ext. 132 or via e-mail at [email protected] or Stewart MacDonald at (781) 871-9000, ext. 175 or via e-mail at [email protected].