More exclusive than the Internet and more individual than the printed newspaper, the iPad could transform the media world. Intelligent applications customized to meet the individual requirements of the target group are the key prerequisites for economic success. ppi Media, a subsidiary of manroland AG, is as of now offering smartphone and iPad applications.

The Hamburg-based software company develops standardized apps as modules for ppi solutions, and customized apps for B2C business for media companies. Together with the customer, ppi develops applications for presenting media content on mobile devices. In close partnership, newsreaders may one day develop from tablet PCs such as the iPad, which, for example, will complement classic print content with audio and video elements. "There are virtually no limits to our development program for mobile applications. We provide services across the entire spectrum of print media – from the traditional newspaper in digital form to interactive news apps with an innovative operating concept," says Norbert Ohl, managing director of ppi Media.

App tracker – ppiTrack
From the delivery of ads and editorial content to the production of printing plates: with ppiTrack, the entire planning and production processes in the ppi workflow can be tracked from any location in the world. The details of the production process can be viewed on a smartphone. By "zooming in" to the lowest level of production, the ppiTrack app ensures that no critical situations are missed.

AdX: cross-media planning per fingertip
AdX, a cross-media ad solution, is developed by ppi Media for field staff, providing them with an overview of available predefined ad packages when visiting customers. Using their smartphones, ad consultants can access the central customer database, and view the customer's previous bookings and ad placements instantly. Per fingertip, the requested ad package can be reserved on his iPhone and subsequently booked in the central system. ppi Media has been developing mobile applications since 2008 and expects to expand its range of applications. "The AdX and ppiTrack apps and our development program are major steps forward in a well-positioned newspaper industry," says Norbert Ohl.