Xerox to distribute the book at Print 13, Sept 9-12, 2013; download the eBook now from EDSF.org 

San Francisco, CA U.S.A (August 29, 2013) – Web2Print Experts, Inc., announces another free tool to help printers with software investments. The book Make Great Software Decisions: A Guide for Printers was written by a cross-functional team at Web2Print Experts who shares their decade’s worth of experience in all aspects of print software. “Our team has a unique perspective; we’ve been part of hundreds of print software projects, involving a wide variety of software technologies. Now that we are a services organization that is independent of any particular software package, we can provide unbiased guidance based on our extensive experience.” says Jennifer Matt, founder and president of Web2Print Experts.

Software decisions are part of almost every modern business initiative. The book focuses on what printers can do to optimize their return-on-investment with software technologies by creating and communicating a clear business strategy and actively planning how they will implement the new technology within their organization. The book covers all aspects of software investments, and specifically focuses on the common mistakes to avoid. “We have made, witnessed, and been a part of so many ‘less than optimal’ software decisions. We view mistakes as an incredible learning opportunity because software, the web, and the whole technology space are changing so fast. It’s a great value for our readers who can avoid these mistakes rather than repeat them,” said Sven Miller, Web2Print Experts European leader.

The printed version of the book will be distributed by Xerox at Print 13; the eBook version can be downloaded today from EDSF.org for a small donation to this great industry non-profit. All proceeds from the book are being donated to EDSF, where Jennifer Matt serves on the board of directors as the Executive Vice Chair for Development. EDSF and Web2Print Experts are also making the book available for companies who would like to distribute it as a branded business development tool, all distribution rights are exchanged for tax deductible donations to EDSF.org. Please contact Brenda Kai or Jennifer Matt for more information.

Commentary by Cary Sherburne

I had the opportunity to read this book as it was being developed and was quite impressed.  This is a very thorough presentation of what to do—and what not to do—when acquiring and implementing software. It also has a good mix of humor blended in, making it an enjoyable read. As Matt points out, too many software implementations go awry, or worse, companies spend money on “shelfware” – software that stays on the shelf and is never implemented.

The Web2PrintExperts team did a great job of applying their cumulative experience to the development of this book.  I would highly recommend that it become required reading for executive and other appropriate staff at all printing companies as well as the software vendors that serve them.  Software vendors can also do their customers a great service by licensing the book for a nominal fee (tax deductible!) and providing it to customers as appropriate.

Matt and her team should also be applauded for their support of EDSf and the scholarship program. And thanks to Xerox for making this valuable tool available at no charge to Print 2013 attendees.

We’ve all heard the stories; some of us have lived them.  Let’s say “No” to shelfware and “Yes” to a healthier printing industry.  Effective software selection and implementation can go a long way toward improving operational efficiencies and customer satisfaction for printing firms of all sizes.