Jefferson City, MO - Missouri-based printing company Modern Litho today announced a partnership with leading app developers YUDU Media. 

Modern Litho’s enthusiasm for digital media is a sign of changing attitudes amongst many printer organizations who have often viewed digital products as potential competitors of existing print revenue. 

Driven in part by their own strategy, which included launching an app for the company’s own custom magazine, Modern Litho was also fielding increased requests from print clients for digital products that could host rich media and interactive elements expanding their print to online engagement. Jim Tomblinson, VP of Operations at Modern Litho, explained the strategy, encapsulating a newfound positivity:

“We’re excited about this new partnership to bring enhanced digital offerings to our clients who wish to have a more comprehensive print and digital experience for their audience.  We don’t see it as a competitive product at all. It’s a supplementary one that not only helps us build an extra revenue channel, but also helps us strengthen existing print strategies. We see our future as both a print and digital service provider.”

YUDU CEO Richard Stephenson echoed these sentiments, referencing how the changes seen in printers’ attitudes to digital over the past few years:

“Since the release of the Kindle and the iPad, we’ve seen concern from printers about the potential for digital to supersede print. In reality what has emerged as digital has matured is an understanding of both strengths and its limitations in relation to print. Now we’re starting to see far-sighted printers like Modern Litho take advantage of this.” 

One particularly unique aspect of Modern Litho’s use of digital as a supporting strategy is in the implementation of “XR codes”. Billed as the “next generation of QR codes”, Modern Litho will empower publishers to provide XR codes in their publications that allow a reader to scan them with a mobile device and instantly access a digital edition as well as additional content, either in a HTML or app format. 

“Studies are showing that it is not a matter of print vs. digital but rather print and digital. Readers expect to consume content in both formats and often navigate seamlessly between them. Through our partnership with Yudu, we hope to provide a unique value for our clients.” Tomblinson said.