(Norwell, MA) May 15, 2002 -- CAP Ventures Inc., the leading worldwide strategic consulting and market research firm for the digital business communications and e-business technologies revolution, today announced a new multi-client study entitled  “The Future of Mail and Transaction Documents.”  2001 saw spending on direct mail fall and this traditionally solid growth market for print and related services experienced a decline. One impact of terrorist attacks on the mail has been a movement to more electronic presentment of transaction documents. Is this a one-time drop or is this a continuing trend that will impact the printing and business communications industry? This CAP Ventures’ study will examine in detail the impact and opportunities in a post 9/11 economy. It will evaluate end user preferences, corporate behavior and print service provider plans to develop a detailed forecast. The study will also evaluate the impact of the Internet as a business tool, the adoption of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions and electronic document delivery programs, and the increased availability and accuracy of customer data in medium and large companies in key vertical industries and how this relates to mail and print volume. The study focuses on transaction documents that are used as part of internal operations, supplier management and customer procurement, as well as customer-facing transaction documents such as direct mail that can be leveraged to increase customer retention, loyalty and satisfaction. The study will provide document technology vendors, service providers and end users with critical information to guide the development of product and service portfolios and strategic business planning designed to capture revenue from transaction-based document applications and mail services. “There is no greater threat to the printed page than a change in consumer preferences as it relates to transaction documents and direct mail,” commented Charlie Corr a Group Director at CAP Ventures. “Businesses need to clearly understand current market dynamics and where the market is headed especially if mail remains under attack.”  The research will include over 200 interviews with service providers and technology vendors, which will be critical in assessing the strategic direction for value-added services, market penetration and customer adoption rates, document distribution strategies, pricing trends, and perceptions on unmet market needs and emerging opportunities. CAP Ventures will also conduct a series of telephone and web-based interviews with IT managers, print buyers and application owners to develop statistics on the factors affecting document technology and service purchases, such as, adoption plans, impact on print volumes and new service requirements. Additionally, consultants will conduct 200 interviews with consumers (end-users) to uncover trends and preferences relative to transaction document delivery methodologies, including adoption rates for online services such as electronic bill payment, investment transactions, and other customer self-service opportunities. Use of and concerns with the U.S. Postal Service in the aftermath of the events of 9/11 will be explored with consumers to determine whether any significant new trends have emerged in this regard. Companies can arrange for advanced participation now at a discounted price and help direct the focus of the research.  For more information, please access our Web site at or contact Stewart MacDonald at 781-871-9000 x 175.