In this session, our panelists discussed how they have implemented pure-play cloud solutions, developed from the ground up to operate in an open environment and to easily integrate with other applications. This allows suppliers to focus on their individual areas of expertise and printing firms to leverage a variety of modules to round out the total solution by picking and choosing the components that will make up a workflow that meets their needs with minimal internal software development required. What we are seeing is the Uber-ization of web to print. Panelists included:

• Michael Heerkens, CTO at Helloprint, one of the fastest growing ecommerce platforms in the Benelux with more than 130 employees. The company primarily serves small businesses, the SOHO market and does business with the trade. Print is produced through its network of more than 150 suppliers in eight countries.
• Claud Monro, Senior Vice President of Business Development at direct marketing agency SK+G. SK+G is a full-service advertising agency that counts among its clients casinos and resorts, restaurants, hotels and entertainment businesses. It’s direct division, of which Monro is a part, has developed its own technology for a fully automated marketing platform that it white labels for its clients. The platform is also sold by Konica Minolta, a SK+G client and partner, under the name Konica Minolta EngageIT.
• Andy Ogren, Owner at Blanks USA. The company has taken the Uber-izing of web to print to a new level for the creation of die cut products such as door hangers, labels, boxes, cup sleeves, bottle hangers, tab dividers and more. The company offers more than 17,000 pre-built templates as well as the ability to begin with a blank canvas. Thirty years ago, Blanks USA began its life selling door hangers and raffle tickets. Today, the company has evolved into an industry-leading supplier of security paper and die cut paper products.