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Study: Black & White Digital Printing Still Significant
Although black-and-white digital printing is considered mature, it’s still a significant part of the overall digital printing market, according to a new InfoTrends study entitled “The Future of Black & White Production Digital Printing.” Black-and-white devices produced 874 billion impressions and generated $17.8 billion in retail print value in 2005. Total equipment revenues (equipment, services, and supplies) reached $7.41 billion. Other findings include:
• There will be continued displacement of black-and-white devices by Universal Copier/Printers (UCPs) that can cost-effectively produce color and black-and-white pages on the same device. This, however, doesn’t mean the black-and-white production digital printing is without opportunities.
• New, higher-speed black-and-white devices will compete with offset technology. New entrants are expected to penetrate the market, particularly within the ‘light production’ segment. Continued improvements in finishing, cost and quality of output will make black-and-white devices attractive for niche applications.
IBSA, Misys Healthcare Systems Sign Deal on IT Products
International Business Solutions Alliance (IBSA) signed an agreement with Misys Healthcare Systems to provide health information technology, including electronic medical records (EMR), to IBSA’s health care customers. IBSA members can offer their customers a fully integrated practice management solution, including billing, scheduling and EMR offerings.
FedEx Ground to Increase 2007 Rates by 4.9 Percent
FedEx Corp. announced that it increased the standard list rates for FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery by an average of 4.9 percent. The new rates and surcharge changes were effective as of Jan. 1. The increases are in addition to other changes to FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery surcharges. These changes include an adjustment to the fuel surcharge for FedEx Ground shipments, which will be assessed on additional applicable transportation-related surcharges.
John H. Harland Company Announces Its Acquisition
M&F Worldwide Corp. and John H. Harland Company entered into a merger agreement under which M&F Worldwide will acquire Harland for $52.75 per share in cash. Upon completion of the transaction, valued at $1.7 billion, Harland will become a wholly owned subsidiary of M&F Worldwide. The combined company will have operations in more than 20 states. M&F Worldwide is the parent company of Clarke American, which offers more than 3,200 financial institutions a variety of comprehensive marketing services and products, including customer contact solutions, and checks and check-related products and services. Harland offers printed products, and software and related services to the financial market.
Kodak, CFC Technology Launch Check Processing Solution
Eastman Kodak Company launched a check processing solution and strategic relationship with CFC Technology Corp., Minneapolis. The new, hosted platform managed by CFC Technology will utilize Kodak’s portfolio of online check imaging solutions. The platform will help organizations of all sizes take advantage of Check 21 benefits, allowing them to remotely scan their incoming checks. The hosted service model is attractive to banks as it allows them to pay as they go based on demand, as opposed to making up-front, large investments in in-house technology and support capabilities, the company said.
TopForm to Test Open Data Architecture
TopForm Software Inc. will provide its customers the option of using an open relational database for real-time data storage and access. The company will first support Oracle, followed by MySQL and others. “Our customers requested a more flexible system that would provide greater access to data and Oracle is that solution,” said Brian Fritsche, TopForm president/CEO. “This is our first significant step toward adopting an open architecture that gives customers more control over their business. In addition, customers will have the ability to integrate third-party applications and design custom e-commerce software.”
ASB Invests in Oracle Applications
American Solutions for Business (ASB) signed an agreement with Oracle to purchase and implement Oracle’s PeopleSoft Enterprise Supply Chain Management and PeopleSoft Enterprise Financial Management. These applications will allow ASB to pursue supply-chain integration, allowing sales associates, corporate operations and vendors to work together to fulfill the needs of customers across the nation.
IBM Selects WorkflowOne as Supplier for Laser Print Products
WorkflowOne announced that IBM Corp. chose it to supply custom-printed rolls and continuous forms to be used in IBM high-speed laser printers. WorkflowOne will produce and distribute the forms and 50-inch rolls under the IBM brand and market the supplies through its national sales organization.
R.R. Donnelley Wins $465M Contract
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company announced that U.K.-based Astron, a wholly owned subsidiary of R.R. Donnelley and a document business process outsourcing provider, has been awarded a seven-year, $465 million outsourcing agreement by ING. ING is a financial institution that provides banking, insurance and asset management services to more than 60 million private, corporate and institutional clients. Astron will provide ING a range of document-related services, including print and mail, scanning, fulfillment, application development and more.
International Paper to Sell Two Businesses
International Paper has agreed to sell its beverage-packaging and Arizona Chemical businesses for about $985 million. International Paper agreed to sell its beverage-packaging business to Carter Holt Harvey Ltd. for $500 million and its Arizona Chemical business to Rhone Capital III LP for $485 million, the company said.
Consolidated Graphics to Acquire Hennegan Company
Consolidated Graphics Inc. signed a letter of intent to acquire The Hennegan Company, Florence, Ky. Founded in 1886, Hennegan has annual revenues of approximately $85 million. Hennegan offers a variety of sheet-fed printing, full web printing with numerous folding options, highly personalized digital printing, finishing, bindery, die cutting, embossing, art and design, color analysis, direct mail and fulfillment.