Web-To-Print Software Offers All Print Products

In conjunction with EFI, Canon UK introduced Digital Storesront (DSF) version 3.0 software at Northprint 07.

The latest version of the software includes a redesigned and customisable user interface, with what is claimed to be easier, faster web-based administration, as well as a range of new features.

Digital Storefront (DSF) is claimed to enable print service providers to create a unique shopping experience for their customers by allowing them to navigate through a suite of print products and services in one place.

Print buyers can shop, specify, proof and buy print products, such as personalised print items and managed catalogues, using familiar e-commerce tools, said Canon.

DSF now offers a unified storefront, enabling customers to purchase a range of products and services from a single interface, including non-print items, kits (a set of products that are ordered together) and personalised products.

Canon claimed that Digital Storefront 3.0 is easier to customise, letting the print service provider control the look of websites deployed for each of their customers (or even for anonymous 'walk-up' internet surfing users).

User interface elements, such as branding (customer logos and colour schemes, for instance), number of columns, fonts, access to specific features of the site, as well as new merchandising features (to encourage buying) can be deployed through the interface.

And instead of relying on a built-in library of images, administrators can now use their own graphics and images to tailor the site.

Canon believes that Digital Storefront has always made it simple for customers to buy print.

Now, easier and faster job specification and ticketing templates let users - with little or no technical expertise in printing - submit files and then build and order more sophisticated print products.

The company said that the new interface is the result of extensive testing.

Once the product is defined by the user, a new real-time product preview lets users see an on-screen graphical representation of the product they are ordering - showing the whole product, down to the level of binding choices and coloured paper stocks.

New features to support print services providers' growing business in wide and super-wide format products have been added to version 3.0.

The web site and visual catalogue make it an appropriate tool for selling.

The system now also has support for large paper and other substrates, roll or sheet media.

Print service providers can employ different pricing models for different manufacturing steps (area-based and fee-based, for example), mixing and matching within the same product.

Media, printing and post-print processes can all be priced individually by flat cost, area, or quantity.

In addition, many shops employing wide and super-wide output also produce and sell items such as trade show walls, light boxes, easels, mounting kits and other items that can be ordered via DSF in addition to print.

Canon UK, professional solutions marketing manager, Nikki Richardson, said: "This latest version of Digital Storefront is exceptional and I am looking forward to introducing this to our customers.

Version 3 has been designed to make pricing and ordering of both litho and digital print services simple and flexible." She added: "The demand for web-to-print systems is on the increase and DSF V3 offers printers the opportunity to develop new revenue streams, drive additional volumes and introduce new services.

" EFI's sales development manager, Stewart Prizeman, said: "We are really excited about the latest version of DSF with Canon.

With extensive customer input and Canon feedback we have incorporated some great new features in this version, which will ensure continued success for Canon and EFI.

Additionally with its integration in to Fiery Central and Fiery, it provides customers with a true market leading system..".

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