What's the Buzz?
Journalists are naturally curious. We
always want to know what people are doing, saying and thinking. We try to
identify trends and make sense of events. The best way to accomplish our mission
is also the most basic--talk to others. That's what I did in Chicago at the
Print Solutions Conference & Expo last month. Surrounded by a crowd of
tuned-in industry members, I asked my favorite questions over and over: What's
the buzz? What's the news? What are people talking about?
Here's a short list of the most common
responses: RFID; IBSA's Novation contract; a successful XML data transfer
between Wise Business Forms, Alpharetta, Ga., and Superior Business Solutions,
Kalamazoo, Mich., using software from TopForm® Software Inc., Norcross, Ga.; and
a noticeable increase in young attendees. To learn more about the show, check
out our comprehensive coverage on page 72.
Print Solutions informs you of the
latest "buzz," whether it's new product applications, business trends or
industry news. To support that goal, we've added more case studies, beginning
with this issue. Every month, we'll feature at least 10 different distributors
and successful applications they've used to meet end users' needs. The studies
illustrate unique challenges distributors face and creative solutions that
helped them gain, maintain or expand business. Case studies always have been an
important part of the magazine. We hope this updated format makes it easier to
find the success stories and tips you want. The stories are categorized by
product, so you can read right away about the applications best suited to your
business.
In addition to greater coverage of case
studies, we're expanding the scope of feature articles to include the most
compelling, cutting-edge, inspiring and newsworthy stories that deserve
attention.
This month, we include two such
features. On page 26, read about Jerry Leeds, a long-time industry member and
Vietnam veteran whose swift boat patrolled alongside the one commanded by
presidential candidate John Kerry. In a Print Solutions exclusive, Leeds speaks
out about the controversy surrounding Kerry's service. On page 50, Print
Solutions explores the FedEx acquisition of Kinko's and the threat--and
opportunity--it poses to the independent segment.
As always, we invite your feedback,
ideas and criticisms.
Andrew Brown
Assistant Editor
