The past few years have illustrated how quickly business models can change as the explosive mixture of entrepreneurs, capital and technology are applied to traditional markets and work processes. Within the printing industry, a variety of new models and numerous technology and service providers have appeared. However, only a few e-Business models will produce lasting success. The ready availability of capital for Internet ventures ensures that many varied models will appear and even seem viable in the short term. These will, at least for a while, divert business from established channels.

But longer term, few will emerge as winners while many will fail. Along the way, how companies buy and sell printing and related services will forever change. To succeed, vendors of printing and related services must understand the immediate and long-term impacts of the Internet on their businesses, and must develop tactical and strategic plans to address these challenges and to combat new challengers and keep their offerings fresh.

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is conducting a detailed analysis of the rapidly changing print e-procurement marketplace to provide print service providers and their customers with the information and insights needed to develop both short- and long-range plans for success