Large Format Review - Business News

Fueling business with new  B2B international clients and development of new channels

Founded in 1999, Duomedia Public Relations celebrated its 10th anniversary with an event at Dolce Hotel, Belgium, for clients, journalists, partners and the European team. At this occasion a video was released, hosting viewers into Duomedia’s office, illustrated with client and journalist testimonials. view video 10 years all about you
Duomedia fueled its business by adding new clients including Kodak, Punch Graphix (Xeikon), Ricoh Europe, Grapo and DiMS! For 2010 further growth is anticipated, supported by an increased presence in the UK and Italy, and the installation of an Advisory Board.

PR is much more than press relations. It includes communication of messages and values to a company’s stakeholders. In close cooperation with clients, Duomedia leverages PR programs with advertising, newsletters, testimonials and other activities on a cross-media and multichannel level.

 

International Trade Technology PR

Duomedia supports start-ups and multinationals including Alwan, Bekaert, Taleo, EskoArtwork, Enfocus, Atlantic Zeiser, Presstek and many more. Trade Technology PR programs are implemented to industrial and technical markets across Europe by Duomedia's dedicated team, and internationally through partners in Hong Kong and the US.

"Decision-making processes are more complex in B2B than in the consumer market, which is more individual and emotion-driven. Technology communication requires special skills and tools to create understandable messages.

Duomedia has developed an expertise in this field and built a network of specialist writers and translators." comments Anja D’Hondt, Managing Partner and Founder.

“The business model we developed over the past years has proven very successful supporting clients to increase brand awareness and market visibility. We are working very cost-efficiently, repurposing content across different media and spreading messages through several channels and countries.”

Developing new channels and media

Lutt Willems, Partner at Duomedia since 2000, adds: "Our cross-client multivendor press conferences for major trade events, hereby sharing travel costs for journalists and organization efforts, are an example of a creative and flexible approach."

Also on the advertising side, the bread and butter of trade magazines, approaches have become more creative, assessing the return on marketing investment with click rates on websites or other measurement tools. Publishers develop online channels complementary to print publications, organize round tables or other events, and offer branded content. view video
Other new services include video testimonials and online reputation management, applying social media like Youtube, Twitter, blogs and forums as channels for its clients messaging and community management. This is now only just developing in business markets across Europe, whereby Duomedia manages its own accounts on Youtube and Twitter.
“We needed a PR agency that understands our wide solutions portfolio and the diverse markets we are active in, managing the program centrally and implementing locally with our regional Kodak teams. Duomedia does a tremendous job for us, pro-actively and independently managing all PR activities with our internal stakeholders,  including a monthly e-newsletter, a multitude of customer testimonials across Europe, as well as press conferences and events.” says Patrick Hamilton, PR Director for Kodak EAMER.

PR raises visibility and provides journalists with easier access to information

A recent online satisfaction survey amongst 60 clients and journalists across Europe indicated a 90% satisfaction level on the services the Duomedia team is providing - mostly appreciating the high responsiveness and personal, professional approach.

All clients responded their PR remains currently the most important vehicle to drive their brand awareness, even more important during an economic recession. Their main motivation for PR amongst clients is (in order of importance): raising visibility, communicating with stakeholders, introducing new products and supporting industry event attendance. Trade journalists find that Duomedia as PR agency adds value by (in order of importance): providing easier/faster access to information, high responsiveness, online press office, offering of press materials and improving their relations with vendors.

The future looks bright

“For the future we plan a further professionalization and internationalization, leveraging our current presence in certain countries and markets, and expanding into new segments. We are broadening our service offering into areas like social media, online newsletters and video testimonials. Strategic consulting services have been upgraded with the Communication Scans, marketing consulting and training programs like Managing Media Relations for client spokes people. We look forward to a bright and challenging future, and another successful decade.” concludes Anja D’Hondt.

"Win with EFI" Series Provides Tips to Digital and Superwide Format Printers for Managing Business Successfully in 2010

As a difficult year draws to an end for most people in the print media industry, EFI® invites printers from Europe to sign up for a series of free-of-charge webinars where EFI's executives and technical specialists will provide insight in market developments, and how companies can take advantage of them to manage their business for success. The four webinar sessions will take place in December. Anyone can register for the "Win with EFI" webcasts via www.efi.com/euwin to learn more about topics including:

• productivity and ease of use for new digital printing applications
• digital label printing choices and considerations
• gaining control of your colour supply chain
• turning superwide format productivity into business success

Eighteen million digital printing professionals can't be wrong
Monday 7 December, 3pm CET

In this webinar, presenters Terry Garvey and Philip Linstead will guide listeners through core digital printing applications and technologies and explain their benefits. With eighteen million users worldwide, EFI's Fiery digital print solutions are the most widespread print workflow. The webinar gives a concise overview on what Fiery can do for your business now and in the future, with a sneak preview into what's coming!
To register, go to www.efi.com/euwin

Digital label printing choices and considerations
Tuesday 8 December, 3 p.m. CET

Label printing is full of choices - analogue or digital? UV inkjet or toner? VDP? white ink? This webinar by Sean Skelly and Jason Oliver looks at the dazzling array of solutions out on the market and touches upon advantages using EFI Jetrion UV inkjet systems, such as cost savings, minimising waste and producing high-quality work that rivals analogue processes. They also discuss short-run printing opportunities in many lucrative markets such as pharma, food and beverage, and durable labels. Includes a brief overview of EFI's financing offerings for label printing systems.
To register, go to www.efi.com/euwin

Gaining Control of the Colour Supply Chain
Thursday 10 December, 3 p.m. CET

Producing sophisticated printing products from design through production to output is not much different from a classic supply chain - except digital colour is the focus. This webinar discusses how XF Solutions facilitate the seamless exchange of colour jobs between all pertinent parties regardless of location, while still guaranteeing consistent colour output and the benefits of remote proofing will be addressed with Web Control Center, a web-based application that connects, monitors and controls proofing and printing at all remote sites in a production workflow. This is a must-attend webinar presented by Oliver Luedtke and Frank Hueske for anybody who wants to understand how big brands control their print jobs.
To register, go to www.efi.com/euwin

Turning superwide format productivity into business success
Friday 11 December, 3 p.m. CET

Some superwide format digital printers are faster than others, but how do you take this speed and high performance and turn it into profit to improve your bottom line? This Webinar offers helpful tips from Ken van Horn and Emmanuel Swolfs on achieving these two goals using EFI VUTEk® printers and inks. It also discusses practical tips on how to make a printer work to its capacity. Includes a brief overview of EFI's financing offerings for superwide printing systems.

"I think it is a good thing EFI are now bringing their 'Win with EFI'  webinars to our time zone," said Mark Evans, Operations Director at DS Smith Multigraphics in Bradford, England. "We specialise in retail print and display work for very demanding customers, and meet their demands using a portfolio of EFI technology, including VUTEk printers, EFI RIPs, proofing and management information software. I am looking forward to hearing how EFI sees markets and technologies develop next."

To register for the 'Win with EFI' webinars, go to www.efi.com/euwin

A series of free of charge expert panel debates at Ipex 2010 will tackle some of the most critical issues facing the print industry today. Produced by world print authority, Pira International in association with Ipex, the Great Print Debates will bring together experts, thought leaders and high-profile industry representatives from 18-25 May 2010.

“The printing industry needs more debate and discussion” explains Frank Romano, Professor Emeritus, Rochester Institute of Technology and Great Debate chairperson. “We are at a crossroads in terms of new printing technology, changes in customer marketing and challenges to print. We need to band together to develop new markets, new print products, and new ideas - and convince the world that print is still an important and viable form of communication.”

Four pressing questions will be considered: More than ink on paper: how should printers be selling print?, What will the printer of the future look like?, Will an Ipod for publishing kill printed media? and Green print: is it worth it? With full audience participation and interaction, the Great Print Debates will take expert commentary, lively debate and audience interactivity to a completely new level.

The Debates come at a critical time according to Pira Consultant and Great Debate chair, Sean Smyth. “The industry is in an unprecedented period of change, exacerbated by the deep recession. Cash conservation is a short-term tactic, not a strategy to build a successful business. These debates provide an opportunity for industry players to put their heads above the parapet and think about how their businesses, and their careers, might progress satisfactorily under new conditions.”

Joining Sean Smyth and Frank Romano as Debate chairs will be Neil Falconer, Senior Consultant, Pira International and Laurel Brunner, Digital Dots. Panellists include Rob Haak, President, SPIKIX; Adam Dewitz, Director of Technology, WhatTheyThink.com; Stephen Goddard, Environmental Leadership Program Manager, Hewlett Packard and Marcia Balisciano, Director of Corporate Responsibility, Reed Elsevier. For a full list of panellists see http://www.ipex.org/greatprintdebates

Audience participation and interaction using simple polling technology will allow real-time feedback and drive the questioning of the panel chair, pushing the experts out of their comfort zone. Looking forward to the Debates, Laurel Brunner of Digital Dots reminds the industry, “It's all too easy to forget that understanding important issues only comes with interaction and participation.”

Debate participants will take away an exclusive study with scenarios and forecasts to 2020. With input from a special panel of authoritative print and publishing experts from around the world,
Print to 2020 will provide a unique global summary of the major challenges, threats and opportunities facing the printing industry. Building upon the themes discussed at the Ipex/Pira forums, the study will offer an exclusive roadmap for how these issues are likely to develop over the next ten years. Print to 2020 is published by Pira International.

The Great Debates will take place from 13.00 - 14.00 in the Printers’ Profit Zone.

On November 16, 2009 Canon Inc. (trading symbol CAJ) ("Canon") and Océ N.V. (trading symbol OCE) ("Océ") announced that Canon intends to make a fully self-funded, public cash offer for all the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Océ (the "Ordinary Shares") at an offer price of € 8.60 in cash per Ordinary Share.

Today, Canon has given notice to the AFM (Dutch Authority Financial Markets) that it has acquired through market purchases a number of Ordinary Shares representing approximately 20.0% of Océ's total issued share capital.

These Ordinary Shares were acquired by Canon at an average price of € 8.546 (with € 8.59 as the highest price paid) and represent approximately 25.3% of the total Ordinary Shares.

Continuing its initiative to recognise ‘Champions in Print’ who have made a significant contribution to the printing and graphic arts industry, the Ipex 2010 Advisory Committee has named Lord Bob Gavron as the sixth Ipex 2010 winner of this accolade.

Having founded St Ives in 1964, Lord Gavron took the company public in 1985. It consistently outperformed the market over the next ten years, establishing it as one of the largest and most admired printing companies in the industry.

Ipex 2010 Event Director, Trevor Crawford, says, “We are very pleased to give this award to Lord Gavron. As the founder of one of the largest print powerhouses in the world, he’s an avid ‘Champion in Print’ who combined a unique vision for St Ives with his outstanding business acumen. 

“Gavron drew praise from his peers and competitors not only for his achievements but also for his fair and generous dealing with staff, customers and competitors. I’ve no doubt that he will continue to inspire many others in our industry to lead their businesses on the path to success.”

Lord Gavron retired as the Chairman of the St Ives Group in 1993.  He served as a director of the Royal Opera House and a trustee of the National Gallery, and was also the Chairman of the Guardian Media Group between 1997 and 2000.  He continues to contribute his wealth of printing experience to the publishing industry.  As the Chairman of The Folio Society today, he oversees its activities in creating beautifully printed editions of great works of literature for its members.  He received his peerage in the House of Lords in the UK in 1999 and continues to support the arts.

Lord Gavron says, “I feel deeply honoured to have been given this award. I look back on my years with St Ives with pleasure and with pride.  The printing industry was in almost every respect a wonderful environment in which to work.  It was a privilege to spend one’s life directly or indirectly in spreading the printed word.  We all felt that we were in a rather special business, and I think we had every right to feel that.

“I must also pay tribute to the people with whom I worked.  Both those in the wider industry and those, closer to me, in St Ives.  From all of them I learnt a huge amount.  The St Ives bunch deserve the credit, all the credit, for such success as we had.  I was lucky to be supported by such wonderful people.”

The Ipex 2010 ‘Champions in Print’ Awards were launched to honour individuals who have influenced and shaped the printing industry across the world. There will be ten ‘Champions’ in the run-up to Ipex 2010, which will take place from 18th - 25th May at the NEC, Birmingham, UK. Previous winners were Indigo founder and industry pioneer Benny Landa; J.K Rowling, author of the top-selling Harry Potter novels; Professor Frank Romano at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and the co-founders of Adobe Systems Incorporated - Dr. John Warnock and Dr. Charles Geschke.

To nominate a living person for the next ‘Champions in Print’ award, complete a nomination form on-line by visiting www.ipex.org/cip. If a nominee hasn’t yet been selected as a winner, he or she can be nominated again. Entries must be supported by a brief summary of the nominee's achievements.

HP today announced financial results for its fourth fiscal quarter ended Oct. 31, 2009, with net revenue of $30.8 billion, down 8% from a year earlier and down 5% when adjusted for the effects of currency.

In the fourth quarter, GAAP diluted net earnings per share (EPS) were $0.99, compared with $0.84 in the prior-year period. Non-GAAP EPS were $1.14, compared with $1.03 in the prior-year period. Non-GAAP financial information excludes after-tax costs related primarily to the amortization of purchased intangibles, restructuring charges and acquisition-related charges of approximately $0.15 per share and $0.19 per share in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively.

"HP's solid performance in Services drove record profit, and the accelerated pace in signings creates strong momentum going into 2010," said Mark Hurd, chairman and chief executive officer, HP. "Our operational execution and improving cost structure generated strong quarterly and year-end results. We expect to outperform the market due to our significant scale, broad portfolio and market-leading position."

Information about HP's use of non-GAAP financial information is provided under "Use of non-GAAP financial information" below.

Full Year Fiscal 2009

Net revenue for the full fiscal year 2009 was $114.6 billion, down 3% compared with the prior-year period or up 1% when adjusted for the effects of currency. GAAP operating profit was $10.1 billion and GAAP diluted EPS was $3.14, down from $3.25 in the prior year. Non-GAAP operating profit was $12.6 billion, and non-GAAP diluted EPS was $3.85, up from $3.62 in the prior-year period. Non-GAAP financial information excludes $1.7 billion of adjustments on an after-tax basis, or $0.71 per diluted share, related to the amortization of purchased intangible assets, restructuring charges, acquisition-related charges and in-process research and development charges.

"Relentless focus on driving efficiencies across the business has given HP a significant competitive advantage," said Cathie Lesjak, executive vice president and chief financial officer, HP. "Our skill in executing strong acquisitions and integrating them seamlessly improves the value of our portfolio, strengthens the business and contributes to our ability to expand in key growth markets in the future."

Fourth quarter revenue declined 3% in the Americas to $13.6 billion. Revenue was down 17% in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and 1% in Asia Pacific to $11.7 billion and $5.4 billion, respectively. When adjusted for the effects of currency, revenue was down 1% in the Americas while declining 10% in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and 1% in Asia Pacific versus the prior-year period. Revenue from outside of the United States in the fourth quarter accounted for 64% of total revenue, with revenue in the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) declining 4% over the prior-year period while accounting for 10% of total HP revenue. China revenue increased more than 20% from the prior year.

Services

Services revenue increased 8% to $8.9 billion. Infrastructure Technology Outsourcing reported revenue of $4.1 billion while Technology Services, Application Services and Business Process Outsourcing posted revenue of $2.5 billion, $1.5 billion and $778 million, respectively. Operating profit was $1.4 billion, or 16.2% of revenue, up from $945 million, or 11.4% of revenue, in the prior-year period. With the EDS integration tracking ahead of plan, services ended the fiscal year with strong momentum in signings and a significant number of new logo wins.

Enterprise Storage and Servers

Enterprise Storage and Servers (ESS) reported total revenue of $4.2 billion, down 17%. Storage revenue declined 20% with the midrange EVA product line down 23%. Industry Standard Server revenue declined 10% and Business Critical Systems revenue declined 33%, while ESS blade revenue was down 8%. Operating profit was $481 million, or 11.4% of revenue, down from $705 million, or 13.9% of revenue, in the prior-year period.

HP Software

HP Software revenue declined 16% to $967 million. Business Technology Optimization revenue declined 16% and Other Software revenue declined 15% over the prior-year period. Operating profit was $234 million, or 24.2% of revenue, up from $211 million, or 18.4% of revenue, in the prior-year period.

Personal Systems Group

Personal Systems Group (PSG) posted an increase of unit shipments of 8% and maintained the leading market share position in PCs worldwide. PSG revenue declined 12% to $9.9 billion. Notebook revenue for the quarter was down 8%, while Desktop revenue declined 16%. Commercial client revenue was down 15%, while Consumer client revenue decreased 8%. Operating profit was $460 million, or 4.7% of revenue, down from $616 million, or 5.5% of revenue, in the prior-year period.

Imaging and Printing Group

Imaging and Printing Group (IPG) revenue declined 15% to $6.5 billion. Supplies revenue was down 8% while Commercial hardware revenue and Consumer hardware revenue declined 32% and 17%, respectively. Printer unit shipments decreased 20%, with Commercial printer hardware units down 38% and Consumer printer hardware units down 14%. Operating profit was $1.2 billion, or 18.1% of revenue, versus $1.2 billion, or 15.3% of revenue, in the prior-year period.

HP Financial Services

HP Financial Services (HPFS) reported revenue of $726 million, up 5% from the prior-year period. Financing volume increased 6%, and net portfolio assets increased 21%. Operating margin was 9.1% of revenue, up from 7.4% in the prior-year period.

Asset management

HP generated $3.4 billion in cash flow from operations for the fourth quarter. Inventory ended the quarter at $6.1 billion, down 4 days. Accounts receivable of $16.5 billion was up 3 days. Accounts payable ended the quarter at $14.8 billion, up 5 days. HP's dividend payment of $0.08 per share in the fourth quarter resulted in cash usage of $190 million. HP utilized $2.1 billion of cash during the fourth quarter to repurchase approximately 46 million shares of common stock in the open market. HP exited the quarter with $13.4 billion in gross cash.

Outlook

For the first fiscal quarter of 2010, HP estimates revenue of approximately $29.6 billion to $29.9 billion, GAAP diluted EPS in the range of $0.90 to $0.92, and non-GAAP diluted EPS in the range of $1.03 to $1.05. First fiscal quarter 2010 non-GAAP diluted EPS estimates exclude after-tax costs of approximately $0.13 per share, related primarily to the amortization of purchased intangibles, restructuring charges and acquisition-related charges.

HP estimates full fiscal year 2010 revenue will be approximately $118.0 billion to $119.0 billion, up from its previous estimate of $117.0 billion to $118.0 billion. Full fiscal year 2010 GAAP diluted EPS is expected to be in the range of $3.65 to $3.75, up from its previous estimate of $3.60 to $3.70, and non-GAAP diluted EPS is expected to be in the range of $4.25 to $4.35, up from its previous estimate of $4.20 to $4.30. Full fiscal year 2010 non-GAAP diluted EPS estimates exclude after-tax costs of approximately $0.60 per share, related primarily to the amortization of purchased intangibles, restructuring charges and acquisition-related charges. These estimates for both the first fiscal quarter and full fiscal year of 2010 do not reflect the potential impact of the acquisition of 3Com Corporation that HP announced on Nov. 11, 2009.