A trio of experts on cloud migration led invitation-only, Domtar-sponsored executive briefings in Toronto April 15th and 16th. Printing technology expert and web-to-print specialist Slava Apel, CEO of Amazing Print Corporation, noted industry futurist Dr. Joe Webb, and corporate trainer and consultant in computer technology and productivity Scott Prince, revealed how printers can use cloud computing to improve their day-to-day operations and customer experiences. The event took place at the YEDI Business Acceleration Campus in downtown Toronto. Executives received a practical and actionable review of cloud options and training courses that offer a path to more profitable printing operations enhanced by cloud technologies. “These technologies can improve business strategy implementation and have a positive effect on the market value and investment attractiveness of a printing business,” said Apel.
Dr. Joe Webb, author of the well-known printing strategy guide Disrupting the Future, added: “Many of the everyday business applications printers use now have cloud versions. Migrating to the cloud has advantages that have not been available before, especially in connectivity, collaboration, ease of information access and sharing. Cloud is a lot more than storage or e-mail. It’s a way of ensuring that technology investments are always current and relevant.”
Apel and Webb serve as advisors to Cloud Production Partners, a company that manages the migration and coordinates the most important part of the process: training. The company offers a choice of training formats including live on-site coaching, remote conferencing, customized videos, and other methods. “This approach accommodates business needs based on size, skill levels, budgets and time availability,” Apel added.
The briefings began with general cloud computing concepts and business applications, then focused on specific printing business needs. Topics included competing cloud vendors, differences between cloud or SaaS or enterprise deployments, the range of price points, timing strategies for integration and migration, and ways different systems and processes connect. “Migrating to the cloud can be an opportunity to implement company change and adapt to new business opportunities. It requires thoughtful planning, but is within the reach of print businesses of all sizes,” said Webb.
Toronto seminars on cloud computing and streamlining of print operations are a resounding success
