Open coventuring in a remote hardcopy proofing service, with preserved clientele, through interface sharing

Abstract

Conventional obstacles to entry and survival of small graphic-arts service providers are softened—particularly for those businesses that operate as computerized 'ASP' enterprises involving wide-area networks—by encouraging small operators to coexist effectively in use of a pivotal network-based service. One key mechanism promoting this capability is a system of optionally mutual links between the pivotal service and the ASPs. The service also counteracts a tendency in the industry to favor wastefully redundant vertical integration. On the other hand, the system also implements the prerogatives of an enterprise (such as a printing-broker ASP) that has an established customer, to closely channel the attention of that customer—but subject, importantly, to being overruled by the customer. Ideally the system is carefully tuned to enable such customer action without unduly pressing the option upon the customer.