Online print auction company 58k.com has formed an alliance with PrintCafe to channel requests for quotes to PrintCafes e-commerce customers using PCX.


58k.com European managing director Martin Tamlyn said that printing companies were using more integrated workflow solutions and that the new relationship would give print buyers and printers an advantage by streamlining the system.


Tamlyn added: "We supported PrintCafes use of PCX at Drupa, but now weve helped develop it. If printers adopt the PCX model theyre able to download our requests for quotes directly into their estimating system. They dont have to re-key anything."


PrintCafes PCX framework, based on XML, tracks job ticketing, and compatibility across e-print management systems.


Using PrintCafes Print Management System software, printers can create an estimate directly from 58k.com and them submit a quote directly from their self-branded web sites.


PrintCafe sales and marketing director for Europe Robert Berkeley said that 58k.com was among a number of companies to recognise the benefits of its PCX back-end format including MAN Roland, Komori and Vio.


Story by John Davies