Canon has chosen ControlP as its partner to develop its first ever web-based print procurement and distribution service.


ControlP is developing software that will form the base of Canons V-Print system, which will allow Canons corporate customers to outsource printing to a nationwide network of printers using Canons commercial products.


Printers looking to join the distribute-then-print system will have to satisfy several criteria, including owning Canon digital colour and black-and-white presses, basic finishing, and ISDN links.


Canon marketing operations manager Kerry Button said the response from printer customers had been very positive, while the feedback from corporate customers was when can we have it?.


Button could not reveal the names of corporate customers interested in the scheme, but said some were among the top 100 in the UK. Were talking about their basic internal documentation, not brochures, he added.


Canon has nearly 4,000 printer customers in the country. Corporate customers will be signed up on contracts.


ControlP won the deal after Canon put it out to tender. We chose ControlP because theyre the only people that demonstrated an understanding of what we are trying to achieve, said Button.


The system will be ready for tests by June, beta-testing in July, and the first installations will be in August.


Canon is also setting up a central control for V-Print at its Reigate head office. Although its reasonably automated, well have a human element, specialists that understand the ins and outs of PDF, added Button.


ControlP business development director Steve Lovatt said V-Print would include elements of existing ControlP software and some unique features.


Lovatt said he hoped the partnership would expand in the future. Theres a lot of scope within Canon, he added.
We are being courted by a number of companies to provide technology.