File transfer software suppliers have rushed to fill the void left by Vios announcement that it is to cease trading in the summer (PrintWeek, 20 April).


Group Logic has developed a transition plan to migrate Vio customers to its MassTransit Enterprise 4.0 plug-and-play software.


And FileFlow has announced a Vio Customer Special, through which it will waive its normal 415 ($595) set-up fee for its FastSend system and reduce the subscription cost to 35 per month for the first three months.


Group Logic said Vio customers would have three options: use existing internet connections not provided by Vio; take advantage of telecommunications providers offers to convert Vios T-1 or E-1 connections to internet connections; or use Group Logics help to find telecoms services.


Rick Coope, sales and marketing director of 2Di, the exclusive UK and European distributor for MassTransit Enterprise, said the firm was in talks to temporarily appoint Vio as a reseller.


If Vio doesnt qualify it will help with lead generation, and if that doesnt happen, were in discussions with individuals. Were in the process of putting contracts together for a couple of people, added Coope, although he stressed these would be on the technical side, not sales.


2Di will give a free 30-day trial of MassTransit Enterprise 4.0 to Vio users looking to transfer. The system costs from 2785 to reside on the server and manage all communications. The cost varies on the size of customer and their needs.


Meanwhile, users are still expressing their dismay at Vios decision. I am utterly distraught at this news, said IPC Media manufacturing director Jasper Scott.


It makes about as much sense as Ken Livingstone announcing he's going to close the Tube three months before they ban private cars from central London.


So many people are on the eve of launching big time digital workflows. Maybe Vio has underestimated how many people have tied their futures to this.


Story by Gordon Carson