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As part of the Web 2.0 trend, Hewlett-Packards Imaging and Printing Group is touting a “Print 2.0” strategy the company says will make it easier for dynamic Web sites to provide printable content.
The strategy, which doesnt involve new hardware or software, instead sees HP, based in Palo Alto, Calif., partnering with a variety of Web sites and hosting companies to help print consumer-facing data.
“For customers, the Print 2.0 strategy removes barriers to printing by increasing its functionality where it exists and enabling it where it does not exist,” said Alyson Griffin, director of communications at the Imaging and Printing Group.
As part of the Print 2.0 initiative, HP worked with Michelins ViaMichelin, an online mapping service in Europe, to help it provide printed maps that mimic the appearance of its online maps.
HP is also working with Tabblo, which HP acquired in March, on the Tabblo Print Toolkit, which is designed to help Web designers integrate print capabilities into new and current Web sites. The tool kit is expected to be available by June 29.
According to Susan Lyon, research director for Hardcopy Peripherals and Document Solutions at IDC, becoming a part of Web 2.0 is an important step for the printing industry.
“For customers, being able to print from the Web keeps printing relevant to all customers and it also kills the notion of a paperless office because today, users need the Web to gather and communicate important information,” Lyon said. “This kind of collaboration will enable more creative printing applications and will make it relevant to users as they look to share their life events with others.”