“Kodak’s strategy with the NEXPRESS Platform is to eliminate obsolescence risk. As a result, its systems are both scalable and upgradeable,” concludes J Zarwan Partners founder John Zarwan in a new whitepaper commissioned by Kodak. “The idea is a simple one. Buy only what you need or can afford today and add additional features and capabilities later, without having to install a new machine.”

      The whitepaper explores the clear benefits of digital press upgradability and includes research conducted by Zarwan about the NEXPRESS Digital Press Platform and competitive digital presses. Zarwan found that Kodak’s upgradability strategy was compelling when compared to competitors. Zarwan observed, “The only way an HP INDIGO 5500 Digital Press customer could take advantage of the higher speed of the INDIGO 7000 or 7500 is to buy a new press.” Specific to Xerox, he noted, “Some new options are field upgradeable, such as the Xerox iGen4 Digital Press Matte Finish, but the Xerox iGen4 Digital Press Matte Finish is not easily reversible. So, to take advantage of the new option without limiting your work, you essentially need a second machine. Not only is that costly, but you now have additional capacity to fill.”

      Also included in the whitepaper are endorsements from NEXPRESS Press customers. “The NEXPRESS Press we have today is the same one we started with five years ago,” said Theo Pettaras, founder of Digitalpress. “We have the ability to have the machine upgraded in the field. This allows us to have new inks and faster speeds. It also has the intelligent calibration system.”

      Updating existing systems, rather than buying new ones, is a compelling benefit for many customers.

      “With Kodak you do not need to buy new equipment every couple of years. You can just add new technology to existing equipment, which is very cost effective for a small company like ours,” said Wayne Said, Owner/Partner, Indie Printing.

      In closing, Zarwan observed, “Not all business situations are alike, and many factors enter into the decision to acquire any capital equipment. The selection of an appropriate digital press is particularly challenging, as technology changes rapidly, new features and functions are constantly being introduced, and the danger of being behind the curve soon after making a major purchase can put a printer at a competitive disadvantage. In today’s environment, it is particularly important to choose a press that can not only grow with your business but accommodate new features, functions, and capabilities as they are introduced. Most suppliers will provide attractive trade-in allowances to businesses that purchase new equipment. It is clearly preferable to be able to upgrade your existing equipment to bring it completely up to date.”

      J Zarwan Partners is an independent consultancy that specializes in business development, market strategy, and product planning and positioning. John Zarwan, its founding partner, is internationally known for his knowledge and independent perspective. He has been involved in digital printing for more than 30 years. Prior to founding J Zarwan Partners, Dr. Zarwan was principal of State Street Consultants, held senior management positions in finance, marketing, and product management at NEC and Agfa (Compugraphic), and was Vice President of PIMS Associates/Strategic Planning Institute, a strategy consultancy. Dr. Zarwan is an alumnus of Grinnell College, Stanford University, Yale University, and the Stern School of Business of New York University and was on the faculty of the College of Charleston, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Prince Edward Island.