On August 2nd the Vegas strip will become more than just a destination for Texas Hold 'em, Cirque du Soliel shows, and overpriced dining, when EFI kicks off this years Connect user group conference at the Wynn resort. The conference lasts for four short days but will be packed with general sessions, user group meetings, exhibitor booths, and a hands-on computer lab. Check out the full itinerary on EFI's site.
The loyal fan base's angst (link) should have cooled considerably over the past year as users adjusted to the new unified MIS product matrix consisting of Printsmith, EFIPace, and Monarch. Users who have not migrated away from those products, however, will also be happy to know EFI is continuing breakout sessions at Connect.
Three Likely Outcomes
- Process Improvement sessions will be a hit as printers seek advice in the current economic environment.
- The Monarch software suite will offer better integration to Digital Storefront and 3rd party prepress systems like Kodak's Prinergy.
- A full year of joint development translates into big gains for former ePace users.
Any Wildcards?
Will EFI continue acquiring technologies through targeted purchases like last year's ePace? Could it be Lithotechnics, makers of Metrix software, this year? Only time will tell.
Regardless, EFI Connect is a great opportunity for users to express their concerns, build camaraderie, and gain important product/process knowledge.
