The biggest issue that we ran into during installation was the compaibility with the audio chip (which we needed for the interactive video message) on the mother board and Windows Server 2003 (which is a requirement for installation of a Pageflex Server). After much discussion, research, and “googling” we determined the audio chip and the Windows Server software was not going to play nice with each other. So be it…brought in a Windows XP machine, set up as client to server (which we should have thought of sooner), and viola…Sound was happening on our interaction video messaging component.

Link for this cross media demo will be posted soon, once we complete installing and testing the server (and application) here at Magicomm. I think that you will enjoy the video component.

Final thoughts….Drupa was good, ink jet was everwhere, On demand apps were “cost of doing business”, worked with many dedicated people, and learned lots about servers and networks. Got a chance to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Had several members of the “Wurst” family of meats during my meals. How could I be so lucky? Inquiring minds would like to know…or maybe not.

Every time we get to this point with a project (putting the final parts together for release), it becomes a “frenzy”. Magicomm was hired by Canon Europe to design and program an interactive cross media demo for their booth at Drupa, which opens May 29th in Dusseldorf, Germany. We included VDP print, customized emails, Personalized URL (PURL), and an interactive video. The interesting thing about this one is that there is NO database to start with. Part of the objective for the project is to gather prospect info as they get their demo in the Canon booth.

With this many moving parts and different media that is being used, it is challenging to move fast as the revisions to the components are implemented and reviewed with the customer. We have done a pretty good job on this one so far, considering we are working with four companies, including Canon, at four different locations (three countries, and two states in the US) with approximately 15 individuals working on the project. We use a project management product called Basecamp (by 37signals) that has really helped in the communication and organization of the project. It is a web-based platform that includes project management and asset management functionality. This was critical in helping us keep up with everyone’s comments and the ongoing revisions of the various components of the project.

I leave on a plane on Monday (Memorial Day in the US, which has caused a little stress at home as you can imagine) for Germany and we are still updating the files. But, this final frenzy is the FUN PART! This is where you see it all come together and the fruits of your labor are exposed. It’s glorious when the vision becomes a reality! It’s a little scary at the same time, because you end up getting feedback and then you think of how it can be improved, but you have to control your natural impulse to keep changing things. It’s only software, how hard can it be? When you hear that phase, a cold chill should run up your spine if you are the project manager, because you are now entering the “Never Ending Valley of Change”, which can kill a project. Now is the time to wrap it up, confirm that you have a solid technical structure, and that the creative direction has fulfilled the promise of the experience. Now the true test of a campaign/project is revealed. It’s sink or swim time!

Have to leave now to finish my pre-trip routine and review the project for a final time before I get on the plane. If you at are Drupa, stop by the Canon booth at the Cross Media Station and check out what we designed. We hope that you will enjoy the experience and will let us know your thoughts. There’s always opportunity to improve it…After all, it’s only software, how hard can it be?