Press Room

Proximity Publishing Systems Launched at the Folio: Show
Editors, Publishers and Art Directors Work Smarter, Faster, Cheaper
via Remote Collaboration Methods from the Telework Consortium

HERNDON, Va. – Oct. 23, 2006 – Established remote collaboration methods for the publishing industry are the cornerstone of Proximity Publishing Systems, a new service of the Telework Consortium, Inc., an organization that assists companies maximize their competitive edge with assessment and implementation of robust telework and distributed work programs. Launched this week at the Folio: Show in New York, the service enables all stakeholders of a publishing process (editors, publishers, art directors, and marketers) to collaborate on publication development – from any place at any time.

As a result of this work approach, a final published product is more accurate in content, collective in design, and less expensive in editing. Benefits to publishing outlets include cost savings, development speed, efficiency in interdepartmental collaboration, and recruitment and retention of employees and freelancers.

“Publishing is no longer a world of little fiefdoms,” said Brett Phillips, senior adviser of publishing for the Telework Consortium, and previous owner of Amendment One publishing in Leesburg, Va. “In this business, if publishers don’t collaborate, don’t maximize efficiencies, don’t keep the very best people possible, or don’t minimize costs without affecting the quality of the publication, their publication is going to be a foot note.”

Based on previous experience with publishers such as Amendment One and expertise in distributed work practices, the Telework Consortium’s Proximity Publishing Systems package leverages the type of strategies seen in a private- or public-sector telework program, yet is customized specifically to meet the needs of the publishing industry. Publishing houses participating in the program can receive training, support, and full technology hosting in order to work in a successful collaborative setting. As a part of the process, the Consortium also distributes information about the technology, management processes, infrastructure configurations, measurement techniques, and best practices that are likely to increase success in what it calls “OutsideIn Publishing.”

“Proximity Publishing Systems introduces smart work solutions that allow publishers, editors, art directors, and marketers to collaborate anywhere,” said William Mularie, PhD, chief executive officer of the Telework Consortium. “This technology replaces proximity with increased efficiency and flexibility while decreasing costs and improving product quality.”

Proximity Publishing Systems experts will share success strategies and present these ideas during the Folio: Show, the premier national event for magazine professionals. A demo session on Monday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the Sutton Room South will discuss how leveraging collaboration during publishing cycles strengthens the bottom line. Attendees can also learn more about this workforce trend by discussing the practice with Telework Consortium executives at Booth 401 on the exhibit floor.

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