Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the primary objectives of the XMPie Users Group?
A: The XMPie Users Group has a threefold mission:
  1. To provide and encourage the exchange of information on variable data printing and personalized one-to-one direct marketing campaigns, specifically as related to the products, services, technologies, and business processes required to successfully implement these activities.
  2. To actively and visibly foster dialogue between XMPie, its partners and the XMPie user community regarding the direction of best practices, products, services, and/or technologies.
  3. To provide peer-to-peer networking opportunities that provide forums for business, marketing and technical knowledge exchange and opportunities for members to foster their professional growth.
Q: How is the group funded?
A: The objective is to grow membership to a point where dues and annual meeting fees, along with sponsorships of the annual meeting from XMPie and partner companies, can fund the group. XMPie donated funding to get the group started.
Q: Why should I join the XMPie Users Group?
A: As the one-to-one market begins to approach maturity, XMPie and its customers have taken a leading role in advancing that market. By joining the XMPie Users Group, you will be able to learn from the expertise of your peers, share your own experiences with others, and take advantage of the opportunity to provide your feedback to XMPie staff and executives with a view toward continually enhancing your investment. We believe this group will have a significant impact not only on our individual businesses, but on the one-to-one communications market as a whole.
Q: What type of infrastructure will the group have?
A: We are in the process of building a very robust web site for the group with services donated by Mike Panaggio at DME in Daytona Beach FL. The web site is currently live at www.xmpieusers.org with some basic information about the group, and the ability to register to join the group. Between now and the end of the year, we will be adding more content and capability, including access to case studies, white papers, templates and a wealth of other information. We plan to keep the site current with all kinds of information on the products and on the market in general. Besides that, we plan to implement three forums: Business/Marketing, Technical and a forum for company executives. We plan to have these in place by January 2007.
Q: Who are the board members and how are they selected?
A: The group was launched with the following Board of Director members, who were appointed by XMPie. The organization's By-Laws allow for XMPie to have two seats on the Board. Of the other eight members on the initial Board, half have been designated as serving two-year terms and half as one-year. In each subsequent year, terms for half of the Board will expire and new Board members will be elected at the annual meeting.
  • Chris Lewis, President, Lewis Creative Technologies (USA)
  • Blake Miller, Vice President Marketing, Modern Postcard (USA)
  • Greg Dean, Chief Information Officer, DME (USA)
  • Paul McGarity, Managing Director, digitalLOGIC (Australia)
  • Stefan Agustsson, Vice President, Yoffi Digital Press, Inc. (USA)
  • Steve Thornton, Chief Information Officer, K/P Corporation (USA)
  • Yuki Okamoto, Executive Managing Director, FIS (Japan)
  • Jacob Aizikowitz, President, XMPie, Inc.
  • Kimberly Meyers, Director, Marketing Communications, XMPie, Inc.
Q: What committees, if any, will the group have?
A: The Board has established four committees:
  • Finance, chaired by Steve Thornton
  • Membership/Website, chaired by Greg Dean
  • Annual Meeting, chaired by Stefan Agustsson
  • Nominating (appointment of chairperson postponed)
Q: When and where will the second annual meeting be held?
A: The first annual meeting was held in Las Vegas, at the Westin Hotel, on January 19-20, 2007. We are planning the event for 2008, stayed tuned for details.
Q: If I join the group, do I have to attend the annual meeting?
A: No. However, we have designed an outstanding program that we are sure you will find valuable. Additionally, the annual meeting provides an excellent opportunity to network live with other XMPie users as well as XMPie executives and staff, and representatives from XMPie partner companies.
Q: Who can join the XMPie Users Group?
A: Membership in the Group is available to firms engaged in or associated with the business of variable data publishing and one-to-one communications. Voting membership in the Group is available only to XMPie, Inc., and firms that own and operate XMPie software. Other firms and institutions may be admitted as non-voting Members in the following categories:
  • Supplier Membership. Supplier membership is available to firms furnishing goods or services to the Group, XMPie or Regular Members in connection with the business of variable data publishing and one-to-one communications.
  • Affiliate Membership. Affiliate membership is available to educational and governmental organizations having a special interest in XMPie software and solutions. Affiliate membership may also be made available to individuals or firms that the Board deems qualified as advocates of the business of variable data publishing and one-to-one communications capable of furthering the goals of the Group.
Q: How much control does XMPie have over the group?
A: The group has been established as an independent entity. XMPie has one vote as a member company and two Board seats.
Q: With the Xerox acquisition of XMPie, how much control will Xerox have over the group?
A: The group will continue to operate as an independent entity. Xerox can join the group as an affiliate member.
Q: How can I join the group?
A: You can visit www.xmpieusers.org and fill out the registration form. We have purposely kept the membership fee low, at $295 annually per company, so there will not be any financial barriers to joining, especially for smaller companies who own XMPie products. And for companies who join during 2006, that fee will cover membership through the end of 2007.
Q: How can I play a more active role with the group?
A: Most importantly, you can participate regularly in the online forums, share your best practices and experiences, and learning from others. You can also use the group as a vehicle to communicate your feedback to XMPie relative to current and future product. You can also volunteer to serve on one of the committees appointed by the Board of Directors and to participate in panels at the User Group Annual meeting. At the time nominations for Board of Directors seats are opened, you can nominate yourself or others.
Q: When will online Forums be available and how will I be able to join those?
A: Those should be in place by January 2007 at the latest.