Print Research International's John Charnock chaired the panel discussion and was joined by Kurt Dressel from NDS, Alec Wadey from Hintech, Nigel Cliffe from Cliffe Associates and Marcus Kirby from Qmuli.

The panel concluded that cloud computing was an "industry changer" as it can enable high-end activity at pay-as-you-go prices, although companies are still unsure which data to trust to the cloud. There will be a discussion of which processes the graphic arts industry can offer via the cloud at the next DAL meeting, which is likely to take place during Publishing Expo (1-2 March 2011).

Charnock also introduced the Voglesong COLORef colour reference material (CRM) compliant with ISO 15790-2004 - the standard that specifies documentation requirements for CRMs. Charnock said it was a durable, uniform, stable CRM with the same characteristics as the BCRA Ceramic Tile Set, at a lower cost in a smaller more convenient size.

Meanwhile, delegates at the Ad Lab heard the latest on the PPA paper characterisation initiative, which is due to meet with technical experts from paper suppliers this month and in January 2011.

Sappi, UPM, Stora and SCA have signed up in addition to BGP, Polestar, Wyndeham and St Ives, and publishers from the PPA prod/tech committee. The group is chaired by Richard Mason from Future.

The DAL is still short of 2011 sponsors to help support the organisation next year and in the future and is also interested in receiving ideas for specific areas of discussion in 2011. Anyone interested can email hannah@leafagency.com.