The MagCloud operation originated in HP Labs in 2008.

It allows businesses or individuals to upload their own magazines to an online shop, with copies available digitally or printed on-demand via a network of HP Indigo customers. The service was only available in the US.

Blurb has a similar set-up for books and photobooks, and offers digital printing and offset printing for longer runs. Its service is available in a number of countries, including the UK.

MagCloud transitioned to Blurb yesterday (5 May).

In an information bulletin sent to MagCloud users, the business stated: “Blurb’s broad line of book and magazine products, along with their growing global distribution channels, made them the obvious choice as we were looking to evolve what we started. Blurb’s robust authoring tools, commitment to product quality, and deep business relationship with HP will assure not only an easy transition but a deeper commitment to the self-publishing marketplace.”

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, and it’s not known how many employees are involved.

In an interview with PrintWeek last year, HP senior vice president for its inkjet and graphic solutions businesses Stephen Nigro said that both MagCloud and photo product service Snapfish were “not huge businesses in the HP scheme of things” but were growing and acted as good bellwethers for changing print requirements.

Blurb said there would be no immediate changes to the MagCloud service.