Question:
How did you get started in this industry?

Answer:
Like so many of us, I was in operations at a data center. I started in the industry when the alternative to continuous-feed line printer output was microfilm/microfiche. It was only natural when high-volume laser printing was introduced in the mid ?70s that these same customers would receive their output from the laser printers. I was there to provide operational support for our shop and technical support for the customers.

Question:
Why did you choose this profession?

Answer:
I am not sure if I chose it or if it chose me, I think it was being in the right place at the right time. I was fortunate to be on the leading edge of this technology and participate in making it a true profession.

Question:
What are some of your challenges and successes in the industry?

Answer:
Probably the biggest challenge is trying to stay on top of the technology curve. The changes come so quickly. Keeping informed through organizations like Xplor and taking advantage of the networking opportunities is the only way to maintain success. Successes come everyday ? some more significant than others. Having come from the service bureau environment, it was a success to ?make it work? when all indications, including documentation, said it could not be done.

Question:
What mistakes have you made and learned from in HVCO?

Answer:
So many over the years but that?s okay. We have made so many mistakes and learned so much. Those mistakes have given us an opportunity to make changes in the industry that ultimately benefit all of us.

Question:
If you could read one headline in an industry trade publication, what would it be?

Answer:
Something along the lines of: PRINT IN COLOR OR BLACK AND WHITE - COST AND SPEED ARE NO LONGER AN ISSUE.

Question:
What's the most important technology trend right now?

Answer:
I would identify two technologies that will be in the forefront of development. One is full color printing and the other is electronic documents. Both these technologies are being driven by customer need and the vendors need to develop solutions to meet those requirements.

Question:
What advice can you offer other HVCO professionals?

Answer:
Continuous learning is the message I would send. Take advantage of learning and networking opportunities ? participate in industry organizations like Xplor, get EDP certified, continue your formal education.

Diana Hillman can be reached at DHillman@EAST.XSIS.XEROX.com.