Blurb, the fast-growing POD self-publishing platform, has acquired MagCloud, a web-based print and digital publishing platform, from HP. The move will add magazine layout and production to Blurb’s publishing platform and bring thousands of MagCloud’s book and magazine creators to Blurb.
Blurb will integrate MagCloud technology and operations into Blurb over the next three months. MagCloud users will see no changes during the three month period but they will be fully integrated into the Blurb platform in about six months.
MagCloud was founded by HP Labs to create a platform to easily create digital publications and POD print using HP printing presses. The companies have worked together before and are both focused on building a global print-on-demand network. The acquisition will also give MagCloud users access to such newly launched Blurb services as offset printing, BookWright, its new suite of online design tools, the Blurb bookstore and Amazon distribution and a growing global market that stretches to more than 80 countries.
Eileen Gittins, founder and CEO, Blurb said, “Blurb and HP have a longstanding relationship dating back to the origin of Blurb in 2006,” and added, “Indie magazines are experiencing a bit of a renaissance.” Gittins said, “the magazine at this moment in time represents the perfect intersection of technology, culture, and media: Beautifully designed short-form reading, with multiple contributors, in print, and as an e-book. In this context, the magazine as a genre is very strategic for Blurb.”
