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UPS announced today it is launching an online printing service aimed at small businesses.

"After reviewing the research and listening to our small-business customers, we realized there is a real need in the marketplace for an online printing platform that is easy to use, provides functionality geared to small businesses, and is supported by a convenient network of physical locations," said Stuart Mathis, president of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. (MBE), franchisor of The UPS Store brand.

Users can access the service by logging onto The UPS Store website. They will be able to upload new documents or multiple documents, select printing options such as paper and binding and choose a location for pickup as well as a date and time for completion.

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On the initial use, the first-time customer creates a profile to setup a secure workplace and virtual filing cabinet for future reprints. Each job is given a number for tracking the entire process. Payment is taken online, making pickup at the center quicker.

According to research firm InfoTrends, the growing interest in online print is changing the relationship between print buyers and print service providers.

"Online print is a trend that will only continue to expand," said Barb Pellow, group director at InfoTrends.

"Last year, print jobs that moved through the Internet made up 14 percent of the total U.S. printing market, and we project online printing will grow at an average rate of 24 percent per year from 2008 to 2011."