The replicator blog asks an important question:

Will “Customization” companies be able to survive long term? Or will the technology become vertically integrated?

Go to the original article for the associated links.

“Companies like Zazzle, Cafepress, Spreadshirt, Ponoko, Shapeways, etc. all offer a valuable service to the market. Each provides customers with access to custom manufacturing equipment and web-based design tools enabling the creation of one-of-a-kind products, but can that model survive long term?

Will “Customization” companies be able to survive long term? Or will the technology become vertically integrated?

As the interaction paradigms become standardized and manufacturing processes become commodities, what will enable the survival of these customization intermediaries?

The outcome is unclear, but the following companies are experimenting with models that add value beyond customization alone. These approaches and many others will be increasingly important as the market matures.

– Grow communities around creation (Threadless)

– Develop original brands (Xoddo)

– Become highly efficent production partners (HP/Tabblo)

– Produce patentable technology (Zcorp)

– Serve a niche community of enthusiasts (FigurePrints).”