A Look at the Future and what Role Technology Plays in the Consumables Industry

As we wrap up this month’s focus on printing consumables, we’d like to take a look at how certain technology changes have helped shape and positively (and negatively) impact consumable offerings for dealers and their end-user clients. While many of our panelists note the
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On the Road: One Canon Event Shines Light on Manufacturer’s Impressive Growth

Hollywood, FL—Giving many attendees a break from the doldrums of winter, Canon assembled more than 50 industry journalists and analysts to the annual One Canon Event, held at the sun-splashed Diplomat Beach Resort here Feb. 12-14. The venerable manufacturer used the gathering to
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Changing of the Guard at Global Imaging Systems: A Conversation with Dan Cooper

Last month, Global Imaging Systems (GIS), a Xerox Company, revealed its leadership change for the future, with Dan Cooper taking the helm to replace Tom Salierno, who is retiring as CEO in April. He will report to Mike Feldman, president of North America Operations at Xerox.
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Third-Party Toner Versus OEM: Why Do Business with Remans and New-Builds?

Last week, a pair of OEMs and an industry analyst provided an overview of the benefits of using original equipment manufactured-supplied consumables. This week, we’re providing equal response time for third-party consumable manufacturers to make their case for taking the
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Third-Party Toner Versus OEM: Why Do Business with the OEM?

There are two sides to every argument. In the case of offering OEM-produced toner as opposed to third-party product, office technology dealers and resellers need to weigh a number of options when managing their accounts, not the least of which is price. In this week’s look at
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Xerox Grabs Headlines, but 2018 M&A Explosion Focuses on Small, Local Dealerships

Once the final fireworks to usher out 2017 and welcome in the New Year fizzled in the night sky, the office technology universe was treated to a series of explosions that are still shaking the house. If there was any doubt that the increase in mergers and acquisitions witnessed
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On the Road: EFI Seeks Prominent Role in Fourth Industrial Revolution

Las Vegas—It is easy to see that Guy Gecht has a penchant for numbers. The CEO of Fremont, CA-based technology provider EFI was awash in data as he regaled the 1,500 attendees during his opening address at Connect 2018, held Jan. 23-26 at the Wynn Las Vegas resort and casino. For
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After the Verdict: The Consumables Market Reacts to Impression Products-Lexmark Decision

Last May’s Supreme Court decision in the landmark Impression Products vs. Lexmark case seemingly set the remanufacturing world on its ear while dealing a blow to global OEMs. Now that a precedent has been established that all patent rights have been exhausted following the
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Unprecedented Changes and Growth Highlight Banner 2017 for Doing Better Business

Is it even possible for Doing Better Business, the Altoona, PA-based provider of office technology, managed print services, managed IT and document services for the central Pennsylvania, West Virginia panhandle and Maryland regions, to improve upon 2017? It would be tough to
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M&A, Organic Growth Spark Pinnacle Sales’ Continued Ascendancy in Distributor Channel

Take a good look at the head-and-shoulders picture of Jim Loparich. If he looks quite familiar, then there’s a strong likelihood you are currently doing business with Pinnacle Sales. The Westlake, OH-based master distributor of OEM and compatible imaging parts and supplies may
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Supreme Court Decision Puts Impression Products on the Map. Ensures Unfettered Future for Aftermarket World

Around the time Eric Smith joined Impression Products, the family-owned business founded by his father, Walter, one of the Charleston, WV-based firm’s biggest moves was becoming a Lexmark-authorized supplier of toner cartridges. In fact, Impression Products also offered OEM
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Not All Consumables Created Equal: Making Time to Vet Sources Can Pay Dividends for Dealers

When it comes to purchasing a new car, many of us are guilty of making our selection based upon short-sighted criteria. We fall for the sexy looks, become attached to only certain makes and models, and even obsess about ancillary features that really add little to the overall
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In Case of Recession, Don’t Break Glass: Expecting the Unexpected

Toward the end of 2007, economic indicators started to take a sharp, downward turn. It had been six years since 9/11 impacted America’s economy and psyche. While recessions have come and gone, with varying depths of impact, few prognosticators could have predicted the fiscal
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Elite Office Dealers Offer Insight into 2018 Goals, Outlook

What does 2018 hold in store for our industry? That’s a good question. The 2017 campaign ended with a flurry of M&A activity and, if you perused our December Elite Dealer issue, you would know that many dealers enjoyed outstanding growth in both MPS and managed IT, while some
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In Defense of the Status Quo?

As press releases come across the transom, I’m always on the lookout for topics that are a little to the left of center for the office technology space. One in particular caught my eye a week ago, admittedly a topic that I have only a passing knowledge regarding, but it was
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