Tim Brien
Each new year brings new opportunities and a renewed optimism that positive change will come. As we look forward to a prosperous New Year, we consider the future of managed print services (MPS) and how that industry will continue to grow throughout 2012.
Technology is ever-evolving, and doing so at an alarming pace. So, too, our workplaces have changed. No longer are we tethered to a desk and a PC, and there are more vacant cubicles as a result of the economic downturn.
The manner in which we conduct our business, and the ways in which we communicate and share information has evolved, too. Work processes and workflow have changed. Mobile technologies, telecommuting, and cloud-based computing are taking hold and becoming increasingly commonplace. These conveniences and demands for greater access further-impact the need for security. So what does this mean for printing manufacturers, their dealers and end-users?
As we have seen with the proliferation of managed print service offerings, print fleet assessments are a valuable tool used to determine how to refresh, redeploy or replace printers and related equipment within the workplace in order to realize greater efficiencies and cost benefits. This exercise is valuable for all parties involved – from the manufacturer/solution provider to the dealer to the end-user – as all stand to benefit.
As organizations continue to seek solutions to streamline processes, minimize waste, increase security, enhance productivity and maximize return on investment, the role of managed print services assumes an even greater importance. Becoming a MPS provider, therefore, puts those within the channel at a distinct advantage to succeed – not only in the New Year, but for years to come.
For those within the BTA dealer channel, OKI Data Americas and Agiliant, Inc. recently announced a comprehensive MNS/MPS offering that provides a suite of services through the Agiliant Affiliate Network. This unique MNS/MPS package will allow dealers the opportunity to provide end-to-end, integrated managed network services and managed print solutions to customers to supplement their office equipment sales, lease and service offerings, generating immediate returns and recurring revenue streams.
It’s clear that expanding your portfolio of services offerings with Managed Network and/or Managed Print solutions will put your company in a position to capitalize on new and incremental opportunities and begin to realize additional revenue streams in 2012. For more information, visit www.okidata.com/tmp or www.agiliant.com/MITOS.htm.
