November News Bytes

Following are the big and small news stories for the month of November.

BEI Services and Preton Host Webinar Dec. 12

BEI Services will be hosting a free Webinar December 12th, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern/12:00 p.m. Pacific in conjunction with Preton to educate BEI Services’ customer base on how to take advantage of our new partnership to drive down ink/toner cost, gather additional data and offer value add services.

Preton is a provider of cost reduction software. Preton’s software includes:

PretonSaver – Allowing you to reduce toner cost per page. This product saves as much as 70% of printing costs without compromising on quality. Based on a unique patent-pending Pixel Optimizer technology, it uses advanced algorithms to identify and delete pixels that are not necessary to maintain the high quality level printing, dramatically reducing toner and ink usage. PretonSaver™ includes print policy enforcement to help end users manage costs.

Pixel Optimizer– This technology intelligently identifies and removes wasteful pixels during the printing process without visibly impacting quality.

Preton DCA (Data Collection Agent) – In addition to the savings on toner costs, PretonSaver collects networked and local printer meter readings, service alerts and consumable levels for all managed devices. By providing this information, PretonSaver enables an MPS to automate meter reading collection, access to devices remotely during service calls and streamline consumable shipments to customers.

Click here to register for the event. After registering you will receive a confirmation email about joining the Webinar.

Space is limited.

Title: BEI Services & Preton: Helping You Control Costs
Date: Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST / 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST

NER and Sharp Business Systems Sign Managed Print Services Agreement

Nov. 29, 2012 – NER Data Corporation (NER), developer of the Print4 Managed Print Services announced a managed print services agreement with Sharp Business Systems (SBS). As part of the MPS agreement, the two companies completed a systems integration that leverages core competencies around imaging devices and MPS technology. SBS can now utilize the Print4 MPS technology to seamlessly fulfill products and services to Sharp’s customers beyond their present scope. NER extended Print4’s capabilities through the addition of Sharp devices into all Print4 applications thus allowing customers to fully manage and see the benefits of Sharp solutions within their current environment.

“We are excited to provide a platform for SBS so their customers can manage both Sharp and non-Sharp devices” says NER’s senior vice president, Scott Steele. “Our cloud-based infrastructure makes it possible to have that standardized view into a device environment independent of location or device manufacturer.”

The enhanced Print4 MPS solution provides a cloud-based technology suite, automated supplies and service alerting for fulfillment, a comprehensive support structure, and a world-class printer service business. Visit www.nerdata.com for additional information.

ECi Software Solutions Named to Tech 200 by Business Research Firm

Nov. 27, 2012 – ECi Software Solutions (www.ECiSolutions.com) has announced it has been ranked the 176th fastest-growing U.S.-based tech company by Lead 411, a business research firm based in California.

“We are thrilled with this recognition,” says Ron Books, President and CEO of ECi. “Our company has done really well in the rankings this year. Our employees’ ability to provide outstanding technology solutions and equally outstanding customer service and support has kept the momentum going at ECi.”

Lead 411 ranked the 2012 Tech 200 based on revenue percentage growth from 2009 to 2011. Applicants had to be a privately held business in the United States that earned more than $1 million in the past year. See ECi’s ranking here.

In addition to the Tech 200, ECI has also been named to the Inc. 5000 for the fourth consecutive year, the 2012 Fast Tech list of companies in North Texas, and as one of the Top 100 companies in Fort Worth.

Konica Minolta Strengthens EnvisionIT Production Offering  

Nov. 26, 2012 – Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. has announced that Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe GmbH, the European headquarters of Konica Minolta Holdings Inc. Group, recently signed an agreement to acquire Charterhouse PM Limited, a European marketing services production company. The acquisition allows Konica Minolta to provide print and outsourced marketing management capabilities to customers, and is part of the company’s strategy to invest in Print Management Services. Thinking “Beyond Printing,” Konica Minolta’s services strategy combines Print Management Services (PMS) with Marketing Management Services (MMS), as well as managed print services (MPS) with Business Process Consulting (BPC). The company has created four focus areas that deliver significant value to customers including: Optimized Print Services (OPS); Managed IT Services; Software and Solutions; and Commercial Print Management. The acquisition of Charterhouse is the company’s entry into the Commercial Print Services space.

“As a result of our services strategy and EnvisionIT positioning that combines services, integrated software solutions and product, we are better able to align with our customers and assist with solving critical business workflows,” says Sam Errigo, senior vice president, Business Intelligent Services, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.“Our EnvisionIT offering provides us with a distinct competitive advantage and positions us as a leader in the market.”

“Core to our overall services and solutions strategy is to offer our Dealer and Direct Sales Channel new growth opportunities that add incremental value to their respective customers,” says Rick Taylor, president and COO, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. “The acquisition of Charterhouse is a major step in our transformation process to a services focused company and aligns with our future direction.”

The company has already begun executing on this strategy with its EnvisionIT Production offering and the EngageIT Automation and EngageIT XMedia (“cross media”) solutions aimed to help print production service providers maximize profits through increased workflow efficiency, and expand their service capabilities to help customers leverage the power of multi-channel marketing.

Konica Minolta has seen continued growth and market opportunity for its EnvisionIT Education, Legal, Healthcare and Production Print solutions. Earlier this year, industry analysts Buyers Laboratory Inc. (BLI), named Konica Minolta “2012 Document Imaging Solutions Line of the Year,”based on the company’s exceptional solutions portfolio across the range of document imaging software categories.

Konica Minolta will continue to expand its EnvisionIT strategy through:

• Vertical      Acquisitions – Konica Minolta and All      Covered continue to grow its managed IT services business and vertical      expertise through strategic acquisitions such as the recent acquisition of      Healthcare IT Services Practice of WaveTwo; LAN Associates, a premier      provider of networked computing solutions for legal and corporate customers;      and Techcare, an IT services firm with a strong presence in the      educational sector.
• Vertical      Solution Partners –      Konica Minolta partners with leading vertical solution companies to offer      customers integrated hardware and software solutions designed to meet      their specific business challenges. Vertical partners include: Pharos      Systems, Notable Solutions, Inc. (NSi), Nuance, Prism Software, Equitrac,      Performance Matters, and Rochester Software Associates (RSA).
• IT Service Leadership      – Since joining Konica Minolta, All Covered has continued to expand across      the United States and was recently recognized as a top Managed IT Services      provider in the U.S. by Nine Lives Media Inc.’s MSPmentor Top 100 and      Talkin’ Cloud 100 reports; and CRN’s 2012 Solution Provider 500 list.

Laser Resources, Witt Company, A.F. Smith and Complete Business Systems join Print Audit Premier

Nov. 21, 2012 – Print Audit has added Laser Resources, Witt Company, A.F. Smith, and Complete Business Systems to its Premier subscription program. Many new office equipment dealers and MPS providers continue to sign up for Premier as they realize the program can help them to significantly increase their profit margins on print management solution sales.

About the new Print Audit Premier dealers:

Laser Resources – Laser Resources is an Iowa-based company that delivers printing system technologies and managed services solutions to all types of organizations throughout Iowa. This includes production print, devices that print, copy, scan, and fax, and ongoing maintenance services and supply management. Laser Resources also provides managed IT services and managed print services.

Witt Company – Witt Company delivers customized, innovative, state-of-the-art office technology products and services.  Since 1961, Witt Company has helped organizations improve their productivity, implement new technologies, and manage costs. Locally owned and nationally recognized, Witt Company provides award winning sales, service, and support across the West.

A.F. Smith – A.F. Smith is Bermuda’s premier supplier of knowledge, products, and services used to create high-performance workplaces. A.F. Smith is dedicated to innovation, excellence, partnerships sustainability and improving their customer’s businesses.

Complete Business Systems – Complete Business Systems (CBS) has served East Texas as an independent Ricoh dealer since 1982. Their business philosophy is based on integrity, and they pride themselves on unparalleled customer service. The CBS team is a group of well-trained experts who specialize in designing solutions that fit their customers’ unique needs.

For more information about Premier, please visit www.printaudit.com/premier

Nuance Delivers Mobile Print Convenience with Enterprise-Level Control and Security

Nov. 15, 2012 – Nuance Communications, Inc. has announced it is providing secure, manageable mobile printing for enterprise environments. To deliver this capability, Nuance entered into an agreement with PrinterOn to integrate PrinterOn Enterprise, the world’s leading mobile printing platform for enterprise, education, public and home, with Nuance’s Equitrac print management software.

PrinterOn Enterprise provides access to printing from anywhere using any mobile device and integrates with Equitrac Office and Equitrac Express to allow mobile users to easily print from their devices, while providing enterprises the ability to control, track, and account for print activity through Equitrac. The combined solution is designed to work with all mobile device platforms, and any printer or MFP brand.

Nuance will resell and provide full technical support for PrinterOn Enterprise to allow enterprises to maintain control of their print workflows as they expand print capabilities to employees using various mobile devices.

With PrinterOn Enterprise and Equitrac, an enterprise can implement a mobile print strategy across the business immediately without disrupting the existing network print environment. End-users benefit from streamlined business workflows with secure and convenient access to documents, while IT professionals benefit from a lower cost of ownership by integrating mobile printing and print management solutions.

Mobile print is a flexible solution that allows users to select from a variety of print options. Depending on which method is most appropriate and convenient, users can choose to print using:

· Email

· Mobile Apps

· Web Printing Portals

· Windows laptops (via the PrintWhere^® Universal Driver)

The solution also supports Follow-You Printing to increase mobility and productivity by freeing users to output documents at the MFP of their choice – with secure print release. It is also highly configurable and scalable, meaning it can be adjusted as printing needs evolve in the enterprise.

Equitrac software can track and manage print, copy, fax, and scan activity for virtually any MFP or printer brands, including Canon/Océ, Fuji Xerox, HP, Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Ricoh/IKON and Xerox – each of which currently sells or bundles Equitrac solutions through dealers or as part of Managed Print Services (MPS) portfolios.

Nuance’s document imaging portfolio includes Equitrac print management and cost recovery software, Nuance eCopy ShareScan scanning and workflow solutions, and Nuance OmniPage, PaperPort, PDF Converter Professional and eCopy PDF Pro Office desktop applications. The portfolio boosts personal productivity, increases departmental efficiency and streamlines enterprise workflows. It delivers an end-to-end solution that supports workflows from MFPs to desktop and mobile devices. Equitrac software is a great fit for MPS strategies where organizations are looking to improve document output efficiencies and reduce print costs in uniform or mixed MFP fleet environments.

For more information on Equitrac, please go to: http://www.nuance.com/for-business/by-product/equitrac/index.htm.

Supplies Network and The Office Supply Chain Offer Resellers New Ways to Drive Business 

Nov. 16, 2012 — Supplies Network and The Office Supply Chain, a developer of ROI-driven Web businesses, have announced a new program designed to help resellers find new customers, increase sales and retain existing clients.

The Office Supply Chain has developed a cost effective and highly efficient customer-centric online business model for the ink and toner reseller, which is unlike anything else on the market today, according to Supplies Network. The program offers Supplies Network resellers a full range of Web development services – from the development of an e-commerce web site with a turnkey back-end for processing orders, to online marketing tools and strategies designed to increase traffic, conversion and revenues. For a more comprehensive overview of The Office Supply Chain’s online program for re-sellers, view the presentation at www.suppliesnetwork.com and click on the link to Software Spotlight.

Sd|University to Hold Service Management University in Chicago Dec. 13-14

Nov. 19, 2012 – Sd|University, the advanced training division of Strategy Development, is conducting Service Management University (SMU) on December 13-14, 2012 in Chicago, IL.

The SD Service Management University provides service leaders with concrete steps they can take to achieve sustainable margins over 52 percent, and achieve 60%+ margins in managed print services. Ken Staubitz will teach the intensive, two-day program, designed by Strategy Development consultants. Participants will learn to use the industry service model to assess their department’s strengths and weaknesses, develop specific actionable plans to address areas of opportunity, execute action items to drive sustained profitability and quality customer service, instill ownership and accountability for desired results, properly manage parts, and successfully deliver profitable service in the MPS world.

The SD SMU is recommended for a dealer’s entire service leadership team, including the vice president, director, service manager or service supervisor.

For dealers that are a sd|University member company, this is one of the portfolio of educational experiences their service management team should attend. If they are not enrolled in the tuition program, they can still attend Strategy Development’s education by enrolling for the individual classes. This training is available at the lowest individual class investment in the industry. For a list of all classes currently scheduled for sd|University visit www.strategydevelopment.com/events.

About the instructor: Ken Staubitz, a service consultant with Strategy Development, has over 14 years experience in all levels of service operations and MPS service structure. Formerly with Cincinnati, Ohio-based Modern OfficeMethods (MOM), Staubitz held various service and operational roles, culminating as MOM’s director of client services. In this role Staubitz oversaw all service operations and managed a staff of 60-plusfield service personnel to achieve 55% margins while delivering high quality customer service. He served on the Lanier Dealer Advisory Council and was an e-automate Service Committee member. For more information or to register, contact Ken Staubitz at staubitz@strategydevelopment.com or at (513) 200-2169.

HP   Receives BLI’s First-Ever Wide Format Technical Printer Line of the Year   Award

Nov. 15, 2012 –Buyers Laboratory LLC (BLI), has selected Hewlett-Packard Company as the winner of the first-ever BLI “Wide Format Technical Printer Line of the Year” award. BLI’s most prestigious awards, “Line of the Year” accolades are presented once a year to the vendors whose product lines are determined to be the best overall in their respective categories based on their cumulative test results in BLI’s rigorous two-month laboratory evaluation. Among the many factors considered are reliability, image quality, ease of use and productivity, as well as the breadth of each vendor’s line.

Having tested products from nearly all the players in the market, BLI has found HP’s Designjet T series of technical printers to be superior. With a broad range of models available to satisfy virtually all CAD, engineering and technical print applications, HP’s printers have distinguished themselves in BLI testing, and four of six currently available models tested have earned BLI “Picks” as the best in their respective categories.

This 42-inch-width, highly productive “Pick” award winner, available in both color and monochrome versions, boasts a print speed that is nearly 50 percent faster than its competitors and features up to a three-roll capacity—uncommon in the inkjet printer industry. Other outstanding models in HP’s line include the dual-roll Designjet T2300 PostScript eMFP, another BLI “Pick” award winner that gave a stunning lab performance in 2011. Though not evaluated, the Designjet T1300 ePrinter is essentially the same device as the T2300, but without the embedded scanner. The single-roll HP Designjet T790 PostScript ePrinter won a BLI “Pick” award earlier this year for “Outstanding Small Workgroup Wide Format Technical Printer.” This unit’s intuitive color touchscreen control panel enables full-color file previews, as well as USB connectivity—both conveniences uncommon among wide-format devices. Currently under test in BLI’s lab is the newly-released, low-cost Designjet T520 ePrinter, geared toward small mobile technical design teams and entry-level users. In light of the fact that many of HP’s Designjet T series models are available in different configurations, e.g., with or without PostScript, as well as in 24-, 36-, 42- and 44-inch sizes, HP clearly offers a best-in-class, “Pick”-worthy model for virtually every customer’s needs.

A key advantage of HP’s product line, which helped it earn BLI’s inaugural “Wide Format Technical Printer Line of the Year award” is the company’s multi-faceted Designjet ePrint & Share utility, according to BLI. Winner of a 2011 BLI award for “Outstanding Achievement in Innovation” and available free for all Designjet ePrinter models, ePrint & Share offers extensive collaborative benefits. First tested on the T2300 eMFP, the utility, when accessed on the control panel, enables registered users to scan wide format documents to the cloud and subsequently share those files with any number of users—capabilities that no other line of wide format devices offers. In BLI’s test, the utility enabled quick and easy retrieval of large files on workstations throughout the lab, as well.

Dealers Rate U.S. Bank Equipment Finance #1 

Nov. 14, 2012 – U.S. Bank Equipment Finance announced that its Office Equipment Vendor Services Group has been rated #1 by The Cannata Report in its 27^th Annual Dealer Survey.  Dealers who work with U.S. Bank Equipment Finance-Office Equipment Vendor Services as their primary leasing partner, rated the group 4.08 for its overall performance, the highest of any leasing company in the survey.

“Our team continues to work very hard to serve our dealer clients and bring additional value to the office equipment marketplace. It is exciting to see our customers rate us so highly,” states David Verkinderen, senior vice president, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance-Office Equipment Vendor Services. “This is very encouraging feedback for our team as we continue to focus on the success of the independent copier dealer. We will always understand that our success only happens if our dealer clients succeed.”

“65 dealers rated U.S. Bancorp as Excellent, Very Good or Good,” says Frank Cannata, Editor-in-Chief, The Cannata Report. “There was not one that considered them either fair or poor. This is a very impressive showing,”

 

GreatAmerica Announces New Trade Name

Nov. 13, 2012 — GreatAmerica Leasing Corporation has announced that it has adopted the new trade name “GreatAmerica Financial Services.” The change better reflects the wide array of services the company delivers to its customers.

“GreatAmerica is far more than a leasing company today,” says GreatAmerica chairman and CEO Tony Golobic. “We have always been solution driven. Over the years, this has led to the development of a number of innovative, non-leasing products and services. The evolution of our name simply underscores our commitment to the continued success of our customers.”

Canon Earns BLI Energy Efficiency Award

Nov. 13, 2012 –Buyers Laboratory LLC has announced that Canon has won BLI’s first “Line of the Year” award for “Energy Efficiency” for its A3 line of MFPs, which consistently exhibit significantly lower than average energy consumption while running BLI’s real-world environmental job stream test.

The award was based on the energy consumption of current Canon models tested to date, including the imageRUNNER ADVANCE C2020, imageRUNNER ADVANCE 4025, imageRUNNER ADVANCE C2030, imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5035, imageRUNNER 3245i, imageRUNNER ADVANCE 4051, imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5255, imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5051 and imageRUNNER ADVANCE 6075. Each device was compared against tested competitive models that are considered current in each manufacturer’s product line. Any devices that achieved an energy consumption rate more than 35 percent below the competitive average were eligible for the “Line” award. The tested energy consumption of Canon’s eligible devices ranged from 37 percent to as much as 62 percent below their competitive averages.

Although the “Line” award criteria include only new and current models tested to date, Canon has consistently earned recognition for the environmental performances of its A3 and A4 document imaging products over the past four years. In fact, Canon has won a total of 18 BLI “Outstanding Achievement” awards for energy efficiency to date—more than any other vendor.

FlexPrint, Inc. Celebrates Grand Opening of New Corporate Headquarters

Nov. 5, 2012 – FlexPrint, Inc., a national provider of managed print and IT solutions, just celebrated the official grand opening of their new 40,000 square foot corporate headquarters in Falcon Field/Mesa, Arizona. On Wednesday, October 24th, over 180 customers from 20 different states traveled to sunny Arizona to celebrate FlexPrint’s new home.

Almost seven years ago, FlexPrint went to market by creating an unusual business model that has since transformed the office printing and imaging industry, and provided the foundation for FlexPrint’s success and exceptional growth. Under the leadership of its CEO, Frank Gaspari, they pioneered what is known today as Managed Print Services. Even then, with only a handful of employees and customers, everything they did was focused on the customer. Today, FlexPrint has organically grown to be the leading managed print organization in the nation, and recognized as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in the nation the last three years by Inc. magazine.

“As one of FlexPrint’s original customers seven years ago, I have been able to witness first-hand the success and national growth that FlexPrint has experienced. The culture they’ve built is very unique – somewhat unbelievable, and the level of service they provide is second to none”, states Rob Nehrbas, CEO of Lincoln Laser. “Their success is no surprise, and their focus on the customer is worthy of imitation. That is one reason why Lincoln Laser is still a FlexPrint customer.”

Ten original FlexPrint employees participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the company’s new corporate headquarters. The new 40,000 square foot building is located at 2845 North Omaha Street, Mesa, AZ, and replaces its previous Arizona based headquarters in Tempe, sales & marketing office in Scottsdale, and warehouse in Gilbert.

MaxxVault Finalist for Red Herring Award

Nov. 12, 2012 – MaxxVault LLC has announced that it has been selected as a candidate for Red Herring’s 2012 Top 100 Global award, a prestigious recognition honoring the year’s most audacious and far-reaching private technology companies and entrepreneurs from across the globe.

The Red Herring editorial team selected the companies demonstrating the most innovative technologies and business models originating from more than 1,000 companies from over 40 nations. These companies, representing past Red Herring Asia, Europe and North America awards, are judged on a range of qualitative and quantitative metrics, including but not limited to, technology innovation, financial performance, growth criterion, management’s execution standards, potential globalization of the strategy and market share improvement.

“Technology companies are becoming the bright spot in the economic outlook based on their increasing role within macro-economic environments,” states Alex Vieux, chairman of Red Herring. “2012 has confirmed the sector’s vibrant activity and its resilience to widespread economic problems. An unprecedented number of entrepreneurs are attempting to jump ahead of the competition and aspire to make a difference. Breakthroughs obsolete each other faster than ever before. MaxxVault has performed exceptionally in its field and strongly deserves to be singled out as one of the Red Herring Global Finalists. At this stage, we are left with the daunting task to select the best qualified companies for the 2012 Top 100 Global Award.”

The Finalists are invited to present their winning strategies at the Red Herring Global forum in Los Angeles, November 27-29 2012. The Top 100 winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on November 29 at the event.

Katun Corporation Introduces Katun Performance Monochrome Toner for Sharp MFPs

Nov. 6, 2012 — Katun Corporation has introduced Katun Performance monochrome toner for use in Sharp MX-M 283/363/453/503-series digital copier/printers. The addition of this new toner reaffirms Katun’s commitment to providing a comprehensive product offering for Sharp dealers – helping them improve bottom-line profitability on their most actively placed machines, now and in the future, according to a Katun news release.

This Katun Performance toner has been developed and rigorously tested to match OEM toner performance across all essential performance categories. Customers benefit from cost savings without sacrificing print performance, as well as the convenience of ordering an entire suite of parts and supplies from one trusted supplier.

Katun Performance products, including this monochrome toner, may be ordered by phone, fax or e-mail, or via the Katun Online Catalogue – Katun’s one-stop Internet resource that allows registered customers to locate and order thousands of Katun products while accessing real-time information about their orders and accounts. Customers can access the Katun Online Catalogue, or find Katun customer service contact information, at www.katun.com.

Preton Joins Print Audit’s Maven Partnership Program

Nov. 5, 2012 – Preton, a provider of printing cost reduction software, has announced that the company has joined Print Audit’s Maven partnership program. Print Audit’s Maven partnership program is designed to bring exclusive benefits to Print Audit Premier members. Premier is a newly launched subscription plan that gives office equipment dealers virtually unlimited access to Print Audit’s MPS and print management solutions. Through the program, Premier members also receive exclusive access to additional benefits offered through Print Audit’s Maven partners.

Preton’s PretonSaver software optimizes the amount of ink and toner consumed during the printing process. PretonSaver uses Preton’s core Pixel Optimizer™ technology, which intelligen tly identifies and removes wasteful pixels. PretonSaver significantly reduces ink and toner consumption without visibly impacting output quality or interfering with end user processes. PretonSaver also provides a robust set of user focused reporting data, including page coverage calculations, and includes extensive print policy enforcement capabilities.

For more information about the partnership between Preton and Print Audit, visit: www.printaudit.com/premier/Account/MavenDetails/?code=pr 

GreatAmerica Launches Info-Zone Mobile App

Nov. 2, 2012 – GreatAmerica Leasing Corporation has launched Info-Zone mobile today, an app that brings Info-Zone.com front and back-end functionality to the Apple, Android, Windows, and Blackberry mobile platforms. Info-Zone.com is a portal, available exclusively to GreatAmerica customers, that provides access to their client data. The app is primarily designed to help sales people submit credit applications, calculate a payment, and gain quick access to customer information while in the field.

The app will also allow Dealers to quickly and cost-effectively improve their sales efforts with the mobile technology needed to expand and grow, while helping GreatAmerica channel partners improve transaction efficiency. The app is integrated with phone, e-mail, and map functionality for quick access to customer data and GreatAmerica support. Access to the app is available by going to Info-Zone.com through your smartphone browser. The Info-Zone app will also be available on iTunes and Android Play.

Print Audit and Supplies Network Partner to Reduce Cost of Premier Subscription

Nov. 1, 2012 – Print Audit, the print management company, and Supplies Network, a wholesaler of IT consumables, have partnered to provide Managed Print Services providers with access to a wide range of MPS-related solutions and services, as well as an opportunity to reduce the subscription cost of Print Audit Premier. Supplies Network’s MPS program mpsSELECT includes the fundamental building blocks for dealers to build their own MPS portfolio from the ground up. The services include Data Collection Service, Supply Management Systems, Service Monitoring, Service Desk, Supply Routing Labels, and Cost Per Image Service. Now dealers can enjoy Supplies Network’s full portfolio – not just supplies replenishment – with this refreshed plan from the partnership.

Print Audit Premier is a new subscription program that gives dealers access to a full array of print management capabilities, including remote meter reading, cost recovery, rules-based printing, in-depth print assessment, as well as secure print release and pull-printing.

With the new integration between the two companies, supplies, service and meter information captured by Print Audit Facilities Manager can now be automatically imported into Supplies Network’s patent-pending 360 Plus® Database. This allows dealers and service providers to automatically replenish supplies for their customers before they become depleted, remotely monitor devices proactively, and access many other services. Supplies Network customers can now also capture and manage 100% of locally attached devices using Facilities Manager’s proprietary local printer tracking.

GreatAmerica Leasing Corporation Announces Launch of INTEGREAT Web Services

Oct. 31, 2012 – GreatAmerica Leasing Corporation has launched its newest innovation, INTEGREAT Web Services, for the office equipment industry. The INTEGREAT Web Services software allows an individual user to access their GreatAmerica information without having to leave their ERP or CRM system.

“INTEGREAT is one more way that GreatAmerica can help its dealer customers increase their efficiency and effectiveness,” says Jennie Fisher, Senior vice president and general manager of GreatAmerica. “By launching INTEGREAT Web Services, we’re illustrating our commitment to innovation. By partnering with other vendors, we hope to make the day-to-day work of our customers easier and more efficient.”

Earlier this month, GreatAmerica debuted INTEGREAT Web Services from the floor of the e-automate User Group Conference, an event designed for users of the Digital Gateway’s(DGI) e-automate dealer management system. According to GreatAmerica, this service was designed for easy accessibility, especially for e-automate users.  For e-automate users, the latest GreatAmerica integration functionality allows them to calculate a monthly payment, submit a credit application and check an application status, all with a few clicks of their mouse.

INTEGREAT Web Services is available to other industry partners and provides a secure path to communicate information between customer systems, according to GreatAmerica. GreatAmerica plans to have future integrations with DGI and its e-automate dealer management system.

Formax Introduces FD 2002 / FD 2032 Pressure Sealers 

Oct. 31, 2012 – Formax has unveiled the FD 2002 and FD 2032 Desktop Pressure Sealers, replacing the FD 2000 and FD 2030. Improvements over those models include increased speed, capacity, and a new fold-plate design. The FD 2002 now has a hopper capacity of 250 forms, with a speed of up to 8,000 per hour. The FD 2032 offers a hopper capacity of up to 350 forms, with top speed of up to 11,000 forms per hour. They feature redesigned sliding fold plates, which are easier to adjust, and fine-tune knobs for crisp, precise folds.

Standard folds include C, V, Z and uneven C and Z folds, in addition to custom fold settings. The FD 2002 / FD 2032 utilize a drop-in three-roller feed system which produces dependable feeding of forms with no paper fanning required. Each has a user-friendly touch-pad control panel, LED indicators, six-digit counter, jog control, and fault detection.

Options include a locking cabinet and a choice of two conveyors with photo eye for neat, sequential stacking of processed forms. The FD 2002 and FD 2032 are also available as packages, which include the pressure sealer, cabinet and conveyor at a reduced price.

All of these features combine to make the FD 2002 and FD 2032 the ideal mid-volume pressure seal solutions.

PrintFleet Announces Formation of European Advisory Board

Oct. 30, 2012 — PrintFleet Inc. has announced the formation of the PrintFleet European Advisory Board. The Advisory Board is comprised of executives from PrintFleet’s OEM, distribution, and dealer partners which represent critical stakeholders in PrintFleet’s European business community.  Formed at the initiative of PrintFleet, building off of the success of the North American Advisory Board, the EMEA Board helps ensure that PrintFleet solutions remain aligned with the strategic goals of PrintFleet partners and is relevant to the issues facing their businesses and the industry as a whole.

Chris McFarlane, President & CEO, PrintFleet says that “Our North American Board, which we established roughly eighteen months ago, has helped shape product development from both business and technical perspectives. We wish to ensure the same level of learning, networking, sharing noncompetitive best practices, and collaboration with our European partners. We are very pleased by the enthusiasm of the industry leaders that have agreed to be on the board.”

Board members include:

• Simon Wallis – Business Development Director, Spicers Ltd., UK
• Dave Collinson – GM, Product Planning, OKI Europe, UK
• Christian Gauss-Kuntze – Manager OPS Business Development, Konica Minolta Europe, Germany
• Chris Tito – General Manager, OSN, Netherlands
• Hakan Lindgren – CEO, TDO, Sweden
• Chris McFarlane – President & CEO, PrintFleet, Canada

West Point Products Relocates and Expands Jacksonville Distribution Center

Oct. 29, 2012 – West Point Products has announced a relocation and expansion of its Jacksonville, FL distribution center. The company’s Jacksonville location is one of five distribution points located strategically across the United States, and serves the company’s reseller community based in the southeast U.S. as well as customers in the Caribbean and parts of South America. The new location will also act as a stocking location for West Point Products’ sister company, Depot International.

The new Distribution Center, which is twice the size of the company’s previous Jacksonville facility, is located at 7658 Philips Hwy, Suite 1100 and will help support the surging demand in the area for West Point Products’ expanded product lineup, including printer parts, fusers, and maintenance kits through Depot International. Close to major transportation routes, the new location will provide convenient access for both motor freight shipments and will-call customers. Extended will-call hours at the new facility will allow resellers to pick-up their orders from 9:30am to 5:00pm EST.

In addition to providing more convenient access to the company’s line of private label laser toner cartridges, the increased size of West Point Products’ new facility will also provide the necessary space for the company to distribute a broader selection of its overall offering from Jacksonville, including high volume printer parts and accessories.

Print Audit Welcomes 6 Office Equipment Dealers to Premier

Oct. 29, 2012 – Print Audit Premier continues its strong momentum with BusinessWare Solutions, Virginia Business Systems, Edwards Business Systems, Phillips Office Solutions, CIP and Crabtree Companies recently joining the program. Print Audit Premier is a new subscription service that is helping office equipment dealers earn an extra $2.93 per device per month in profit within 90 days of signing up for the program.

About the new Print Audit Premier dealers:

Virginia & Edwards Business Systems – Edwards and Virginia Business Systems have 11 offices located in Pennsylvania and Virginia.  They are a family owned, full service systems integrator in document workflow and output, device and network administration and document management.

Phillips Office Solutions – Phillips Office Solutions is a provider of office supplies, document management solutions, and office furniture along with a host of related services. Phillips directly serves central and southeastern Pennsylvania, western Maryland and northeastern West Virginia.

Crabtree Companies – For over 33 years Crabtree Companies has partnered with leading imaging companies to provide Minnesota businesses with “Real Document Solutions”.  From providing the industry’s leading black and white and color output technology, to world class document and print management software, Crabtree Companies has the solutions businesses need.
CIP– With offices in Edmonton, Calgary and now Red Deer and in operation for over 30 years, CIP is Western Canada’s leading Hewlett Packard, Sharp and Seiko printer and plotter sales and service center.  CIP provides customized digital work flow solutions as well as managed print services to the thriving resource and AEC market segments throughout Alberta.
BusinessWare Solutions – With 4 locations in Minnesota, BusinessWare provides a broad array of solutions that includes multi-vendor products, platforms and technologies.  Recognized as a certified partner with trusted industry leaders such as Hewlett Packard and Microsoft, BusinessWare Solutions is ready to guide organizations through the choices and challenges of technology.

For more information about Premier, please visit www.printaudit.com/premier

GreatAmerica Announces Managed IT Services Navigator Business Planning Program for Fall 2012

Oct. 29, 2012 – GreatAmerica Leasing Corporation announces the launch of its fall Managed Information Technology (IT) Services Navigator Program. The program includes a Webinar and a one-and-a-half day business planning session. It is designed to help dealers and resellers develop or grow their Managed IT Services business. The training covers planning, implementing and growing an equipment dealer’s Managed IT Services business and is facilitated by a dealer who has experienced great success in this space, Milton Bartley, CEO of ImageQuest out of Nashville, TN.

“The first Managed IT Navigator program this summer was received well by dealers, so we decided to offer it again this fall. GreatAmerica is committed to helping its customers further their success with Managed IT Services, and offering this program is one way we can do that,” says Jennie Fisher, senior vice president and general manager of the GreatAmerica Office Equipment Group. “In both the Webinar and the live business planning event, Milton is incredibly open with both the mistakes and successes he has experienced along the way as an office equipment dealer getting into Managed IT. That can be a tremendous time and money saver to a dealer forging this new territory,” added Fisher.

Three years ago, GreatAmerica started a wholly-owned subsidiary, Collabrance, LLC, as a Master Managed Services Provider. Collabrance was formed to address the Managed IT needs of dealers and resellers. The company invested in a Network Operations Center (NOC), software and technology tools, process development and personnel to offer a cost-effective method of entry into the Managed IT Services space for dealers and resellers.

“In working with dealers and resellers on their Managed IT Services business, we identified an opportunity to help them increase their rate of success by learning from those who had ‘been there; done that’—which is how Managed IT Navigator was born,” adds Fisher.

The November 1^st Webinar is free, and gives participants insights into 5 things that Milton Bartley would have liked to have known before he started his Managed IT Services business, but had to learn the hard way.

Webinar: Building My Managed IT Services Business – Top 5 Lessons Learned

 

Includes a 30-minute presentation and 15 minute audience Q&A
Thursday, November 1^st 10:30 a.m. Central

1.5-Day Managed IT Services Navigator Business Planning Session
Tuesday/Wednesday, December 4-5, 2012
Hosted at GreatAmerica Headquarters in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The one-and-a-half day session guides executive teams through the step-by-step development of a business model and operational structure, and covers:

• Situational Analysis

• Business Plan Guide

• Development of Business Model and Operational Structure

• Branding and Marketing Strategies

• Sales Force Engagement Strategy and Compensation

• Go-to-Market Strategy

• Goals and Benchmarking from day 1 to day 360

Session fees for the December 4-5 Navigator event are bundled to accommodate three Managed IT Services decision makers from each dealer or reseller. The President/Owner, Chief Financial Officer, and Sales Manager are recommended to attend. Additional staff members can also be included for an extra investment. Participants do not have to be current GreatAmerica or Collabrance customers to take part in the Navigator programs. For additional information or registration for either the webinar or 1.5 day business planning session, contact GreatAmerica at (319) 261-4166 or go to www.greatamerica.com/ManagedITNavigator.

Xerox Earns Position in Leaders Quadrant of 2012 MFP & Printer Report

Oct. 29, 2012 – Xerox has been placed by Gartner, Inc., in the Leaders Quadrant in the “Magic Quadrant for Multifunction Printers (MFPs) and Printers.”

A proprietary research tool developed by Gartner, the Magic Quadrant offers visual snapshots of a market’s direction, maturity and participants, and evaluates companies on completeness of vision along with the ability to execute. In addition to the company’s portfolio of MFPs and solutions that make office work easier and faster to get done, Xerox’s solid ink technology produces high-quality color prints and generates up to 90 percent less printing waste than comparable color laser printers – a benefit for both small- and medium-sized businesses and enterprises.

In the report, Gartner defines a leader as:

• the most capable in providing MFPs (including Smart Multifunction Products), printers and the associated printing solutions and services, regardless of  customer location;
• providers of the most extensive product portfolio relative to their peers, and the broad channel capability to deliver the products to customers where they      want to procure them;
• holders of  consistently high market share worldwide and capable of delivering      consistent service levels in the regions where Gartner customers are      located;
• tending to  have the deepest global capability and the inventiveness, resources,      skills and vision to deliver superior levels of support to existing and  future customers globally;
• possessing  a proven track record of channeling R&D initiatives into products and      solutions that customers need.

Lexmark Enters Gartner’s Leaders Quadrant

Oct. 25, 2012 – Lexmark International, Inc. has been positioned by industry analyst firm Gartner, Inc. in the Leaders Quadrant of their 2012 MFP and Printer Magic Quadrant¹.

Gartner issues independent multivendor reports that position vendors based on their “completeness of vision” and “ability to execute.” In the report, Gartner defines Leaders as the following:

• Leaders are the most capable in providing MFPs (including SMFPs), printers and the associated printing solutions and services, regardless of customer location.
• Providers in the Leaders quadrant offer the most extensive product portfolio relative to their peers, and they have the broad channel capability to deliver the products to customers where they want to procure them.
• Leaders hold consistently high market share worldwide and are capable of delivering consistent service levels in the regions where Gartner customers are located.
• Leaders tend to have the deepest global capability and the inventiveness and resources, skills and vision to deliver superior levels of support to existing and future customers globally.
• Leaders have a proven track record of channeling R&D initiatives into products and solutions that customers need.

As evidenced by Lexmark’s recent laser product announcement, the company is extending its leadership in smart MFPs with several next-generation devices, that when combined with the Perceptive Software portfolio, increase productivity by enabling users to submit and access their data at the right time and in the right format. With a wide breadth of laser product offerings, Lexmark can provide the best product to address a customer’s unique requirements.