HP Discontinues OPS Elite Program
Oct. 24 – Effective November 1, 2011 the OPS Elite Program will be discontinued. Dealers in the program have been asked to discontinue using the OPS Elite name and logo on marketing materials.
In its place, HP is rolling out a new program for partners, which recognizes expertise for managed print, the Managed Print Advanced Specialist Program. All companies who were part of the OPS Elite Program will be enrolled in the Managed Print Advanced Specialist Program effective November 1, 2011. Those dealers do not have to re-apply to this new program because membership will be updated automatically.
Over the next 30 days program participants will be notified about their status in meeting ongoing training requirements.
Muratec Introduces MFX-C2828 Color MFP
October 26 – Muratec America, Inc. has announced the availability of the MFX-C2828, a workgroup color multifunction solution that delivers exceptional printing, scanning, faxing and copying.
The MFX-C2828 produces color and monochrome output at up to 28 ppm. It features a standard 100-sheet reversing automatic document feeder, ledger-size platen glass and duplex printing to create a robust, not to mention cost-effective, document handling system. The device ships with two 500-sheet paper cassettes that support a variety of paper sizes (up to 140 lb. index), as well as a 150-sheet multipurpose bypass tray that supports thicker paper stocks (up to 100 lb. cover), letterhead, transparencies, waterproof paper, recycled paper, labels, envelopes and 11.25 x 47.25-inch banners. A variety of paper options are available including:
· C2828CAS ($895 MSRP) – Adds (1) 500-sheet paper cassette & small storage drawer
· C2828CAS2 ($1,100 MSRP) – Adds (2) 500-sheet paper cassettes
· C2828CASL ($1,250 MSRP) – Adds 2,500-sheet letter-only paper cassette
· C2828CAB ($245 MSRP) – A simple paper cabinet that raises the height of machine and provides storage for paper, supplies and manuals.
· C2828BAN ($795 MSRP) – Holds up to (10) sheets of banner paper for printing.
The MFX-C2828 features a high-resolution color scanner that can electronically capture documents at up to 70 ipm (300 dpi, letter). The device also features standard scan to e-mail, PC, FTP, HDD, user box and USB flash drive. Documents can be scanned in PDF, TIFF, JPEG and XPS format.
The MSRP for the MFX-C2828 is $10,995.
BTA to Host ProFinance 2.0 Nov. 16-17 in Las Vegas
Oct. 26 – As the front-runner workshop to BTA West’s Capture the Magic district event, BTA will host ProFinance 2.0 Nov. 16-17 at the Paris Hotel Las Vegas. Attendees of the Nov. 16-17 workshop will receive free registration to the BTA West event.
ProFinance 2.0 incorporates these changes into the new industry model, including benchmarks for MPS. With more than 30 key benchmarks, this management tool will help dealers and their teams team achieve double-digit operating income.
John Hanson and John Hey of Strategic Business Associates will share their knowledge from 25-plus years of experience in building one of the largest dealerships in North America and on advising many of the most successful companies in the industry. This hands-on training will provide practical ideas that can be put into action immediately. It will give your company the competitive edge that is so vital in today’s marketplace. Learn proven sales and service plans, effective management bonus programs and critical organizational strategies.
For more information or to register for ProFinance, visit www.bta.org/ProFinance or call (800) 843-5059. Returning BTA-member ProFinance students seeking a refresher course and the opportunity to obtain the new model can attend for 50 percent off the member price.
Parts Now Announces Integration with Digital Gateway’s e-Automate Dealer Management Software
Oct. 24 – Parts Now has announced a key integration with e-automate’s Purchase Order Processor. Parts Now’s integration to e-automate’s PO Processor includes automated PO Placement, PO Acknowledgement, PO Shipping Information, PO Invoicing and Bulk Vendor Item Price Updates. These features work together to optimize business processes of dealers who purchase supplies from Parts Now.
The integration between Parts Now and e-automate represents Parts Now and Digital Gateway’s focused efforts to optimize the delivery of service through efficiently connecting critical operational functions across the industry.
Formax Introduces New Pressure Seal System, Scanning System, and Tabletop Air Jogger
Formax FD 2054 Pressure Sealer
Oct. 18 – Formax has introduced a new pressure seal system, plus a scanning system for document data integrity and verification, and a new tabletop air jogger. The FD 2054 joins the Formax AutoSeal line, replacing the FD 2052, and uses the latest Formax folding technology. The FD 2054 is a fully automatic pressure sealer which provides the ultimate tabletop solution for processing pressure sensitive one-piece mailers. Designed with ease of operation and efficiency in mind, the FD 2054 automatically detects and adjusts for 11-, 14- and 17-inch forms. It features five pre-programmed standard folds for even panel C, V, Z and uneven/eccentric C and Z folds. It also has the ability to store up to 35 custom fold settings with the simple touch of a button.
A drop-in three-roller feed system produces dependable feeding of forms with no paper fanning required. Forms are processed at speeds up to 16,450 per hour, and are output to an integrated telescoping conveyor with automated nip roller positioning, capable of holding up to 500 processed forms. The large 2.8-inch (71mm) backlit LCD display and control panel allow for untrained operators to walk up and start processing pressure seal forms with little to no instruction, according to Formax.
The FD 2054 advanced software allows for all standard fold types and paper sizes to be customized to meet your particular needs. The duty cycle has been dramatically increased from 125,000 pieces/month to 200,000/month. Options include an enclosed cabinet for storage and 402 Series Joggers to reduce static electricity and align forms for proper feeding.
The Formax Data Integrity Scanning System provides simultaneous data integrity and print quality inspection for mail processing, secure printing and label inspection applications. The System is capable of reading OCR or Barcodes to verify sequencing and identify duplicate and missing pieces. The software pulls together images and data collected from the single-camera system and allows the implementation of any number of software tools to read, control, inspect, verify, log and report. The Data Integrity Scanning System is ideal for use with Formax inserters, 6304 Series and above, and production pressure sealers.
The FD 402TA1 Tabletop Air Jogger is designed for print shops and production houses with limited space. This compact, powerful model aligns and dries sheets in a single process while reducing static electricity. Features include a tilting jog bin, three operating modes, and variable air pressure and speed control to process up to 940 sheets at a time in sizes up to 12 x 18-inches.
Kyocera Mita Unveils New ECOSYS MFPs
October 18 – Kyocera Mita America has introduced the ECOSYS FS-1135MFP and FS-1035MFP/DP 37 ppm black and white multifunctional printers. As part of Kyocera’s ECOSYS line of environmentally friendly products, the FS-1135MFP and FS-1035MFP/DP use long-life consumables for consistent high-quality image output while meeting Energy Star guidelines for power efficiency, resulting in superior products with a low total cost of ownership and minimal impact on the environment, according to Kyocera.
Kyocera’s FS-1135MFP and FS-1035MFP/DP are suited for small- to medium-sized businesses and shared workgroup environments. The FS-1135MFP and FS-1035MFP/DP include a 250- sheet paper drawer and a 50-sheet multi-purpose tray (MPT), while offering two optional 250-sheet drawers for an 800-page maximum paper capacity. The FS-1135MFP and FS-1035MFP/DP include standard network printing, copy and color scanning capabilities, while the FS-1135MFP also includes standard fax capabilities, giving businesses document imaging solutions designed to meet workflow requirements with a single device.
The FS-1135MFP and FS-1035MFP/DP support a variety of network and device management tools, including PRESCRIBE, KMnet Admin and KM-net Viewer, as well as PDF Direct Print capability. Both MFPs also come standard with a versatile USB Host interface. The front-loading USB Host Interface provides end-users with Print-from functionality in PDF, TIFF and XPS file formats and Scan-to functionality in PDF, TIFF, JPEG and XPS file formats, with standard scanning destinations including Scan-to-E-mail, Scan-to-PC, Scan-to-FTP, Scan-to-USB and TWAIN scanning. Standard network printing includes a PowerPC440/667 MHz processor and 1200 dpi print resolution. The FS-1135MFP and FS-1035MFP/DP support multiple page description languages, including Kyocera’s PRESCRIBE, PCL6 (5e, XL), KPDL3 (PS3), XPS and more, and can be connected in any Windows, Mac or Linux environment.
For organizations concerned about security, Kyocera offers a variety of options for the FS-1135MFP and FS-1035MFP/DP, including embedded advanced security technologies that support IPsec and IPv6. Additionally, the FS-1135MFP and FS-1035MFP/DP offer RAM-based Private Print.
FS-1135MFP and FS-1035MFP/DP have an MSRP of $1,371 and $1,181 respectively.
All Covered Continues in Acquisition Mode
October 18 – All Covered, a division of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., has announced that ColdCypress, a Managed IT outsourcing company based in Pittsburgh, PA, has joined All Covered. With the addition of ColdCypress, All Covered expands its presence in the Northeast, with a broad and talented group of professionals along with a diverse list of clients.
“ColdCypress becomes the fourth regional Managed IT Services organization to join the All Covered family in the past eight weeks,” says Todd Croteau, President of All Covered. “ColdCypress, along with the recent additions of LAN Associates, PMV Technologies, and Vertical IT Solutions allows us to further deliver on our vision to provide comprehensive national coverage for Managed IT Services while still maintaining a strong local presence that customers can count on from All Covered.”
ColdCypress is an IT Consulting Services company specializing in Microsoft SharePoint consulting, VMware PC and server virtualization services. ColdCypress’ certified engineers help customers improve performance and profitability through customized software development, remote server monitoring and remediation. The company has been recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times and INC. Magazine as one of the fastest growing IT companies in Western PA.
Toshiba Takes a Drivve with Print Mobility Manager
Oct. 17 – Toshiba America Business Solutions has announced Drivve Print Mobility Manager—a driverless print solution for users of mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, netbooks, and laptops that reportedly allows for greater business productivity and convenience. With no need for drivers, users can send their documents to print through the Mobility Manager by e-mail, uploading them to the Web or directly from their Web-enabled mobile device using a Drivve Print app. Documents can be printed directly to a device or when integrated with virtually any pull printing solution routed to any device with the appropriate user credentials for secure release. Drivve Print Mobility Manager will be available through Toshiba Business Solutions offices as well as independent Toshiba dealers. For more information about Toshiba’s document delivery solutions, visit http://copiers.toshiba.com/usa/software/document-delivery/index.html.
Print Audit Releases New Version of Facilities Manager
Oct. 17 – Print Audit has released the latest version of Facilities Manager with support for Xerox’s accounting system, PagePack 3.0. By integrating the two applications, Print Audit has developed what they describe as a seamless billing process for its dealers, while removing the need to maintain two separate data collection tools at the customer’s site.
The Information Collection Engine in Facilities Manager gathers meter counts for the dealer remotely and exports a detailed report directly into PagePack. The export can be done on a customized schedule that matches the dealer’s billing cycle, making invoicing quick and simple.
The newest release of Facilities Manager is live so once users sign into the Web portal, they can set up automatic exports for their PagePack devices.
MPSA First Association Sponsor of Lyra MPS Forum
Oct. 17 – The Managed Print Services Association (MPSA) has committed to be the first association sponsor of the new Lyra MPS Forum. The half-day event will take place on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, from 12:30-5:00 p.m. at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage, California. The event follows the 15th annual Lyra Imaging Symposium, which is scheduled for January 23-25, 2012, and complements the Symposium’s presentations and discussions.
The 2012 Lyra MPS Forum will join together Lyra’s leading MPS managed print and hard copy industry analysts and MPS solution providers and end users to examine how to maximize MPS engagements and find untapped opportunities. Specifically, it will feature MPS trends analysis and primary research results; solution provider/end users presentations, a “hot topic” panel discussion, and MPS dealer insights. For more information and to register for the MPS Forum, please contact Sandy Tobin at (617) 454-2612 or visit www.lyra.com/symposium.
Strategy Development Exhibits at BTA West Event
Oct. 17 – Strategy Development will be will be exhibiting at BTA’s West “Capture the Magic” Event at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas on November 17-18. The event will feature a keynote presentation by Mark Mathews, president and COO of Toshiba America Business Solutions. There will also be five additional education sessions led by industry leaders, including Tom Callinan and David Ramos, providing insight and strategies that can help any office technology dealership reach new heights.
Dealers will be able to participate in networking events that will allow them to connect with their peers. In addition, there will be time to visit with more than 20 exhibiting sponsors, including Strategy Development. To wrap up the event, attendees will attend David Copperfield’s “An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion” at the Hollywood Theatre, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.
Participants who register by Friday, October 21st will receive a $100 poker chip, compliments of BTA, upon check-in.
Callinan will be presenting an education session entitled “The MPS Contract: Getting it is only the start” on Friday, November 18. Attendees will learn how to actively manage their MPS contracts to ensure profitability and continued revenue growth. Callinan will touch on the quarterly business review and how to add revenues in the managed services space. Participants will leave this session having a high-level framework of how to continuously improve profitability and grow revenue in each of their MPS contracts.
David Ramos, Strategy Development’s sales operations consultant, will conduct an education session entitled, “Beyond Traditional Sales.” In his session, Ramos will discuss the value-based sales and marketing tools that can be used to help address the buyer challenges of 2011 and fight these trends.
Stop by the booth to learn more about Strategy Development’s various consulting engagements, business planning practice, and the numerous award-winning advanced sales training programs offered in conjunction with BTA. You can also learn more about and register for one of Strategy Development’s live, interactive, Web-based programs developed and taught by Strategy Development consultants. All programs include up-to-date industry information and relevant examples to bring the program to life. Upon completion of the courses, dealers will have the tools they need to implement an MPS program or grow solutions sales or improve service margins.
For more information or to schedule an appointment during the show please contact Tom Callinan at callinan@strategydevelopment.com or at (610) 527-3317. To register for the Capture the Magic event, please visit http://www.bta.org/BTAWestEventStrategyDevelopment
Epson Adds New WorkForce Printers for SMB
Oct. 11 – Epson America has announced a new line of printers for small and home-based businesses – the WorkForce 435, 545, 645 and 845. The new all-in-ones reportedly deliver the world’s fastest print speedsand mobile printing capabilities through Epson Connect to ensure easy, hassle-free printing. Each model in the series offers a range of functionality and intuitive operation at an affordable price.
The WorkForce 845 all-in-one is designed for small businesses requiring robust functionality with a higher printing volume. The WorkForce 845 delivers one-sided print speeds of 15 ISO ppm (black) and 9.3 ISO ppm (color) and what Epson claims is the world’s fastest two-sided print speeds of 7.4 ISO ppm (black) and 5.4 ISO ppm color. It also offers a 500-sheet input capacity which translates into less time spent making sure the printer has enough paper, so energy can be focused on core business functions.
The WorkForce 645 boasts the world’s fastest one- and two-sides print speeds in its class, according to Epson,with 15 ISO ppm (black) and 7.2 ISO ppm (color) one-sided, and. 7.5 ISO ppm (black) and 4.6 ISO ppm (color) two-sided. The WorkForce 545 features a 250-sheet paper tray and ISO print speed of 15 ppm black, as well a 2.5-inch color LCD for photo viewing and printing. The WorkForce 435 is an entry-level business all-in-one offering many of the higher-end business functionality in a fast and affordable package.
Each model in the series offers mobile printing capabilities with Epson Connect and allow for savings over color laser printers with Epson’s DURABrite Ultra ink for smudge, water and fade resistant output. Also, each model is equipped with Wi-Fi n connectivity, a 30-page ADF, and built-in memory card slots for easy file transfers. The WorkForce 545, 645 and 845 also offer Ethernet networking as an additional mode of connectivity.
Prices range from $99.99 to $199.99.
Kyocera Mita MFP is Highly Recommended by BLI
Oct. 11 – Kyocera Mita America has announced that Buyers Laboratory, Inc. (BLI) has awarded the FS-C2126MFP+ color MFP with a 2011 “Highly Recommended” rating for its outstanding performance in lab testing, including flawless reliability, fast speeds and above-average ease of use. Earlier this year, the FS-C2126MFP+ outperformed all other products in its class and achieved BLI’s 2011 Summer Pick award.
The 26-ppm FS-C2126MFP+ demonstrated Kyocera’s hallmark ultra-reliability in BLI’s test lab, with not a single misfeed occurring during its 32,500-impression durability test, and no service calls required. Its first print times for all five file types used in testing proved to be much faster than comparable models.
Xerox Announces Wireless MFP with Free Mobile Printing App
Xerox WorkCentre 6015
Oct. 11 – Small and medium businesses and entrepreneurs have two new ways to be more productive with Xerox Corporation’s free mobile print app and new wireless multifunction printer (MFP), according to the company. Both tools reportedly make it easier for workers to manage documents, freeing up time and resources to grow their business.
Xerox’s mobile print app, PrintBack, works with printers and MFPs with simple set up. It lets users access their Mac or PC-connected printer through a Google Android or Apple IOS-enabled device, making printing in or out of the office effortless and reliable. A document, photo or Web page is sent via an open-email service such as G-mail, Hotmail or the storage service Dropbox – from the mobile device to the default printer.
PrintBack, which works on any manufacturer or network printer and MFP, can also:
- Directly print photos taken on a smartphone or tablet.
- Copy documents and photos from Dropbox to the computer’s “Downloads” folder remotely, reducing downloading time.
- Keep print jobs at the computer until released to avoid sensitive documents being out in the open.
The WorkCentre 6015 color MFP is Xerox’s first Wi-Fi enabled device. The desktop MFP combines print, copy, scan, fax and digital workflow capabilities. The WorkCentre 6015 shares the same print functionality as the Xerox Phaser 6010 color printer with print speeds as fast as 12 ppm for color and 15 ppm for black and white. It also features plug-and-play setup and the ability to handle custom media and sizes, so a variety of office documents and sales materials can be easily produced.
Xerox PrintBack is available as a free download on Xerox.com, the Android Market and at Apple’s App Store. Pricing for the WorkCentre 6015 begins at $449.
Digital Gateway Sells Remote Tech to Tech Anyware
Oct. 3 – Digital Gateway has sold its field service management product, Remote Tech, to Tech Anyware, LLC (www.tech-anyware.com), a newly formed venture owned and operated by James R. Davis, III, the former president of Digital Gateway. Remote Tech is an add-on module that allows field service personnel to connect to Digital Gateway’s e-automate dealer management solution to gather valuable information, manage service activities and input data from the field using a laptop or smartphone device.
Davis left Digital Gateway, effective September 15, 2011, to start Tech Anyware, which will undertake ongoing development and distribution of the Remote Tech products to businesses who desire to connect their field personnel to Digital Gateway’s e-automate products. Davis plans to take Remote Tech to the next level of customer satisfaction by stepping up the development effort allocated to dealer needs. He also intends to address the benefits of native apps on the platforms most used by technicians in successful service organizations.
“In my many years as the head of development at Digital Gateway, I’ve seen Remote Tech grow from a fledgling concept to a prominent product used by thousands of field technicians on a daily basis to help them be more efficient and productive while out in the field” said Davis, president and CEO of Tech Anyware. “While I am saddened to leave Digital Gateway, I view this venture as a new opportunity for me to deliver a best-case scenario for the independent dealers in the office equipment industry. Tech Anyware will focus on the continued development of a best-in-breed technician product. We will take a more aggressive, proactive approach to improving the Remote Tech product and our success will be measured by the success of our dealers.”
Tech Anyware will continue to provide a tight integration of Remote Tech to the e-automate dealer management solution and will provide enhancements, improvements and bug fixes to existing and future users of Remote Tech. Digital Gateway will continue to provide technical support and training for all Remote Tech users.
DocuWare Promotes Steve Behm to New Position
Steve Behm
Oct. 10
– DocuWare Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of DocuWare AG, has promoted Steve Behm to vice president of sales for the Americas, a new position. This announcement came at the quarterly corporate meetings recently held in Newburgh N.Y. As vice president of sales for the Americas, his new responsibilities will include expanding the network of Authorized DocuWare Partners (resellers) in North, Central and South America, and simultaneously providing new opportunities in revenue growth. In addition, the maintaining, fostering and strengthening of the existing relationships within the current DocuWare community of end-users and Partners plays a role of paramount importance in this position. Behm joined DocuWare in August of 2002 as a regional sales director for the South Central region of the U.S. In that position, he developed a successful network of authorized DocuWare partners that distributes the DocuWare product throughout this region
Konica Minolta Acquires OfficeWare
Oct. 4 – Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. has announced the company has acquired OfficeWare, a Kentucky-based regional full-service business equipment dealership with offices in Louisville, Lexington and Bowling Green, Kentucky; Evansville, Indiana; Marion, Illinois; and Cincinnati, Ohio.
OfficeWare will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. and maintain its current locations and roster of 125 employees. Current OfficeWare President, Rick Maxwell, will continue to lead the operation and report directly to Rick Taylor, President and Chief Operating Officer, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.
“This strategic acquisition positions Konica Minolta to further increase our market presence in a highly competitive marketplace,” says Taylor. “Our goal is to implement a multi-faceted growth strategy that encompasses organic growth, value-based partnerships with dealer partners, and acquisition where there is clear value for the customer and the company. OfficeWare has a long-established reputation for their ability to provide a complete breadth of solutions that includes technologies, services and expertise along with an exceptional management team.”
BTA Southeast’s Fall Colors Retreat to be Held Oct. 21-22 in Waynesville, N.C.
Oct. 4 – On Oct. 21-22, 2011, the Business Technology Association’s Southeast district will host its Fall Colors Retreat at the Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa in Waynesville, N.C. BTA Southeast’s annual fall district event will include a round-table discussion and three education sessions led by industry leaders, providing insight and strategies that can help any office technology dealership reach new heights. Dealers will be able to participate in networking events that will allow them to connect with their peers, including a welcoming reception and a dinner. There will also be plenty of time to visit with exhibiting sponsors. On Saturday afternoon, there will be time to explore the Waynesville area and enjoy the fall colors.
The event begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, with a round-table discussion, “Bring Us Your Questions to Share Ideas,” led by the BTA Southeast leadership team. A welcoming reception will follow from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., giving attendees time to network with peers and visit with exhibiting sponsors.
The second day of the event will begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 with a breakfast buffet. Breakfast will end at 8 a.m., followed by three education sessions and breaks that will give attendees time to visit with sponsors. From 12:30 until 6:30 p.m., attendees will have time to explore the Waynesville area and enjoy the fall colors, play a round of golf or just relax. Cocktails will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a closing presentation.
Saturday’s education sessions will include: “Coaching the Service Message,” with Mark Isaac, Gorman Business Consultants; “Recruiting, Interviewing & Selection,” with Larry Coco, Coco Training & Consulting Inc.; and “How to Successfully Enter MPS in Smaller Markets,” with Ed Carroll, Strategy Development.
As a front runner to the Fall Colors Retreat, on Oct. 20-21, David Ramos of Strategy Development will host Sell With Success, a strategic selling education that will reduce turnover and facilitate an increase in sales, including not only traditional hardware, but color, software solutions and services. Front-runner attendees can register for the Fall Colors Retreat for only $79, an $80 discount. Visit www.bta.org/BTASoutheastFrontRunner for more information or to register.
BTA Member Registration is $159, which includes the Friday and Saturday education sessions, Friday welcoming reception, Saturday breakfast, cocktails and dinner. For more information, including full session descriptions and the registration form for the event, visit www.bta.org/BTASoutheastEvent.
