January News Bytes

Following are the big and small news items for the month of January:

DocuWare to Showcase New Apps at CeBIT

Jan. 24 – Document Management specialist DocuWare will present a series of new apps at CeBIT 2012 being held March 6-10 in Hanover, Germany. In addition to its app for Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, the company now supports BlackBerry 6 OS Smartphones and devices running Android and Windows Phone 7 operating systems. Features of DocuWare Mobile range from searches in a central document pool to tasks within document workflows.

Smartphones are an integral part of business – they offer increased flexibility at decreasing costs. In 2011, DocuWare introduced apps for Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. For this year’s CeBIT, they are showcasing their new apps for Android, BlackBerry 6 OS, and Windows Phone 7 operating systems. The new apps include:

Launch by Fingertip – With the tap of a finger, simple to use DocuWare Mobile loads important documents of any format from a central document pool and displays them on the Smartphone touchscreen. Navigation works as with other mobile applications; the user can scroll through the DocuWare Viewer, enlarge details or edit documents. The apps not only support search dialogs but task lists and document workflows as well. Even the stamp feature is integrated to ensure that compliance requirements are met. Users can customize which file cabinets, search dialogs, task lists, and stamps are needed from within DocuWare Administration.

Workflows in Action – The benefits of apps are clear; users can stay well-informed while on the go to act quickly and to stay ahead – regardless of their location. Situations requiring these apps might include: accessing the latest sales projections, signing off on a budget, or authorizing an invoice with a digital cost center stamp. Whether it be travel, job-site reviews, or production line inspections, workflows remain active at all times with DocuWare remote connections.

Toshiba Presents Self-Encrypting Drive for MFPs

Jan. 24 – Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. has announced the debut of the world’s first Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) equipped with proprietary wipe technology for MFPs. This new Toshiba technology allows users to determine a range of security settings, including the invalidation of encryption keys and data invalidation when a drive is removed from its housing or connected to an unauthorized host system. According to Toshiba, this new Toshiba SED technology is unlike other data protection models. With the Toshiba solution, data encryption using industry-standard AES 256-bit solution is performed by the SED itself and not the controller. The encryption key is also securely stored on the SED and not the controller for added data protection. Security measures can also be activated when the MFP is at the end of its lease or end-of-life through a service technician who can instantly invalidate stored data. The new SEC can be found on Toshiba’s new generation eBRIDGE Platform-based product lineup, including the e-STUDIO 6550c Series e-STUDIO 4540c Series, 856 Series, and 456 Series.

BTA Managed Services Workshop Set for Feb. 22-23

Jan. 23 – On Feb. 22-23 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Business Technology Association and Growth Achievement Partners (www.growthachievementpartners.com) will host the BTA Managed Services (MS) Workshop. Taught by Mitch Morgan and Chris Ryne of Growth Achievement Partners, the day-and-a-half BTA MS Workshop will show dealers how to set up a managed services business in their company. Areas of focus will include: the phases of the MS process, financial targets, packaging of services, MS systems and processes, staffing, dealing with competition and the MS sales process. For more information or to register, visit www.bta.org/MS or call (800) 843-5059.

Gordon Flesh Company Expands IT Services Division

Jan. 20 – The Gordon Flesh Company has announced the expansion of their new division, GFC IT Services, into the Chicago, Columbus, Indianapolis and Milwaukee markets. The division launched initially in Madison, Wis., in August 2011. Designed to meet the needs of small to mid-sized businesses that don’t have a dedicated IT staff, GFC IT Services provides U.S.-based technical service and support  helping to ensure that desktops, mobile devices, servers and networks are constantly up and running, and optimized for peak performance and security, any time, day or night.

Kodak Files for Chapter 11

Jan. 19 – Eastman Kodak Company (“Kodak” or the “Company”) has announced that Judge Allan L. Gropper of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York has approved initial availability of $650 million in interim Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) financing by Citigroup. Kodak will use these funds, among other things, to pay vendors and other suppliers for all post-petition goods and services, and to operate its day-to-day business activities. The Judge set February 15, 2012 as the date of a hearing to issue the final order regarding first day motions.

As announced earlier, Eastman Kodak Company and its U.S. subsidiaries filed to reorganize its U.S. business under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. Non-U.S. subsidiaries were not part of the filing. The interim DIP approved as part of the first day motions represents the first portion of the fully-committed, $950 million debtor-in-possession credit facility that it obtained from Citigroup to enhance liquidity and working capital. Kodak also reported that the Court has approved additional “First Day Motions” which assures that ongoing business will not be disrupted. In this regard, Kodak received authorization from the Court to: 

• Pay U.S. employees in the usual manner and to continue their healthcare and other benefits programs without disruption
• Pay certain prepetition wages and reimbursable U.S. employee expenses
• Maintain and administer customer programs and honor prepetition obligations to customers including all pending orders, warrantees, and other customer programs
• Continue to use existing cash management systems and maintain existing bank accounts

Notable Solutions Launches AutoStore 6.0

Jan. 17 –  Notable Solutions, Inc. (NSi), a developer of transactional capture and workflowsolutions, has announced the availability of NSi AutoStore 6.0, a major update to its flagship product which includes two new products, NSi WebCapture and NSi Smarticket. With the introduction of these products, NSi enables knowledge workers to use intelligent document workflows to capture and deliver paper and electronic documents throughout their organization. 

With NSi WebCapture, customers can now use the same AutoStore orchestrated workflows to move electronic documents from within a web browser. As no additional hardware or software is needed for each PC, WebCapture meets the needs of IT organizations who want to limit the number of installed desktop applications. By bringing these capabilities directly to the web browser, customers have wider, more mobile access to their business applications from virtually any location.

NSi Smarticket makes the automation of repetitive paper-based tasks simple and easy. Using a web browser, managers can easily define a workflow for their team’s documents to travel via a simple wizard interface. Knowledge workers then use the resulting “smart” coversheet to automatically route documents. Whether in print or electronic format, the Smarticket coversheet contains the necessary information to successfully deliver business documents to the right place. Moreover, all confidential information is stored on the Smarticket server and not within the barcoded sheet, ensuring data security and adherence to company security policies.

AutoStore 6.0 also includes several other new capabilities designed to improve efficiency and collaboration of the document workflow process. They include:

• Send to PC: Directly deliver scanned documents from an MFD to the customer’s desktop in the fewest possible steps, eliminating paper and stress on the server;
• XML Importer: Facilitate automatic import of data and documents between systems and applications, including business to business transactions;   
• MRC PDF Compression: Reduce PDF files by up to 80 percent while maintaining content integrity, freeing up disk space and reducing bandwidth; and
• Data Filter: Negate the need for complex scripting with drag and drop simplicity so IT administrators can alter and supplement meta data to enforce standard date formats, database lookups and validation logic.

Konica Minolta Unveils New Managed IT and Managed Print Services Program for Dealers

Jan. 16 – Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. has announced a new Managed IT and Managed Print Services program for its Dealer community. The program reportedly provides dealers with new growth opportunities by allowing them to offer comprehensive print and IT services along with Konica Minolta’s products.

Under the new Managed IT and Print Services program, dealers will be able to offer customers desktop management, e-mail security, server and network monitoring and 24×7 client help desk support from All Covered, a division of Konica Minolta focused on delivering high‐performance Managed IT Services to small‐ and medium‐sized businesses. As part of the program, Dealers will also be able to offer comprehensive managed print service (MPS) capabilities that now extend to enterprise accounts as part of Konica Minolta’s Enterprise Optimized Print Services (OPS) program. The new technology platform for Enterprise OPS is a result of a collaborative development agreement with Pharos Systems International, a leading provider of enterprise print management solutions and Konica Minolta.

Later this year, dealers participating in the program will be able to offer Konica Minolta’s Optimized Print Services (OPS) on a national level for enterprise accounts. Leveraging technology from Pharos, OPS will deliver true enterprise-level managed print services for environments ranging from the office to central reprographics departments (CRD) and commercial printers. The new and feature-rich functionality provides visual updates on a worldwide basis for monitored networked MFPs, printers, servers and routers that can be accessed from an iPad, Tablet PC, or any web browser. Other new features include comprehensive management reporting, applications reporting, end user printing patterns and drag-and-drop floor planning tools.

Konica Minolta Presents EnvisionIT

Jan. 16 – Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. has launched Konica Minolta EnvisionIT, a new brand position that encompasses solutions and services for the education, legal and healthcare industries designed with their specific business in mind. The EnvisionIT family aims to assist vertical market customers in “envisioning” how they can work smarter and more efficiently with integrated workflow solutions designed and supported by Konica Minolta.

As part of the initial EnvisionIT offering, Konica Minolta will provide Managed Print Services, Managed IT Services via All Covered, integrated solutions via the bEST program, professional services, hardware and support, all under a single platform. Comprised of EnvisionIT Education, EnvisionIT Legal and EnvisionIT Healthcare, the suite will include the following new solutions and enhancements:

EnvisionIT Education
Konica Minolta EnvisionIT provides schools from K-12 to Higher Education with solutions that improve the overall learning experience for both teachers and students. Through expanded and new partnerships, the EnvisionIT Education platform is designed to integrate the most advanced education software and hardware with Konica Minolta devices. EnvisionIT for Education delivers all the necessary professional services, support and training so educators can enhance productivity while maximizing the power of technology to improve workflow efficiencies. Highlights of EnvisionIT Education include:

• Promethean Integrated, Interactive Education Solutions – As a result of a new partnership with Promethean, a a provider of learning solutions for the 21st century classroom, Konica Minolta now offers customers a comprehensive, interactive learning solution. Promethean’s integrated approach to learning includes: assessment and data management, Tablet PC’s, student response systems, Interactive tools & whiteboards, bizhub MFP’s to provide scanning and printing, and the software that ties it all together.
• Performance Matters Testing & Assessment Solution – Working with Performance Matters, Konica Minolta brings customers a solution to eliminate costly and inefficient testing practices. Providing a comprehensive assessment and data management platform, the Performance Matters solution is a cloud-based solution designed for printing and grading student exams, all from the control panel of a Konica Minolta bizhub MFP. Additionally, all test results can be instantly analyzed, with results sent automatically to the district’s Student Information System.

EnvisionIT Legal
With Konica Minolta EnvisionIT Legal, legal professionals have the most innovative solutions and services designed to streamline legal data and record management. EnvisionIT Legal features existing Konica Minolta solutions as well as new features uniquely tailored to the demands of legal businesses. Highlights of EnvisionIT Legal include:

• Dispatcher Phoenix Legal – Raising the bar in document handling speed and simplicity, this Konica Minolta solution lets users accomplish the following task: route scanned documents automatically from bizhub MFPs or bizhub PRO production printers; use OCR to convert files to PDF formats (including PDF/a) for searchable text; and automate the process of adding Bates stamps, watermarks, multi-line annotations, notes, and redaction to protect sensitive information. With the Workflow Builder, rules-based workflows can be customized with drag-and-drop simplicity, and unique LiveFlo technology gives real-time views of workflow to identify bottlenecks and speed distribution.

EnvisionIT Healthcare
As healthcare providers continue to look for ways to improve patient care but also drive down costs, Konica Minolta EnvisionIT Healthcare offers the necessary solutions to save money and improve overall efficiency in any size healthcare environment. Highlights of EnvisionIT Healthcare include:

• Prism HealthFlow – Powered by a robust document and forms management system, HealthFlow improves workflow efficiency by eliminating paper-based forms, while providing an integrated and low-cost document management solution for healthcare facilities. Administrators can create an endless range of e-Forms and e-Documents dynamically. HealthFlow was designed to streamline workflow while keeping patient records secure.
• NSI Autostore for Healthcare – NSI Autostore streamlines workflow by providing healthcare administrators the ability to press a single button on the control panel of a bizhub MFP and automatically scan prescriptions to pharmacies or directly to electronic medical record applications. This advanced capability results in the reduction of transmission errors, lowers costs, and assists healthcare facilities in providing more timely and efficient services to their patients.

Konica Minolta Unveils New Products for 2012-01-20

Jan. 16 – Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. is launching new bizhub MFPs and supporting solutions to complement the existing document management technologies and that reportedly enable more seamless workflow efficiency for customers of all sizes. The new technologies being announced today include:

• INFO-Palette Design – Konica Minolta’s new bizhub MFP control panel interface is a big, bright 9″ color touch screen that makes information visible from any angle. Users have high-resolution previewing of color documents and the intuitive “touch & swipe” interface works similar to modern mobile devices. Simplified menus reduce the number of steps in every command sequence and customizable icons reflect the most used functions.
• bizhub C754/C654 – The first MFP with INFO-Palette design, the bizhub C754/C654 series promises fast output speeds of up to 60 ppm color, 75 ppm B&W (C754) and 60 ppm color, 65 ppm B&W (C654) to handle rising workloads with ease. Standard Dual Scanning, powerful finishing options and spectacular high-impact color enable an unsurpassed range of printing capabilities without compromising speed or quality.
• bizhub 42/36 – A total document solution, the bizhub 42 and 36 provide fast, high-resolution monochrome prints and copies of B&W or color originals at one of the lowest cost-per-page rates in their class. Handling paper sizes up to 8-1/2” x 11” letter and 8-1/2” x 14” legal, with auto duplexing and internal finishing options for stapling and sorting and enhanced security and environmental protection, the bizhub 42 and 36 offers overall enhanced workflow productivity.
• Pagescope Mobile Version 2.0 – The new version of PageScope Mobile offers a more secure printing environment through bizhub MFP authentication, and the ability to track and manage print volumes. New features include connectivity to Google Docs for downloading or uploading data to and from a mobile device to Konica Minolta bizhub MFPs, expanded file support and connectivity with newly introduced bizhub C754/C654 and bizhub 42/36 Series.
• SL 1000 Digital Film Scanner – A powerful and compact scanning solution developed to offer an advanced digital workflow for legacy energy-consuming analog equipment, the SL 1000 Digital Scanner is designed to meet the needs of the sophisticated experienced user and simple enough for any novice user. The SL1000 supports versatile microforms and comes standard with SL-Touch software.
• Total Konica Minolta Technology Solution – Offering a complete color solution for commercial printers, the Total Konica Minolta Technology Solution highlights the depth of Konica Minolta’s suite of color solutions including: award-winning production print color PRESS devices (C8000/C7000/C6000/C6000L); a Konica Minolta developed Spectrodensitometer for measuring color accurately (FD-5); Konica Minolta’s own controller (IC-601) and color management software (Color Care); and industry First G7 Certified.

Al Scibetta and Dan Doyle, Sr. Honored by Konica Minolta

Jan. 17 – Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. has announce that Al Scibetta, president, at Copier Fax Business Technologies in Buffalo, NY has been selected for the 2011 Konica Minolta Dealer Award of Excellence. Konica Minolta also presented Dan Doyle, Sr., founding chairman, DEX Imaging, Inc. in Tampa, FL with the 2011 Konica Minolta Dealer Lifetime Achievement Award.

Recognized not only for charitable activities and social responsibility, but also for efforts toward building long-term relationships and loyalty with employees, Scibetta earns this year’s Award of Excellence from Konica Minolta’s U.S. dealer channel. As part of giving back to dedicated employees and loyal customers, he hosts a variety of events each year including an annual golf outing and group trips to hockey and baseball games. Copier Fax Business Technologies also aims to maximize efficiency while minimizing environmental impact by making every effort to be green throughout all business processes.

With a long and distinguished career as a pioneer in the office imaging industry, Dan Doyle, Sr. receives Konica Minolta’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his ongoing commitment to the industry. As a founder of Danka Business Systems, Dan led the company to become the world’s second largest office equipment and service organization with annual revenues exceeding $3.5 billion. Dan and his son currently run DEX Imaging, one of the largest office technology dealers in the south. Dan and the entire company are actively involved in local schools and hospitals, and they are constantly donating their time and resources to other local charitable organizations. Dan receives this award for being an innovator and model businessman in the industry.

Photizo Group Acquires Lyra Research

Jan. 10 – The imaging industry’s largest dedicated team of analysts was created today, as Photizo Group announced its acquisition of Lyra Research. According to a press announcement the acquisition unites the two market leaders, creating the broadest, most comprehensive line of market intelligence and consulting services in the imaging industry to date.

“We’ve worked hard to develop our reputation as thought leader in the rapidly-evolving managed document services market space,” said Ed Crowley, CEO and founder of Photizo Group. “Lyra’s twenty-year history of providing our industry with thoughtful, in-depth analysis of imaging companies and their products makes them the perfect addition. Clients of both firms will see a vastly enhanced level of value from the new combined company.” Crowley will continue as CEO of the new entity.

Lyra Research is a major provider of market, product and technology information and analysis. Both firms focus on the print and imaging markets. The new organization will continue to operate from existing offices, with headquarters located in Midway, Kentucky.

“Over the past couple of years, several industry clients and contacts actually suggested the idea of our companies getting together, with the goal of offering a more complete slate of services and broader industry focus. We are very excited to now bring this idea to fruition with the union of our two companies,” said Frank Stefansson, CEO and Executive Vice President of Lyra Research. He will become Chief Operating Officer of the combined organization.

Photizo Group and Lyra have cooperated on several projects in the past, and currently, the only overlap is in their client base. However, Photizo and Lyra have typically worked with different groups within an account. Current client contracts will be fulfilled and met with additional capabilities and services.

“Clients will benefit from enhanced capabilities in terms of forecasting, consulting, research, competitive analysis and publications. The combination of these companies creates a very comprehensive view of the market—from hardware to supplies to services and document management. We can provide a full view of the industry and its future to clients,” says Charles LeCompte, Founder and President of Lyra Research. LeCompte will continue to play an active role in the company as a senior analyst and spokesman.

Other details about the acquisition:

• Each organization will keep its brands intact and associated with its respective products.
• There is significant value in the Hard Copy Observer brand, and it will be leveraged across all media to provide a complete view of the imaging market.
• Photizo Group’s conferences as well as Lyra’s Imaging Symposium will remain intact, and the companies will evaluate the best way to approach the conferences as a single entity in 2013.

Nine Devices Earn BLI Outstanding Achievement Awards for Energy Efficiency  

January 10 – Buyers Laboratory LLC has awarded “Outstanding Achievement” accolades to the most energy-efficient models tested in the past six months, with honors going to models from Brother, Canon, HP and Ricoh. The winners exhibited significantly lower than average energy consumption for their respective groups and offer a variety of environmentally friendly features to help users reduce their overall environmental impact. After analyzing the results for the top performers in a range of printer and MFP categories, BLI awarded Winter 2012 “Outstanding Achievement” awards to the following products: Ricoh Aficio MP C2051 (also sold as the Lanier LD620C and the Savin C9120); Ricoh Aficio MP C3501 (also sold as the Lanier LD635C and the Savin C9135); Ricoh Aficio MP C4501 Series (also sold as the Lanier LD645C/LD645CA and the Savin C9145/C9145A); and Ricoh Aficio MP C300SR (also sold as the Lanier LD130CSR and the Savin C230SR).

Canon products earning Outstanding Achievement Awards include the Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE C2020 and Canon imageCLASS D550. Outstanding Achievement Awards were also presented to HP for the HP Officejet Pro 8100 ePrinter and HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus/Premium e-All-in-One Series. In addition Brother International Corporation’s

HL-4570CDW/HL-4570CDWT also was honored with an Outstanding Achievement Award.

Buyers Laboratory Recognizes Samsung’s Easy Eco Driver

January 10 – Buyers Laboratory LLC has honored Samsung Electronics America with an “Outstanding Achievement” award for its Easy Eco Driver. BLI’s “Outstanding Achievement” awards annually acknowledge those products that bring capabilities to the office imaging market that stand out for their extraordinary ingenuity, usefulness, energy efficiency or value. Winning an Outstanding Achievement award for its Easy Eco Driver, Samsung lets users of its printers and MFPs save toner (and money) by removing text and/or images or reducing the density of output before printing, all without changing the original document.

“While many companies offer a toner-save mode or some random eco features in their drivers, Samsung takes the environmentally friendly driver to the next level,” says Marlene Orr, BLI senior analyst for printers and A4 MFPs. “In our internal testing, we found it incredibly simple to save toner and lower TCO. We found printing a particular document on a low-end MFP using the delete image feature resulted in a toner yield that was about double the yield obtained using the default driver. The Easy Eco Driver can differentiate between text and images in the print preview, so users just have to check a box to remove images or remove text. They can also change the font to further conserve toner. And because the cartridge lasts longer, less waste is generated over the printer’s lifetime, which benefits the environment while saving money.”

Epson Announces Artisan 1430 Wide-Format Printer

Jan. 9 – Epson America, Inc. has introduced the Epson Artisan 1430 wide-format printer. Offering what Epson calls Ultra Hi-Definition prints as large as 13 x 19-inches, wireless networking and mobile printing, the Artisan 1430 is designed for photo enthusiasts and professionals. The Artisan 1430 delivers professional quality photos by leveraging Epson’s Advanced MicroPiezo print head with DX5 technology for accurate ink placement, smooth gradations and amazing skin tones, according to Epson. It offers Wi-Fi CERTIFIED nwireless networking to share the printer with anyone on the network – as well as Epson iPrint app – to print and share from a smartphone, iPhone, tablet or other device. It prints on a host of popular borderless sizes, including 4 x6, 13×19, and 12×12-inches. The Epson Artisan 1430 ($299.99) will be available in February through major computer, office and electronic superstores, a variety of retail stores nationwide and Epson’s retail site, www.epsonstore.com.

FlexPrint, Inc. Names 2011 Fantastic Five -Employees of the Year

 Jan. 9 – FlexPrint, Inc., a provider of managed print services and document management, has announced the “Fantastic Five” Employees of the Year Awards, which was presented at their annual meeting held at The Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Kevin Schoenfeld, Deanna Gonzalez, Matt Lange, Alex Rios, and Colleen Collins were all recipients of this year’s awards. Each of these Fantastic Five employees received an award of having either their rent/mortgage or a child’s college education paid for a full year!

The Fantastic Five Awards were given to five employees who provided exceptional customer service, and were nominated by their peers throughout the year, whom best exemplified FlexPrint’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

“We are extremely proud to have these Fantastic Five winners on our staff and would like to extend our sincerest thank you for all they have contributed to the FlexPrint family,” explains Frank Gaspari, CEO for FlexPrint, Inc. “It’s no secret, our employees are FlexPrint’s number one asset that helps us keep a strong focus on our customers, and we like to recognize and reward those that have helped us keep our customers front and center. Happy employees equates to superior customer service, which is what differentiates FlexPrint, Inc. in the managed services arena.”

 BTA Southeast to Host Winter Break 2012 Feb. 10-11 in Orlando

Jan. 4  – On Feb. 10-11, 2012, the Business Technology Association’s (BTA) Southeast district will host Winter Break 2012 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla. This annual event will feature a keynote presentation by Marty Canning, president of Imaging Solutions and Services, Lexmark International Inc. There will also be five additional education sessions presented by industry leaders providing insight and strategies that can help any office technology dealership reach new heights, as well as a round-table discussion that will allow attendees to discuss “hot topics” in the industry.

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 25 exhibiting sponsors, many of which will hold drawings for great prizes during the event. Dealer attendees can also enter on-site for a chance to win a $500 American Express gift card from BTA Southeast. To wrap up the event, attendees will travel to the Epcot theme part for an afternoon and evening to enjoy the rides and attractions.

The event begins at 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 10, with Canning’s keynote, “Understanding Your Customer: Output Strategies.” This keynote presentation will focus on how dealers can be more profitable. Profitability stems from true differentiation. Recognizing the differences between centralized, decentralized and distributed output strategies allows dealers to position themselves for a sustainable selling model. Additionally, the power of workflow solutions and managed services (print, network and document life cycle) will continue to play a critical role in defining a long-term relationship between dealer and customer. Output strategies form the road map for dealership growth and customer satisfaction.

Three education sessions will follow the keynote, with time for breaks to visit exhibitor tables. Lunch will be provided. Following the final education session of the day, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a round-table discussion that will focus on the industry’s “hot topics.”

A welcoming reception will follow the round-table discussion from 5 to 7 p.m., giving attendees time to network with peers and visit with exhibiting sponsors.

The second day will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, with the final two education sessions. There will also be breaks with time to visit exhibiting sponsor tables. Lunch will be held from noon until 1:30 p.m., when attendees will depart the hotel for the Epcot theme park.

The education sessions over the two-day event: “Recruiting & Selecting Sales Reps for MS & MPS,” with Rich Sissen, Sissen & Associates; “Service Challenges Every Dealer Faces,” with Ken Staubitz, Strategy Development; “Aftermarkets: The Untapped Resource,” with Melissa D. Whitaker, Melissa Whitaker International; “The Rise of Social Media in Business,” with Martin Perry, in2communications Inc.; and “What’s on the Horizon for BTA Dealers in 2012: It Isn’t Just MFPs & Printers Anymore,” with Keith Kmetz, IDC.

Preceding the Winter Break 2012 event on Feb. 8-9, BTA and Strategy Development (www.strategydevelopment.com) will offer BTA Service Management University (SMU) as the front-runner education workshop. Attendees of BTA SMU will receive free registration to Winter Break 2012. For more information, visit www.bta.org/SMU.

Exhibiting Winter Break 2012 sponsors include: BEI Services, CAPSYS, Color Imaging, Compass Sales Solutions, Crawford Thomas, Densi, Diversified Computer Supplies, DocuWare, EDA, Epson, ESP (Breaks Sponsor), Evolved Office, Falcon Technology Solutions, GreatAmerica Leasing Corp., Image Star, InkCycle, Katun, LEAF, Lexmark, MSE, Muratec, N-able, NA Trading and Technology, OKI Data Americas, Prism Pointe Technologies, SalesChain, Smart Power Systems and Square 9 (Lunch Sponsor).

BTA member registration for Winter Break 2012 is $159, which includes the Friday and Saturday education sessions and round-table discussion, Friday welcoming reception, Friday and Saturday lunch, and Epcot ticket. Registration for an additional attendee from the same dealership is $129. Non-member registration is $209. Those dealers who register by Jan. 15 will receive a $50 cash rebate onsite in Orlando.

For more information, including full session descriptions and the registration form for the event, visit www.bta.org/BTASoutheastEvent.

Prosperity Plus Now Offers a Wide Range of Affordable Promotional Services

Jan. 3 – Prosperity Plus Management Consulting, Inc. is broadening its service menu in 2012 with a suite of new marketing programs designed to help dealers expand their business and generate revenue among new prospects. The New York-based consulting group said it will provide agency-level services including advertising, public relations (news releases, success stories), promotional communications (direct mail, email, newsletters), and graphic design for sales kits, brochures, postcards, Websites and more.

As part of its new marketing services launch, Prosperity Plus is offering dealerships a free marketing analysis. That includes an evaluation of the dealership’s current promotional material along with tactical recommendations for short- and long-term marketing. Dealerships interested in more info may contact Prosperity Plus directly at 631-382-7762 or email info@prosperityplus.com.

Infincom Recognized for Excellence in Workplace Flexibility

Jan. 3 – For the second consecutive year, Infincom, a local woman-owned office technology company has been awarded the 2011 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility.

The prestigious Sloan Award honors employers across the nation that effectively use workplace flexibility to meet both organizational and employee goals. Over 700 applicants of all sizes and industry sectors were evaluated in a rigorous two-step process, including confidential surveying of employees, and only 26 Arizona companies earned this distinction.

“We have always been committed to creating a culture that extends beyond the workplace norm,” said Tiffany Bucher, president of Infincom. “As a business owner, I count on our employees every day. I believe that a well-balanced work environment provides the foundation for our employees to be the best they can be, to be positively engaged in their daily work because they are working more intelligently and with fewer distractions. This award is especially meaningful to us because it reflects our core values. We are thrilled!”

The Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility are part of When Work Works, a national project to educate the business community on the value of workplace effectiveness and flexibility. It is an ongoing initiative of the Families and Work Institute (FWI) first funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. In 2011, the Society for Human Resource Management and FWI formed a multi-year partnership to grow When Work Works and help businesses become more successful by transforming the way they view and adopt effective and flexible workplaces.

Canon Releases uniFLOW Version 5.1 Print Management Software

Jan. 3 –  Canon U.S.A., Inc. has announced the availability of uniFLOW Version 5.1 (v5.1) print management software. uniFLOW v5.1 offers businesses the ability to consolidate enterprise output management in a single, unified platform, including device management, print management, and scanning while expanding uniFLOW’s capabilities to smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices. uniFLOW v5.1 also eliminates the need for customers to use multiple tools to maximize output management capabilities while enhancing device management and information security capabilities to streamline Managed Document Services deployments and enable businesses of all sizes to securely link mobile workers, contractors and even guests to their print network.

With an increased emphasis on mobile print technology, uniFLOW v5.1 offers support for Internet-enabled mobile devices allowing jobs to be easily printed from smartphones and tablets via multifunction products (MFPs) and single function printers. In addition, organizations can now enable their employees, guests and mobile staff to print directly from their mobile devices while controlling the release of the print output to networked devices. This level of functionality is enabled as part of an organization’s managed print infrastructure, allowing for the retention of full cost-control, print and network security while also facilitating the creation of potential revenue-making opportunities from onsite mobile printing services (e.g. airport business lounges, universities and hotels).

To extend third-party device support, uniFLOW v5.1 features embedded applets for Konica Minolta devices. This applet provides secure printing capability when configured with the uniFLOW server. In addition to the Konica Minolta applet, NT-ware has previously developed applets for HP and Xerox devices. uniFLOW v5.1 is available through Canon Authorized Dealers, Canon Business Solutions and Océ North America.

Ricoh Releases New Round of Aficios

Dec. 27 – Ricoh Americas Corporation has unveiled a new generation of digital imaging systems that reportedly offer versatile multifunction performance, innovative security and advanced mobility capabilities in an attractive, space-saving design. The Ricoh Aficio MP 2352/MP 2852/MP 3352 A3 monochrome platform, ranging in speed from 23 to 33 ppm, offers a range of scan/copy/print/fax configurations in what Ricoh says are “smaller-than-ever dimensions.” The new “I”-style design – cube-shaped in neutral grays has a footprint of 23 x 26 inches.

To accommodate increasing numbers of mobile workers, the MP 2352/MP 2852/MP 3352 introduces optional walk-up mobility features. Users can Scan-to/Print-from a USB thumb drive or SD card for many file formats, including PDF, JPEG and TIFF. Alternatively, Ricoh’s optional HotSpot printing application can support mobile printing from most Internet-enabled devices.

The MP 2352/MP 2852/MP 3352 system is Ricoh’s first A3 monochrome solution with optional internal finishing, making it capable of auto duplexing, collating and stapling sets of up to 11 inches by 17 inches without increasing the system’s footprint. To help organizations streamline document workflow, every unit includes a license to Ricoh’s Personal Paperless Document Manager (PPDM) software, an innovative productivity tool that converts scanned paper documents into searchable, editable electronic files. For improved security of sensitive corporate information, the new platform comes standard with DataOverwriteSecurity System (DOSS) and Hard Disk Drive (HDD) encryption capabilities.

As part of Ricoh’s commitment toward environmental sustainability, the platform improves its TEC values over its predecessor, meeting ENERGY STAR qualification and offers a quick recovery time with less than 10 seconds (SP models).

The MP 2352/MP 2852/MP 3352 starts at $4,780 MSRP. The copy/print/scan configurations include a 50-Sheet ARDF, 1 GB of RAM, a 120 GB hard drive for storage, a Java VM card for developing customized applications, and one PPDM activation license.

FlexPrint Inc. Named One of Best Places to Work in the Valley

Dec 19, 2011 – FlexPrint Inc., (www.flexprintinc.com), a national provider of document management and managed print solutions, has been named 2011 Best Places to Work in the Valley by the Phoenix Business Journal. This marks the fourth year FlexPrint has made the publication’s annual list in the small business category. 

“Being named one of the Best Places to Work speaks highly of the special culture we have created at FlexPrint,” says Frank Gaspari, CEO and founder of FlexPrint. “We recognize that our employees are the driving force behind our success. That said, we spend a lot of time and resources dedicated to rewarding and retaining our talented team.”

 The Phoenix Business Journal’s Best Places to Work program highlights Valley companies with great workplace practices whose operations are changing the business landscape. Organizations were ranked based on employee participation in a survey conducted by research partner, Quantum Workplace. The list awards more than 100 organizations each year in the categories of Micro, Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large.

“I’m proud of the culture and the incentive programs we’ve been able to establish,” Gaspari adds. “The environment fosters hard work, respect and results. It’s a foundation that has made all the difference in the company’s recent growth and success.”

The Best Places to Work honor is just one of several awards the company received this year. In March, imageSource Magazine awarded FlexPrint a Perfect Image Award for Most Outstanding MPS Program. In July, Arizona Business Magazine and BestCompaniesAZ named FlexPrint one of Arizona’s Most Admired Companies. In August, FlexPrint was named one of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies by Inc. Magazine’s 500|5000 list for the second consecutive year. And in October, The Week in Imaging named FlexPrint an Elite Dealer.

DocuLex Introduces Cloud Document Management Solution for Real Estate

Dec. 15 – DocuLex Inc. has announced that it has created a customized, hosted document management solution for the real estate industry. The hosted solution by DocuLex offers real estate professionals a way to capture all paper documents in real time and upload them to a remote location for instant electronic archival, management and retrieval – for up to seven years or the state’s required retention period. This solution can also manage all existing and new electronic files, including email, in addition to the scanned paper documents. The service is reportedly easy to use and does not require any technical expertise to learn. In addition to the secure, Web-based hosted document management service, DocuLex also offers a free document scanner to adopters that may not already have one of their own for the initial capture of the incoming paper.

Panasonic Unveils Value-Priced A4 MFPs

Dec. 15 – Panasonic System Networks Company of America has introduced the KX-MB1500 series of value-priced A4-format MFPs. Offering monochrome laser printing and copying, full-color scan to PC, and paper/paperless faxing, the KX-MB1500 and KX-MB1520 share a slimmed-and-trimmed form factor that reduces the space and volume needed for installation and operation by approximately 25 and 40 percent respectively, according to Panasonic.

Both the KX-MB1500 and the step-up KX-MB1520 are highlighted by a reduced-size print engine, an inner paper-exit tray, front-panel access to consumables such as toner and paper, and a side-mounted power connector. Taken together, these features deliver a lightweight (20lb.), small footprint, all-in-one device which can be installed flat against a wall on a crowded desk, or upon a shelf, bookcase, or file cabinet.

Using Panasonic’s proprietary Easy Print Utility, a no-cost software bundled with each KX-MB1500/1520, end users sitting at their PCs can merge files created in different applications into a single print job, rearrange the order of pages immediately prior to sending them to the print queue, and instantly reformat the whole document to print multiple pages (up to 16) on a single sheet of paper. They can also add headers, footers and/or watermarks to their pages before deciding whether to send the job directly to the printer or output it as a PDF file.

Featuring a wide reduction/enlargement range of 25-to-400 percent in one-percent increments, the KX-MB1500/1520 offers Quick ID copying of both sides of small items like driver’s licenses and business cards onto one side of a single sheet of paper. Quick ID copy reduces paper consumption and simplifies information management.

Both KX-MB1500 series models also feature Panasonic’s four-mode, four-format scanning system. After positioning a document to be scanned on the platen, all the operator has to do is select Viewer, File, Email or OCRon the unit’s control panel and start scanning. Once the scan is completed, the document will automatically open in the appropriate PC application. For maximum flexibility, KX-MB1500-series MFPs support scanning in TIFF, JPEG, PDF and BMP formats.

Exclusive features on the KX-MB1520 include 33.6Kbps faxing via direct phone line connection, paperless fax sending and receiving via a USB-connected PC, fax/telephone switch, 100-entry phone book, and an integrated speaker phone for voice communications with fax recipients. The KX-MB1500 costs $124.95 and the KX-MB1520, $149.95

GreatAmerica to Host MPS Navigator Business Planning Session in Costa Mesa, Calif., Jan. 10-11

Dec. 13 – GreatAmerica Leasing Corporation will host a Managed Print Services (MPS) Navigator Executive Team Business Planning session on January 10-11, 2011 in Costa Mesa, California. The Navigator training program includes planning, implementing and growing an equipment dealer’s business with MPS.

“MPS continues to be an opportunity for our customers,” says Jennie Fisher, senior vice president and general manager of the GreatAmerica Office Equipment Group. “We understand the challenges involved in implementing a successful MPS solution, ranging from business model and operational structure development to compensation plans and account management. The Navigator Business Planning session employs proven processes and tools to help dealers overcome implementation challenges.

The one and a half day session guides executive teams through the step-by-step development of a business model and operational structure, which includes the selection of MPS infrastructure resources, marketing strategies, sales force engagement, and compensation. Dealer executive teams work collaboratively and in break-out sessions to reach key decisions and document them in the take-home Navigator Training Manual and Resource Glossary. The session is facilitated by Steven Power of Sales & Marketing Solutions International.

Session fees are bundled to accommodate three MPS decision makers from each dealer or reseller. The President / Owner, Chief Financial Officer, and Sales Manager are recommended to attend. Additional staff members such as the service manager, , sales, or operational managers can also be included. The next session will be held at the Westin South Coast Plaza, in Costa Mesa, California on January 10-11, 2012. A discount is being offered for registrations completed by December 19, 2011. For additional information contact GreatAmerica at (800) 261-4087 or go to www.greatamerica.com/Navigator.

Sharp Announces New President

Dec. 8 – Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, has announced that Doug Albregts has joined the company’s Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) as president. In his position, Mr. Albregts is responsible for directing the strategic growth and profitability of Sharp’s Business to Business (B2B) operations by increasing sales via channel and resellers, expanding market share and maintaining high levels of quality and innovation.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Doug Albregts’ skill set and industry experience join our organization and lead our business solutions strategy forward,” says Kozo Takahashi, CEO & Chairman of the Board, Sharp Electronics Corporation. “We are looking to Doug to successfully expand our engagement with customers, resellers and developers and take advantage of the market opportunities ahead. His customer focus, deep leadership capabilities and decisiveness will be true assets to SIICA.”

Doug Albregts brings vast experience in the B2B sector and a successful track record of developing sales and executing growth within the electronics industry. Most recently he was the vice president and general manager of the global prepaid and enterprise growth division at American Express. Prior to that, he held the position of vice president, enterprise business division, for Samsung. In that role, Albregts was responsible for strategy and development of the B2B and B2C growth initiatives as well as marketing and sales organizations. Albregts also held the position of vice president, general manager at Canvys, a division of Richardson Electronics, where he oversaw all aspects of the global division. Albregts began his career in the electronics industry at NEC. During his 12-year tenure with NEC, Albregts served in both marketing and sales positions culminating as senior vice president, sales, marketing and business development for both the commercial and consumer market segments.  

Print Audit Releases Print Audit 6

Dec. 8 – Print Audit has released the latest version of its flagship software, Print Audit 6. This release offers users many improvements to the program’s core tracking and reporting functions, including enhancements to the software’s integration and tracking with Adobe products.

Print Audit 6 is a suite of print management tools used on over 600,000 workstations worldwide to uncover printing inefficiencies, enforce printing rules, and recover expenses from clients or users. Comprised of three components called Analysis, Rules and Recovery, the software can be purchased in a variety of configurations depending on the needs of an organization.

For more information on the improvements in this release and to download the update, visit: www.printaudit.com/software-updates.asp?id=1

Strategy Development Launches New MPS Sales Training

Dec. 6 – Strategy Development has created a new MPS training program comprised of a basic MPS sales class, suitable for any sales professional in the industry today as well as any member of management, and an advanced MPS sales class.  

The two-day basic class, Fundamentals of MPS Sales, will cover the MPS sales process for both small, fewer than 25 devices, and mid-sized, 50-250 devices, companies. A dealership’s sales team will learn the proper contact level and value proposition based on company size; how to get an appointment at the correct level; how to identify the areas of pain associated with the print environment based on company size; how to conduct an effective and efficient assessment to support the business case for a change; how to price a transaction, both outsourced and equipment led; and how to present a winning proposal.  

The one-day Advanced MPS Sales class will focus solely on the quarterly business review (QBR), a process Strategy Development introduced to the MPS community.  With proper execution of the QBR you will consistently gain share of wallet within your customers’ accounts.

“A lot has changed over the last six years in the MPS space,” states Tom Callinan, managing principal of Strategy Development.  “When we first started consulting in this space very few customers had ever heard the term MPS, so the sales professionals’ goal was to educate the prospect on how MPS could benefit their organization, and most of the MPS industry players were focused on mid- to large-size companies.”  

The Fundamentals of MPS Sales class will equip sales professionals with the tools they need to be successful in MPS and be successful at taking customers from your competitors, according to Callinan.  Once a dealership starts to grow their portfolio of mid-sized MPS customers, the Advanced MPS Sales class will demonstrate how to continue to gain share of wallet within those customers’ accounts.  

Both classes will use a case study approach that makes it simple for sales professionals to “connect the dots” when they return to the office and start selling.  Each class participant will have worked on real-world examples of assessing, pricing, and proposing MPS agreements. 

To make it convenient to attend the MPS Sales education the classes will run back-to-back. The inaugural Fundamentals of MPS Sales and Advanced MPS Sales classes will be held at Trump Las Vegas on February 7-9, 2012.  Participants can enroll in either class separately, or they can enroll in both classes for a discounted rate.  The Fundamentals of MPS Sales will run February 7-8 and the Advanced MPS Sales class will be held on February 9th.  These classes can also be held at a dealership’s location for larger groups.

For more information or to register, please either visit www.bta.org/MPSSales or contact Tom Callinan at callinan@strategydevelopment.com or at (610) 527-3317.

Print Audit Assessor Helps Dealers Maximize Profits with Over 1800 Organizations

Dec. 1 – Many dealers consider the Print Audit Assessor a key part of their managed print services strategy, and since the release of Print Audit 6, dealers have used the Assessor in over 1800 organizations worldwide, according to Print Audit. The assessment software has been used in a variety of industries with the top being education, law, manufacturing, healthcare, government agencies and engineering/architecture firms.

Based on Print Audit 6 software, the Assessor is a tool exclusively built to enable dealers to run a comprehensive assessment in their customer’s print environment for up to 60 days. The Assessor is able to track 100 percent of print jobs to local, networked and direct-to-IP devices.

Unlike other assessment tools, which primarily monitor total print volumes, the Assessor tracks 35 fields of information about each print job. For example, the software tracks who printed, the application, printer, number of pages, color information, document name and more. Once an assessment is complete, dealers can generate powerful reports that reveal printing inefficiencies and bottlenecks. This data can be used to analyze volumes and create specific proposals related to their customer’s unique needs.

Print Audit has designed the Assessor pricing to be easy and risk-free for its dealers so they can close deals faster and sell more hardware. The print management company offers a 100 percent money-back guarantee if the Assessor does not lead to a sale and will also issue a new license that will enable the dealer to conduct another assessment for free if the customer purchases Print Audit 6.

For more information on the Print Audit Assessor, please visit: www.printaudit.com/assessor.asp