Following are the big and small news stories for the month of March.
etfile Brings Content Management to Reseller Channel
March 26, 2013 –Taking distribution of its premier content and workflow management solutions one step further, etfile today launched a new sales engagement program to bring its solution to the reseller channel. The etfile-ENGAGED (E2) Partner Program is built on years of engagement with customers and partners to help resellers recognize new recurring revenue streams with the power of etfile.
etfile’s flagship product is a modular suite of capture, distribution, process management, and integration tools. The portfolio includes scalable client/server and cloud-based content management and automated workflow for enterprises and small-to-medium businesses across all industries. Helping organizations harness the power and ease-of-use of cloud for Web-based file sharing, online collaboration, automated workflows, and advanced analytics – etfile’s strategic partnerships with leading automation vendors ensure solutions are in full compliance with the latest industry standards for compatibility and security.
etfile E2 is based on real-world engagement with the channel. The program addresses the most difficult challenges facing ECM channel sales, offering resellers the technology and support to grow their business, drive customer satisfaction, and maximize profitability.
According to the company, etfile E2 program benefits include:
Recurring and Up-Front Revenue: etfile’s subscription model helps partners build an annuity over time with every client as well as get up-front money with every sale.
Investment Protection: Registration program guarantees resellers close deals without worrying over channel conflict.
Revenue Tracking: etfileE2 keeps track of contracts and renewals eliminating revenue gaps and updating resellers on current customer transactions.
Channel Tested: E2 is based on years of experience listening to how the channel addresses complex selling challenges, offering unmatched content management technology – backed by education and support necessary – to build business.
Based on partner guidance and support, etfileE2 is offered in four, tiers-based customer commitment levels, including: E2 Referral, E2 Silver, E2Gold, and E2Platinum. To become a member of etfile-ENGAGED, please visit http://www.etfile.com/partners.html .
DPOE names Jessica Talbot Marketing Coordinator
March 26, 2013 – Des Plaines Office Equipment (www.dpoe.com), a provider of office equipment solutions and technology in the Chicago area since 1955, has named Jessica Talbot of Elgin to the position of marketing coordinator. In this role, she is responsible for the company’s social media campaign, as well as blogs and newsletters, as well as the training of new sales representatives on the company’s database. Prior to joining DPOE, she was affiliated with the Comfort Inn Rochelle, where she was part of their sales and marketing team.
Preton Adds Enhanced Page Coverage Analysis for Improved MPS Pricing
March 18, 2013 – Preton, a provider of printing cost reduction software, has announced that the company has added enhanced page coverage analysis features in the new version of its PretonSaver software. The enhanced page coverage analysis features in the new version of PretonSaver calculate the exact amount of color and monochrome toner that is used for each printed page.
Managed Print Service (MPS) providers can use PretonSaver’s page coverage analysis features to improve their color printing pricing strategies. By calculating the exact amount of color toner that is used in each printed page, PretonSavor now enables MPS providers to define page coverage thresholds and offer multi-tiered pricing for color print jobs. The ability to offer scaled pricing for color printing can benefit an MPS provider with an essential competitive advantage, especially during initial contract negotiations.
PretonSaver reportedly optimizes the amount of toner consumed during the printing process by utilizing Preton’s core Pixel Optimizer technology, which intelligently identifies and removes overlapping and other unnecessary pixels. PretonSaver reduces toner consumption without visibly impacting output quality or interfering with end user processes. PretonSaver also provides a set of user-focused reporting data and includes extensive print policy enforcement capabilities for further reducing toner consumption and lowering paper usage.
Digital Gateway Adds Barrister to List of Industry-Leading Partner Integrations
March 20, 2013 – Digital Gateway, Inc., a subsidiary of ECi Software Solutions, has announced the integration between Barrister Global Services Network, Inc. and DGI’s e-automate software that is designed to help e-automate dealers transfer service call information to the Barrister network of field technicians.
Barrister is one of the nation’s largest service companies with more than 13,000 field technicians located across the U.S. and Canada. Barrister aims to provide nationwide printer service capabilities by installing, uninstalling, and providing repair service on behalf of independent dealers.
The integrated solution with e-automate allows Barrister to receive service call information from the e-automate system. With just a few clicks, a dealer can email the service call information to Barrister without leaving e-automate. This integration provides for a more automated and accurate communication between dealers using e-automate and Barrister.
Office Products Recycling Associates Launches New Website
March 20, 2013 – Office Products Recycling Associates (OPRA), a broker of empty ink and toner cartridges as well as other small electronics has announced that it has launched a new Website with enhanced features, functionality, and content. Among the improvements made to OPRA’s site are an online PO processor that provides instant access to customer account details, an integrated loyalty points program, and instant access to payment and shipment tracking information. Also new is OPRA’s direct deposit option, which allows customer to receive payment even faster.
OPRA’s Website, accessible online at www.oprausa.com, is tied directly to OPRA’s back-end ERP system, giving visitors secure access to their account information. Additional features on the new oprausa.com include:
• Real Time Buyback Pricing
• Order Tracking and Purchase Receipts Reports
• Payment Updates
• Access to Direct Deposit
• Loyalty Reward Points Tracking
SAP Veteran Joins MWA Intelligence SAP Team
March 19, 2013 — MWA Intelligence (MWAi) and SAP Gold Partner have announced that SAP veteran Paul Gnewuch has joined the MWAi SAP team as an SAP Solutions Specialist. Paul brings to MWAi an extensive knowledge of SAP where he spent the last several years working with SAP Channel Partners for SAP. Paul also brings an in-depth understanding of the Imaging Channel with over 7 years of experience working with Canon Business Solutions and Arizona Office Technologies. In his new role, Paul will be instrumental in the deployment and implementation of the MWAi SAP Business One solution in the imaging channel.
Konica Minolta Launches New Color Book Scanner
March 19, 2013 – Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. has announced the availability of the Konica Minolta ScanDIVA Book Scanner. This book scanner reportedly makes it easy to scan books, bound volumes and oversized originals, fragile archival materials, artwork, maps, newspapers and even 3D objects in color with outstanding image quality. Tailored for the needs of a wide range of government, record keeping, legal, medical, library or museum business applications, the ScanDIVA features face up scanning, an exceptionally large scan area from 5.5″ x 8.5″ to 18″ x 24″ and a color scan speed of 6 seconds or less. Simple controls and automatic image correction improve fine-line reproduction and ensure evenly balanced image density, helping to bring out the full-color quality of scanned materials, according to a Konica Minolta press release. In addition, ScanDIVA features TWAIN driver support for scanning directly to popular applications, such as Adobe Photoshop.
When equipped with Konica Minolta’s Image DIVA software, ScanDIVA users have touch-screen control over all features, allowing them to select scan mode, preview the image and adjust exposure before printing to a networked printer, multifunctional product (MFP) or sending it directly to a user’s desktop or e-mail.
BTA Member Appreciation Reception to Take Place at 2013 ITEX
March 18, 2013 — The Business Technology Association (BTA; www.bta.org), along with Digital Gateway (a subsidiary of ECi Software Solutions), GreatAmerica Financial Services and Katun Corp., will host a reception for BTA members at the 2013 ITEX National Conference and Expo. The “BTA Member Appreciation Reception” will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, at the VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub at the Rio Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV.
BTA members may pick up an invitation during exhibit hours (11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at BTA booth #236 on April 17. Members who use the code B300D to register will receive $100 off of an All Access Pass or Main Conference Pass. Register atwww.itexshow.com. Visit www.bta.org/ITEXReception.
Global Imaging to Implement Digital Gateway’s e-automate System
March 18, 2013 – Digital Gateway, Inc., the leader in dealer management solutions for theindependent dealer community, today announced that Global Imaging Systems, Inc. (GIS) will be implementing Digital Gateway’s e-automate dealer management system throughout its facilities. GIS is a leading provider of business technology solutions and one of the largest in the United States. GIS has approximately 200 offices operating across 38 states and the District of Columbia.
sd|University to Hold Advanced Enterprise Selling Skills in Baltimore May 14-15
March 18, 2012 – sd|University, the advanced training division of Strategy Development, is conducting their Advanced Enterprise Selling Skills Workshop (AESS) on May 14-15, 2013 in Baltimore, MD. The Advanced Enterprise Selling Skills workshop will empower a dealer’s sales force to penetrate new accounts and develop additional business into existing accounts. Attendees will learn a methodic repeatable sales process, time and territory management, business acumen and decision-maker motivation, prospecting, questioning and listening skills, initial sales call and presentation skills, proposal writing fundamentals, proficiency in negotiation, account planning and customer retention, as well as about maintaining and expanding customer relationships.
This intensive, two-day program, designed by Strategy Development consultants, will be taught by Tom Callinan of Strategy Development. The last session was sold out and was met with rave reviews. Here’s what past attendees have said about the SD AESS:
For dealers who are an sd|University member company, this is one of the portfolio of educational experiences a sales team should attend. For those not enrolled in the tuition program, they can still attend Strategy Development’s education by enrolling for the individual classes.
All sd|University classes can also be held at a dealer’s location for larger groups. For more information on sd|University and how the tuition program works and how it stacks up against the competition please visit us at www.sd-university.com. Remember, you can still register for individual classes as well. For a list of all classes currently scheduled for sd|University please visit www.strategydevelopment.com/events.
For more information or to register, please contact Tom Callinan at callinan@strategydevelopment.com or at (610) 527-3317.
Preton Adds Enhanced Page Coverage Analysis for Improved MPS Pricing
March 18, 2013 – Preton, a provider of printing cost reduction software, has announced that the company has added enhanced page coverage analysis features in the new version of its PretonSaver software. The enhanced page coverage analysis features in the new version of PretonSaver calculate the exact amount of color and monochrome toner that is used for each printed page.
Managed Print Service (MPS) providers can use PretonSaver’s page coverage analysis features to improve their color printing pricing strategies. By calculating the exact amount of color toner that is used in each printed page, PretonSavor now enables MPS providers to define page coverage thresholds and offer multi-tiered pricing for color print jobs. The ability to offer scaled pricing for color printing can benefit an MPS provider with an essential competitive advantage, especially during initial contract negotiations.
PretonSaver reportedly optimizes the amount of toner consumed during the printing process by using Preton’s core Pixel Optimizer technology, which intelligently identifies and removes overlapping and other unnecessary pixels. PretonSaver reduces toner consumption without visibly impacting output quality or interfering with end user processes. PretonSaver also provides a robust set of user focused reporting data and includes extensive print policy enforcement capabilities for further reducing toner consumption and lowering paper usage, according to the company.
Renewed Gold Status for DocuWare
March 14, 2013 – Docuware has renewed its status as a Microsoft Gold Partner by meeting all criteria for the fifth time. DocuWare is one of Microsoft’s select partners, and in order to achieve its Gold Status again, the company had to fulfill the rigorous requirements of Microsoft’s partner program. This included proving technological expertise and documenting numerous successful customer references. In addition, tests were conducted to determine how the Document Management System (DMS) performs on Microsoft’s newest platforms. In return, DocuWare is able to tap into exclusive services from Microsoft to continue to develop its software solutions at the highest level. Customers benefit from the guarantee that core DocuWare technology is based on the highest standards and integrates easily into any existing Microsoft environment. In addition, Microsoft helps the DMS specialist within the framework of the Gold Partnership to provide the best possible support services to customers.
Toshiba Crowns Winner of Its Helpin the Helpers Technology Makeover Contest
March 15, 2013 — Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. with help from the general public has selected Grayslake, IL animal rescue and adoption center, Save-A-Pet, as the winner of its second annual Toshiba Helping the Helpers Technology Makeover contest. The Chicago-area charity was one of nearly 80 U.S. nonprofit organizations submitting a two-minute or less video – outlining its mission while articulating how the technology upgrade would benefit the organization – onto Toshiba’s corporate social responsibility Facebook portal, Toshiba for Good.
Save-A-Pet finished first over four other finalists in a nationwide vote that took place from Feb. 12 to March 10, and will receive a new technology upgrade totaling $102,000. The prize package consists of Toshiba products and services and includes two e-STUDIO multifunction printers, five all-in-one desktop computers, Protégé laptop, 50-inch LED HDTV, CAMILEO camcorder, two Excite tablets, telephone system, memory cards and 50 LED lights to better conserve energy and streamline operation costs for the nonprofit. Save-A-Pet also receives Toshiba’s award-winning Encompass Analysis, which will assist in optimizing their print fleet while providing a security assessment and green analysis.
Save-A-Pet provides a safe haven for abused, neglected, injured, lost, or potentially euthanized animals. The organization doesn’t place a limit on the amount of care it provides for an animal while providing rescued dogs and cats the greatest opportunity for a second chance. It is also one of the largest no-kill rescue centers in Lake County, Ill. and one of the few full-time operating adoption centers in the greater Northern Chicago area. As a result of the nonprofit organization’s efforts, more than 40,000 cats and dogs have been successfully adopted.
The contest’s four runners-up: Richmond, Calif.-based Bay Area Rescue Mission, Habilitat, located in Kaneohe, Hawaii, Woburn, Mass.-based NuPath, Inc. and Victim Assistance Program in Akron, Ohio will all receive new Toshiba technology products and services worth $31,000.
Artsyl Technologies and ImageTag Form Strategic Partnership
March 13, 2013 – Artsyl Technologies, Inc., a provider of data capture and document processing automation technologies, and ImageTag, Inc., a provider of transactional content management solutions for Microsoft Dynamics have agreed to a strategic partnership. Under the new partnership, Artsyl Technologies’ advanced capture solutions will be available to ImageTag customers running the KwikTag T3 platform through ImageTag’s global network of Value Added Resellers (VARs).
KwikTag’s Transactional Content Management platform delivers embedded document capture and retrieval plus automated workflow routing and approval within Microsoft Dynamics GP, NAV and AX– and via SharePoint, e-mail, mobile devices or KwikTag’s innovative Microsoft Silverlight Web interface for non-Dynamics users.
KwikTag’s extensible architecture easily document-enables any business process or application for greater efficiency and cost savings. Like KwikTag, Artsyl Technologies’ capture solutions are powerful and yet easy to install, configure and support, according to Artsyl. The combination of ease of use and value designed into Artsyl’s solutions makes them attractive to larger organizations and more affordable to smaller ones seeking to introduce a higher level of automation into their business processes. Artsyl’s commitment to the .NET development architecture makes the integration between Artsyl and KwikTag seamless, notes a company press release.
Ricoh Signs on as First Platinum Sponsor of Premier Imaging Conference, Transform Global
March 14, 2013— Photizo Group has announced that Ricoh Americas Corporation will be a Platinum sponsor of the Transform Global Conference, which will take place on May 6-9, 2013 in Scottsdale, AZ. Photizo’s Transform event is the premier conference for the imaging channel and draws a global audience.
Ricoh has a clear commitment to helping its channel partners successfully navigate the imaging industry—the company is a longstanding sponsor of the Transform conference series. Most recently, Ricoh was a Diamond sponsor of Transform 2012 Europe, which drew close to 350 attendees. Ricoh also recently signed a global contract to utilize Photizo Group’s Partner Transformation Series, which is a comprehensive transformation program designed for those who are serious about succeeding in MPS and strive for increased profitability, revenue, and organizational power.
Ricoh is sponsoring the keynote speaker, Ryan Estis, who will be presenting Passion on Purpose: Turning Corporate Culture into a Competitive Advantage. Estis is a business performance expert who helps companies and sellers effectively connect with their employees and customers. In addition, Ricoh Vice President of Strategic Marketing, Terri Campbell, will be on the executive panel at Transform. The executive panel brings industry leaders together, providing an opportunity to speak out on the future of business and managed print services and answer questions from the audience.
Transform Global provides attendees and sponsors with the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and receive cutting-edge education, diving beyond managed print services and into the future of imaging. The year 2013 marks the fifth anniversary of the Transform conference series, and the event will feature industry leaders, experts and analysts, end-user case studies, and channel success stories of transformation.
DPOE Names Goran Mandic Account Manager
March 12, 2013 – Des Plaines Office Equipment (DPOE), one of the Chicago area’s providers of office equipment solutions, has announced that Goran Mandic has been named as an account manager, operating from the company’s Elk Grove Village location. In this role, he will cultivate relationships with prospective customers, in addition to ensuring that current accounts are maintained up-to-date with new programs and technology offered by DPOE. Prior to joining DPOE, Mandic was a guest service supervisor at Northern Illinois University.
Level Platforms and DOCUWISE Extend Managed Print Capabilities for IT Service Providers
March 13, 2013 – Level Platforms, a provider of remote monitoring and management (RMM) software, has announced a technology integration with DOCUWISE, LLC that extends managed print and device discovery capabilities built-in to Managed Workplace to allow managed service providers (MSPs) to easily expand their managed print offering , differentiate their services, and drive additional revenues.
With this integration, Managed Workplace is the first RMM platform that enables MSPs to manage the entire print management ecosystem – including devices and automated supply ordering – from within a single dashboard. In just a few simple clicks, Level Platforms Partners can integrate managed print features in Managed Workplace, including proactive printer monitoring, remote control, automated delivery of manufacturer firmware updates, management of local print servers and network management, with the DOCUWISE PESO (Print Environment System Organizer) managed print fulfillment engine. As a result, MSPs can deliver deep remote management and diagnostics of printer fleets while broadening their offering by automating supply ordering, printer maintenance and remediation via DOCUWISE turn-key white label fulfillment services.
Managed Workplace’s single dashboard view provides MSPS with end-to-end insight into a client’s IT infrastructure, including deep printer monitoring and management that automatically discovers network printers and imaging devices and provides monitors and alerts on device status, paper jams and consumables supply issues. Advanced printer management capabilities also include the ability to automatically recycle a printer, provide direct remote control to a printer web console behind the firewall and push firmware updates to printers across multiple organizations anywhere in the world with Level Platforms comprehensive IT automation features. Integrating printer asset and alert data collected by Managed Workplace with the DOCUWISE PESO portal, MSPs can deliver profitable auto supply fulfillment, cost per copy and total-cost-of-ownership programs.
To learn more about the DOCUWISE -Level Platforms Managed Print Solution, Level Platforms should visit the Partner Portal for access to an Integration Guide, an On-the-Level video on MPS and special subscription offers from DOCUWISE.
EFI Expands Enterprise Mobile Printing Management
March 12, 2013 – EFI has announced PrintMe Mobile 2.4, which provides advanced capabilities for IT to manage their existing print infrastructure and enable mobile printing across hundreds of printers regardless of brand. A new IT administrative dashboard provides features including search, filters, tags, and data export/import to easily identify, configure, and check status of hundreds of printers from a central location. The latest version of PrintMe Mobile also enables IT to track mobile printing usage in job accounting software, such as Equitrac Office and Express, GoPrint, PaperCut, Print Audit, and Sepialine Argos. In addition, PrintMe Mobile now supports payment systems, such as VendPrint, creating a new opportunity for mobile printing in coin-operated printing environments.
Record Year for PrintFleet
March 12, 2013 – PrintFleet Inc. has grown its revenues to record levels in its 2012 fiscal year. The company launched a series of significant software enhancements over the same period, and added new distribution partners and OEM programs to further strengthen its market position.
PrintFleet’s business is increasingly global, supporting multinational Distributor and OEM partners in standardizing their global MPS programs, resulting in lower costs and improved service capability regardless of market or geography. Approximately 40 percent of the company’s revenues now originate outside North America, attesting to the ease of deployment and use of PrintFleet multi-language solutions as well as the reach of the company’s pre- and post-sale support. Such organizations have – after in-depth competitive assessment – consistently chosen PrintFleet as a key partner in enabling their MPS programs.
PrintFleet has also witnessed significant recent growth in utilization of its solutions with direct Dealer customers. Monitored device counts for these Dealers are now at levels averaging in excess of 30 times that experienced in PrintFleet-powered third-party programs – further testimony to the effectiveness of the company’s industry-leading Account Management, Advisory and Technical support.
PrintFleet’s pioneering work in MPS focused on providing accurate, reliable and actionable device information to enable automated billing, just-in-time supplies fulfillment, proactive service capability, as well as initial and continuous fleet assessment and optimization. The Company’s primary objective has not changed. Enhancements such as a virtual printer lab, continuous updating of the largest printer model database in the industry and ongoing refinement of proprietary analytical algorithms are evidence of this. Through a combination of experience and ongoing innovation PrintFleet continues to deliver the highest quality device information in the marketplace. This more than any other factor leads both large and small organizations to consistently select the company’s solutions from an expanding number of competitive choices.
PrintFleet’s latest innovations include 2-way communication and remote device configuration, full integration with Canon’s embedded Remote Diagnostic System (eRDS) and Remote Maintenance System (imageWARE Remote), and the addition of a common installer with Konica’s CS Remote Care (CSRC) solution.
West Point Products Introduces ColorLogic Technology
March 11, 2013 – West Point Products has introduced ColorLogic Technology, a new manufacturing process that uses next-generation technology and propriety robotics to create an automated manufacturing environment complete with a centralized quality monitoring system. According to West Point, the state-of-the-art engineering and manufacturing process, coupled with the use of high quality toner and components is at the root of ColorLogic Technology.
Cartridges produced using ColorLogic Technology are available through West Point Products, and according to the company offer peak printing performance and consistent, vibrant color output. The cartridges are backed by a 100 percent quality guarantee, are 100 percent IP-cleared, and dealers are fully indemnified against OEM litigation.
sd|University to Hold Strategic Sales Management Workshop in May
March 11, 2013 – sd|University, the advanced training division of Strategy Development, is conducting their comprehensive Strategic Sales Management Workshop on May 2-3, 2013 in Tampa, FL.
The SD Strategic Sales Management Workshop was designed to provide sales leaders a framework, process and tools concentrated on developing sales professionals, uncovering new business and expanding share of wallet with current customers. All sales leaders, or sales professionals moving into a management position, will benefit greatly from this interactive workshop, according to Strategy Development. They will leave with proven processes that, when implemented, will increase their effectiveness, reduce turnover and drive improved results. The workshop will be taught by Tom Callinan.
For dealers who are an sd|University member company, this is one of the portfolio of educational experiences their sales and 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.
All sd|University classes can also be held at a dealer’s location for larger groups. For more information on sd|University and how the tuition program works and how it stacks up against the competition visit www.sd-university.com. For a list of all classes currently scheduled for sd|University please visit www.strategydevelopment.com/events.
For more information or to register for the SD Strategic Sales Management Workshop, visit www.strategydevelopment.com/salesmanagement or contact Tom Callinan at callinan@strategydevelopment.com or at (610) 527-3317.
Samsung’s New Global MPS Program Powered by PrintFleet Simplifies Print Management
March 7, 2013 – PrintFleet is making it easier for Samsung Resellers to grow their business and stay connected to their customers with the introduction of a comprehensive fleet monitoring program designed specifically to help Resellers transition to MPS in a way that best suits their operations.
The global, cloud-based program places PrintFleet and Samsung at the center of a simplified print management infrastructure that combines PrintFleet’s software and support with Samsung’s imaging devices. In a unique twist, PrintFleet will manage, host and administer the program on Samsung’s behalf, which will guarantee resellers that they receive the best service and support, but benefit from the buying power of Samsung globally, according to a PrintFleet news release.
DocuWare Unveils DocuWare 6 with Web-Based Functionality
March 5, 2013 – DocuWare has announced the release of DocuWare 6, their latest version. As a standard feature, DocuWare 6 provides the full functionality of its software as a Web-based solution. Numerous add-on modules have also been announced, including its new Intelligent Indexing Service. This service enhances indexing in the document management market. Employing crowd learning, the new module makes electronic storage much faster than manual archiving.
According to DocuWare, the top highlight of the new version is its Intelligent Indexing Service. Without complicated configurations, this Internet service learns independently when each document is stored, using this knowledge to automate future indexing. This application is well-suited for companies handling a smaller volume of documents of varying types.
Intelligent Indexing gathers information from the primary user as well as others using the service. This enables gradual gathering of intelligence in order to automatically capture and index documents correctly, beginning with the first click.
The Intelligent Indexing Service and the new one-click indexing feature are both available to users of an in-house DocuWare system as well as those using the company’s cloud solution, DocuWare Online.
DocuWare 6 was also enhanced with several modules that make daily workflows easier, according to DocuWare. These include DocuWare Import, DocuWare CONNECT to Mail, DocuWare Barcode & Forms, DocuWare Request, and DocuWare Workflow Manager, which includes a special graphic workflow designer.
Toshiba Wins 2013 Gold Stevie Award for Best Sales Meeting of the Year
March 5, 2013 –Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. was presented with the 2013 Gold Stevie Award within the Sales Meeting of the Year category at the recent Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service in Las Vegas. Toshiba received the award for its LEAD (Learn, Engage, Act and Deliver) 2012 event last November, which also took place in Las Vegas.
LEAD 2012 drew 709 attendees – the most people to ever attend a national Toshiba sales event. With access to a total of 25 breakout sessions over two days, participants – including sales professionals, end users, analysts and media – received the most educational content ever offered at a Toshiba sales conference. Aside from the unbridled success from an attendee engagement standpoint, the company secured nearly 120 sales leads – a 40 percent increase from last year’s event while spending less than half of what it did for its 2011 sales meeting.
Another highlight of the event was the appearance of keynote speaker, Billy Beane, the subject of the best-selling book and major motion picture, Moneyball. The Oakland Athletics’ general manager – widely considered one of the most progressive and talented executives in Major League Baseball – shared his innovative and winning style of management and leadership in an engaging and informative manner.
The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service are the world’s top sales awards, contact center awards, and customer service awards. The Stevie Awards organizes several of the world’s leading business awards shows including the prestigious American Business Awardsand International Business AwardsS. More than 100 members of eight specialized judging committees determined Stevie Award placements from among the Finalists during final judging this year.
Details about the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service and the list of Stevie winners in all categories are available at www.StevieAwards.com/sales.
Adam Stockwell Joins ECi as Managing Director for Europe
March 05, 2013 – Eci Software Solutions (www.ECiSolutions.com), a provider of industry-specific information technology solutions, has announced that Adam Stockwell has been named managing director for Eci Europe. In this new role, Stockwell will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the European Business Unit.
Stockwell brings more than 26 years of sales management and business development experience to Eci Europe. He has experience developing strategic partnerships and building new business. He also has vast software and consulting experience, having served in senior positions at enterprise software and services companies supporting numerous industry verticals. Stockwell’s experience spans Asia, Eastern and Western Europe and the US. In his most recent role, he worked at Staples Europe where he was European Director for their Managed Print Services (MPS) and was responsible for developing Staples’ strategic plan to enter the European MPS market. He was also a key member of the Staples Global Strategy team for MPS and helped define the overall strategy for Staples’ MPS business.
MPSA Completes Standards & Best Practices Committee’s First White Paper of 2013
March 5, 2013 – The Managed Print Services Association (MPSA) has announced the completion of its Standards & Best Practices Committee’s first white paper of 2013, “MPS Business Models & Components.” This white paper identifies four managed print business models MPS providers can use to go to market, details the pros and cons associated with each and provides charts outlining additional components related to the delivery of managed print services.
The MPSA Standards & Best Practices Committee was chartered to help define industry areas that, once clarified, would result in a better understanding of MPS and an increased rate of adoption. One such area identified by the committee as a major source of confusion faced by its membership base centers around MPS business models. “We have members that are end users. We have members that are resellers. We have members that are software providers. There are all types. The MPSA did a very good job of defining what managed print services is, but there needed to be further explanation of how each type of member that delivers MPS services could go to market with that,” says MPSA Standards Committee Chair Ron Alphin.
Subsequently, the committee created a white paper around the topic that will prove invaluable to anyone interested in providing MPS. “Any new members to the MPSA or MPS industry could use this document to define what business models they would reasonably be able to go to market with,” states Alphin.
The MPSA Standards and Best Practices Committee’s white paper is now available to all MPSA members, who can access it by logging in to the MPSA website (www.yourmpsa.org) and clicking on the White Papers link under the Members-Only Content category in the navigation bar. Members can also register there for a webinar scheduled to take place on March 19, 2013, that will provide them with additional details and insight on this white paper. Nonmembers may become members by visiting the following link: http://yourmpsa.org/join.
