Kyocera Document Solutions America Expands ECOSYS Lineup
March 13, 2014– KYOCERA Document Solutions America has extended its ECOSYS lineup with three new color MFPs, one black & white MFP and two new black-and-white desktop printers. Each of the compact devices highlight KYOCERA’s hallmark ECOSYS technology in a small footprint, making these printers and MFPs ideal for virtually any office environment—from individual users to corporate workgroups.
The new printers and MFPs feature ecological designs, user-friendly features, and compatibility with critical business applications. The ECOSYS M6526cdn, M6026cidn and M6526cidn MFPs offer color print, copy and scan functions for high-end versatility, as well as USB Host Interface for print-from and scan-to capability; the ECOSYS M2035dn offers black and white printing and copying to go along with full color scanning, as well as a standard front facing USB Host Interface; the ECOSYS P2135dn and P2135d printers include print-from-USB capabilities for on-the-go printing. The ECOSYS M2035dn, ECOSYS P2135dn and ECOSYS P2135d generate black-and-white pages at the rate of 37 per minute [ppm]; the ECOSYS M6526cidn, ECOSYS M6526cdn, and ECOSYS M6026cidn MFPs produce color and black-and-white documents at 28 ppm.
All ECOSYS devices come complete with KYOCERA’s patented long-life drum technology. This eco-friendly drum design, which separates the toner container, allows users to replenish toner without sacrificing the drum—thus reducing consumable costs and landfill waste. The devices also conserve energy and associated costs by switching to standby mode when not in use; they are Energy Star certified for their operating efficiency.
The new devices optimize performance while offering one of the lowest costs per print. The many features include:
ECOSYS P2135d and ECOSYS P2135dn Black & White Printers
- A maximum paper capacity of up to 800 sheets with optional paper-feed units;
- Standard Gigabit Ethernet (ECOSYS P2135dn only)
- Standard Duplex on both models
ECOSYS M2035dn Black & White Multifunctional Printer
- A maximum capacity of up to 800 sheets with optional paper-feed units
- Standard Gigabit Ethernet
- Standard copy, print and color scan
ECOSYS M6526cdn, ECOSYS M6026cidn and ECOSYS M6526cidn Color Multifunctional Printers
- A maximum capacity of up to 1,300 sheets with optional paper-feed units on all devices
- Standard Gigabit Ethernet
- Standard color print, copy, scan and black & white fax (ECOSYS M6526cdn/M6526cidn)
- Standard color print, copy and scan (ECOSYS M6026cidn)
Select ECOSYS devices integrate seamlessly with a wide range of business applications driven by Kyocera’s scalable HyPAS technology. Some of the most popular include Mobile Print, which allows users to print files and web pages from a smartphone or tablet; Apple AirPrint, which enables users to print from iOS and OSX products to select KYOCERA devices; and Command Center RX, a convenient app that displays toner levels, paper availability, and device status via a web browser.
Other apps include PinPoint Scan, a robust app that makes it easy to scan from the MFP to a desktop; Teaching Assistant, which streamlines the task of creating, printing, grading and analyzing multiple-choice exams; and SharePoint Connector, which connects a workgroup’s KYOCERA MFP to its existing Microsoft SharePoint Server.
Kyocera’s ECOSYS desktop MFPs and printers are available through authorized Kyocera dealers at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
- ECOSYS M6526cidn: $4,799
- ECOSYS M6526cdn: $3,999
- ECOSYS M6026cidn: $4,209
- ECOSYS M2035dn: $1,181
- ECOSYS P2135dn: $599
- ECOSYS P2135d: $529
All Covered Honored as One of the Top Ten IT Service Providers for Third Consecutive Year
March 13, 2014 – All Covered, a division of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. has announced that it has been recognized as one of the top ten IT service providers for the third consecutive year by the MSPmentor 501, a distinguished list and report identifying the world’s top 501 managed service providers (MSPs) published by Nine Lives Media. In addition, All Covered was named to CRN’s Managed Service Provider Elite 150.
The MSPmentor 501 report is based on data from MSPmentor’s global online survey conducted October-December 2013. The MSPmentor 501 report recognizes top managed service providers based on a range of metrics, including annual managed services revenue growth, revenue per employee, managed services offered and customer devices managed. MSPmentor, produced by Nine Lives Media, is the ultimate guide to managed services.
The MSP Elite 150 list is part of CRN’s Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 annual list that recognizes the top technology providers and consultants in North America whose cutting-edge approach to managed services puts end-user customers in the best position to improve efficiencies, cut costs and speed time to market for their own products and services. The MSP Elite 150 recognizes companies who are large data-center-focused solution providers with a strong mix of on-premise professional services as well as off-premise services.
West Point Products Launches Auto Toner Fulfillment for AXESS MPS
March 13, 2014 – West Point Products has announced the launch of Auto Toner Fulfillment (ATF) as part of its Axess MPS suite of services. Axess Auto Toner Fulfillment completely automates the printer supplies ordering process. Using a proprietary software application, the ATF system gathers data from a customer’s printing devices and uses an algorithm to determine when a toner cartridge needs replenished. The system then automatically notifies the user when their toner is getting low and orders and ships new product.
“By automating the toner fulfillment process, West Point Products will help dealers reduce staff time, manual processes, and expense associated with order entry and tracking. The Axess ATF program will enhance the supply fulfillment process by setting printer specific thresholds that trigger proactive end-user communication and order notifications,” said Ray Loisel, Senior Vice President of MPS for West Point Products. “This is the missing link for many MPS programs to improve the process of just-in-time toner fulfillment and profitability.”
To learn more, please visit www.westpointproducts.com/axess
ECi Software Solutions Acquired by The Carlyle Group
March 12, 2014 – ECi Software Solutions a provider of industry-specific business management and e-commerce software solutions, has announced it has been acquired by global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“We are very happy to partner with The Carlyle Group to continue building our leading industry-specific business and e-commerce solutions across a variety of important industries,” said Ron Books, President and CEO of ECi Software Solutions. “Carlyle is committed to investing in ECi as we support the entrepreneurial spirit and profitable growth of small and medium size enterprises. I am confident that with Carlyle, we have made the right choice for the future of our employees, our customers, and our business partners.”
Charles Rossotti, Carlyle Operating Executive, said, “ECi has developed a proven and effective capacity to provide small and medium size enterprises with technology solutions that make them competitive with much larger businesses. We believe this capacity is a very special asset for the global economy, in which small businesses generate so much innovation and job growth.” Steve Bailey, Carlyle Managing Director, added, “Carlyle’s investment will enable ECi to continue investing in its great people, delivering exceptional customer service, enhancing the functionality and features of its leading solutions, and expanding its global footprint.”
Equity for the investment came from Carlyle U.S. Equity Opportunity Fund, which is a Carlyle fund focused on middle market investments. Carlyle has a long history of successful investments in leading middle market, industry-specific application software solutions companies, including Compusearch, serving the government sector; Gemcom, serving the mining sector; Primatics, serving the financial services sector; Quorum, serving the energy sector; RMI, serving the rail sector; and SchoolNet, serving the education sector. Other select middle market investments include Dynamic Precision Group, an aerospace component manufacturer; Philadelphia Energy Solutions (formerly Sunoco Refinery); Service King, the third largest collision repair multi-shop operator in the United States; and Worldstrides, a provider of educational student travel programs.
GreatAmerica Announces HaaR Managed IT Hardware Financing Program
March 13, 2014 – From the show floor of ITEX 2014 in Las Vegas, NV (booth #309), GreatAmerica presented its HaaR product today, a new offering in hardware and software financing for the office equipment industry. HaaR is a GreatAmerica hardware rental program that matches each dealer’s managed information technology market strategy, facilitates technology standardization, and provides the dealer’s customer with a single invoice.
“When it comes to managed IT, the hardware is often an afterthought,” says Jennie Fisher, GreatAmerica Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Office Equipment Group. “HaaR helps our dealers ensure their customers stay current with technology. It makes it easier to sell and support their customers’ hardware, which in turn increases the dealer’s profitability and recurring revenue stream.”
HaaR is the key to selling hardware with Managed IT, and takes into account the business model, customer makeup, challenges, and opportunities in managed services for each dealer. It is one component of the comprehensive suite of offerings from GreatAmerica related specifically to Managed IT, including Collabrance LLC and Managed IT Navigator. Earlier this month GreatAmerica announced the S-L GAMIT Groups, the first managed IT peer groups exclusive to office equipment dealers and facilitated by Service Leadership, Inc.
MWAi Announces New Relationship with InSource
March 11, 2014 — MWA Intelligence (MWAi), a SAP Gold Partner and leader in enterprise-class Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Machine-to-People (M2P) solutions announce a new relationship with InSource.
InSource is a professional services firm focused on helping clients deliver business value through technology. By delivering a broad range of consulting services with emphasis on IT strategy development and automation of IT, InSource and MWAi are committed to meeting the ever-growing demands of the imaging channel.
“The office products and Imaging Channel has been seeking new and better paths for innovation and one major appealing platform in making that happen is the FORZA platform,” says Michael Stramaglio, president and CEO of MWAi. “After months of research, I am pleased to share this fantastic news. We have uncovered one of the finest and best resources in the world to join our FORZA effort.”
MWAi and InSource will work together to train, recruit, and place resources in specialized projects across the nation. By working together, these resources will be dedicated solely to the FORZA solution. MWAi FORZA with SAP Business One is a complete, integrated business management solution that provides transparency and instant visibility into operations. The FORZA solution helps dealerships to better unify, manage, and control their entire business across financials, sales, customers, and operations. Together, MWA Intelligence and SAP will provide Office Technology and Imaging Channel businesses the ability to make smart IT decisions, improve future performance, and achieve long-term success.
DocuWare Version 6.5 Provides an Updated Look and Feel
March 6, 2014 – A year after launching Version 6, DocuWare is releasing its next version, 6.5, of this completely Web-based document management solution. The simplified and comfortable user-interface makes working with the system easier than before, according to a DocuWare press release. The Web Client is now completely based on HTML5 which offers enhanced performance that’s primed for the future.
The more complex software is, the more important that it is intuitive to use. When the look and feel is well-crafted, users have an easier time navigating and working efficiently. For document management specialist DocuWare, the entire focus when developing Version 6.5 was about enhancing the user experience. The results are reportedly easy to see with the new user-interface; very little training is needed to work with the system. New users can easily find their way around the intuitive features. Existing customers will also enjoy the benefits of the update. For example, their daily work is simplified when, depending on the task, certain features are automatically displayed, while anything unnecessary is hidden in the background – leaving more space for what matters. The fresh, modern design is pleasant to work with; its clarity makes organization more straightforward.
Not only DocuWare’s exterior has been improved. The Web Client – the heart of the document management solution – was overhauled technologically. With Version 6.5 DocuWare offers a completely new developed Client. It is now fully based on the very latest HTML5 technology, no longer requiring additional components. Users are now equipped for the future. In addition, Google Chrome is supported.
The Web-based service also makes it faster to store paper documents using automatic indexing. With Version 6.5, the Service was enhanced with additional important features: for example, company-specific terms for certain document types can used as needed. Also new is the ability to match the results of Intelligent Indexing with data from third-party applications.
GreatAmerica Launches Managed IT Peer Groups with Service Leadership
March 5, 2014 – GreatAmerica Financial Services has launched the office equipment industry’s first managed information technology (IT) services peer groups with the expertise of IT management consultant, Paul Dippell, and the team at Service Leadership, Inc., the largest provider worldwide of financial/operational IT benchmarking and best practices to C-level peer groups. Each Service Leadership GreatAmerica Managed IT Group (S-L GAMIT Group) is designed to help dealers achieve best-in-class managed IT services performance, as measured against peers. To date, there are four S-L GAMIT Groups established, encompassing over 40 of the most high-profile dealers in the country. Most of these dealers are already active in managed IT, but vary in size and experience.
David Pohlman, COO of GreatAmerica Financial Services, says the value is not only the interaction with peers at the quarterly meetings, but the access to knowledge, current industry best practices and best-in-class metrics of the Service Leadership experts. “Our SL-GAMIT Group participants always have the proven expertise of Service Leadership in the room, allowing dealers to avoid trial and error, and instead benefit from best-in-class practices that will accelerate the profitability and growth of their businesses. There’s no doubt in my mind that this is the highest quality training available for dealers serious about their future in managed IT services.”
Each SL-GAMIT Group is made up of C-level individuals from eight to twelve non-competing dealerships. In addition to quarterly meetings with member-driven agendas and facilitation by Service Leadership, financial and operational benchmarking is used to gain comparative insights to each other and against best-in-class, and track progress.
Service Leadership is publisher of the Service Leadership Index® (S-L Index™) series of financial and operational benchmarks of over 2,300 companies drawn from an exclusive master database of over 29,000 companies worldwide, the largest such benchmark in the industry. S-L GAMIT Groups participate in this benchmarking and Paul Dippell, CEO of Service Leadership, says, “C-level peer groups attract companies who are unusually intent on being top performers and who invest in their drive to that goal. As a result the S-L Index shows that peer group participants perform materially better in profit, growth and service quality improvement than do those who benchmark but do not participate in such peer groups.”
Dealers interested in the S-L GAMIT Groups should contact cmohr@greatamerica.com.
Paul Dippell of Service Leadership will be co-facilitating an educational session with GreatAmerica COO, David Pohlman, at ITEX 2014, on Thursday, March 13 at 8:30 – 9:20 am. The session, S4: How Do I Profitably Sell More Managed IT? Sales & Marketing Best Practices, features two successful dealers, and S-L GAMIT Group members, Jeff Boate of PERRY proTECH and Trevor Akervik of Marco, Inc.
sd|University to Hold Award-Winning MPS Sales Workshop in April 2014
March 4, 2014 – sd|University, the advanced training division of Strategy Development, is conducting their award-winning MPS Sales training in Chicago, IL on April 22-23, 2014. The class will be held at the Springhill Suites Chicago O’Hare.
“We’ve helped scores of businesses and hundreds of sales professionals successfully enter the MPS space, and we look forward to another great class,” stated Tom Callinan of Strategy Development.
The two-day class, MPS Sales Workshop, will be taught by Gary Schwartz, VP of Client Engagement and will cover the MPS sales process for both small, fewer than 25 devices, and mid-sized, 50 – 250 devices, companies. MPS sales teams will learn how to:
- Approach the proper contact level and present a value proposition based on company size
- Get an appointment at the correct level
- Identify the areas of pain associated with the print environment based on company size
- Conduct an effective and efficient assessment to support the business case for change
- Price a transaction, both outsourced and equipment led
- Present a winning proposal
For more details please visit www.strategydevelopment.com/mpsfundamentals.
“Today, MPS is sold into most companies with more than 10 devices and many of those prospects have had some form of MPS presented to them,” stated Callinan. “So, it is important to be able to differentiate your offering and provide a compelling reason for a prospect to engage your company for an assessment. Our MPS Sales Workshop was specially designed to arm sales professionals with the tools they need to be successful in MPS and be successful at taking customers from competitors.”
All sd|University classes can also be held at your 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 more information or to register for the SD MPS class, please visit www.strategydevelopment.com/events or contact Gary Schwartz at schwartz@strategydevelopment.com or at 817-600-2216.
Metrofuser Adds HP CP 5525 Series Fusers to Lineup
March 4, 2014— Laser printer parts manufacturer Metrofuser (www.metrofuser.com) has introduced remanufactured fusers for HP CP5525/ M5225 /M750 printers. The availability of these fusers will help reduce costs and increase profitability for the company’s nationwide customer base.
Metrofuser provides two options to acquire these remanufactured fusers – by economical repair and return or by convenient advance exchange service. Metrofuser stocks the CP5525 series fusers, part number RM1-5996, and they are ready for same day shipping.
Metrofuser’s remanufactured fusers for HP Printers offer brilliant color output and guaranteed against all image defects.
“Reliable parts solutions are in high demand with the advent of more feature-rich printers in the marketplace,” stated Will DeMuth, Chief Operating Officer, “Our customers require the most precise imaging technology in this demanding market and our R&D team has devised a solution for the CP5525 series fuser,” adding that, “Our fusers hold up to the most demanding conditions offering unequaled durability – these fusers work flawlessly with OEM and compatible toners.”
Toshiba Wins MFP Contract with Dupage County, IL
March 4, 2014 — After a publically competitive bidding process, Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. has inked a four-year multifunction products (MFPs) contract with DuPage County, Illinois located in the greater Chicago metropolitan area. In conjunction with this accord Toshiba enters into a cooperative agreement with National Intergovernmental Purchasing Alliance. Through this arrangement, public municipalities and academic institutions throughout the United States may now purchase Toshiba’s award-winning e-STUDIOproducts under the same terms of the DuPage County contract.
OKI Data Americas Announces Platinum Sponsorship of ITEX 2014 National Conference and Expo
March 4, 2014 — OKI Data Americas has announced its platinum sponsorship and participation in the ITEX 2014 National Conference and Expo, taking place March 11-13 at the Rio Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Exhibiting in Booth #401, OKI Data will showcase its expanded line-up of profitable, printer-based A4 and copier-based A3 multifunction devices with OKI’s smart Extendable Platform. In addition, OKI’s feature product will be the industry-first, C941dn five-color plus from the Multimedia Production Platform. Featuring a five station toner configuration, the C941dn provides an expansive new world of printing capabilities and revenue-generating opportunities. Expanding beyond hardware, OKI Data will also demonstrate a variety of its custom business printing solutions that streamline document management processes and increase efficiency and productivity.
ITEX attendees who visit OKI’s booth (#401) and attend one of its five solution demonstrations can enter in a chance to win an iPad Mini and a Sphero Robotic Ball, just to name of few of the exciting prizes. The drawings will take place at the conclusion of the three day event. What’s more, OKI Data is one of four vendors hosting the BTA Dealer Member Appreciation Reception on Wednesday, March 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. PST at the VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub in the Rio Hotel and Casino.
OKI Data will demonstrate the following printing solutions in booth #401:
· Remark Test Grading Solution scans, processes, scores bubble chart tests and runs reports with speed, ease and efficiency. The solution is compatible with all OKI Data color and monochrome MFPs, uses plain paper, and easily exports grades into many popular student information systems.
- PaperCut MF is a print job accounting and management software solution that works with single function and multifunction printers that feature OKI’s smart Extendable Platform. This software helps organizations save money on excess and unauthorized printing by creating a secure and confidential printing environment. In addition, the software helps account for and allocate the costs of printing and copying.
· Drivve –Drivve Image™ and Drivve Print™ work with OKI smart MFPs to meet the print tracking and image capture needs of most document-intensive environments.
· CX3435/4545 are high performance A3 color MFP Series that provides exceptional color output, plus high-speed print, scan, copy and optional fax functionality for demanding, medium to large workgroups.
· MPS4242mc – This MPS-ready, mid-workgroup A4 (letter/legal) color MFP features OKI’s smart Extendable Platform and offers high-speed output, high print quality, productivity-enhancing feature sets, enriched user interface and streamlined document workflow processing. These qualities, plus a low total cost of ownership, deliver a compelling value proposition to the mid-workgroup segment.
- MPS2731mc – The MPS2731mc enhances workgroup productivity with print/copy/scan/fax and wireless functionality. This MFP prints and copies in HD color and has robust faxing features and contains environmentally friendly features including two-sided printing and automatic ECO mode.
- MPS5502mb – The MPS5502mb series combines high-quality output and all-in-one functionality with speed, reliability and ease of use. This MFP offers a wide range of features to reduce energy consumption and save money, and features rich monochrome print/copy/scan/fax, USB connectivity and two-sided printing.
