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OKI Data Americas, Inc. Selects PrintFleet Inc. as a Software Component Provider of its Total Managed Print Offering

artpost — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 04:06:12 GMT

Ontario, Canada, July 30, 2009 PrintFleet Inc., a global leader in managed print software and supporting professional development services, today announced their relationship with OKI Data Americas, where PrintFleet is a software component provider for its Total Managed Print offering.

Total Managed Print from OKI Printing Solutions, is a comprehensive set of tools, programs and infrastructure designed for dealers and solution providers to help them develop or grow their managed print services (MPS) business, with three levels of engagement to fit various stages of MPS adoption. Beginning with the entry-level program, PageStart, resellers can immediately begin selling, servicing and supporting MPS engagements. With this simple turnkey program, that bundles hardware, accessories, consumables, service, billing and remote monitoring, partners will have access to higher margins and monthly revenue streams while eliminating the customers costly burden of service and support.

We conducted exhaustive research on 21 key criteria from various software vendors, stated Dena Bernard, Director Customer Satisfaction and Services at OKI Data Americas. We selected PrintFleet because they have an understanding of our business needs and met our expectations when we partnered with them on the development of our RapidScan assessment tool, which is now part of our PageStart engagement level. Through this relationship and our extensive work to build our MPS infrastructure over the past several years, we are confident Total Managed Print will equip our partners with the necessary components to develop and grow their MPS business.

Rolling out shortly after PageStart, OKI Printing Solutions will add FleetAssist and MPS Full Access to its Total Managed Print offering, as well as the industrys only MPS Ready line of color and monochrome printers.

This is yet another tremendous stride for PrintFleet and the reseller channel alike, stated Norman McConkey, President and CEO of PrintFleet Inc. Our experience with OKI Data Americas began with the launch of the RapidScan Assessment Solution, powered by PrintFleet Suite, some 12 months ago. Since that time, they have remained committed to delivering a comprehensive program that is unique to the channel. PrintFleet looks forward to continuing to support Total Managed Print by OKI Printing Solutions with PageStart.

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About PrintFleet Inc.
Supporting a network of over 900 dealers and managing over 600,000 printing devices, world wide, PrintFleet offers unparalleled data collection, data integrity and back end support within their family of print management software solutions ranging from simple rapid assessment to advanced, independently hosted print management. PrintFleet software coupled with their award winning sales and marketing support programs, empower dealers to build stronger customer relationships while evolving their overall corporate value. PrintFleet has the highest install base of any print management software vendor in the industry. We are the vendor of choice for print management and supporting business development services. Additional information about PrintFleet Inc. can be found at http://www.printfleet.com.
Contact:
Laura Kittner
VP, Marketing and Global Business Development
P: +1 613-549-3221 ext. 226
lhunt@printfleet.com

About OKI Data Americas, Inc.
OKI Data Americas Inc., headquartered in Mount Laurel, N.J., and a subsidiary of OKI Data Corporation of Japan, markets PC peripheral equipment and customized document management solutions under the OKI Printing Solutions brand, including digital color and monochrome printers, color and monochrome multifunction products, serial impact dot matrix printers and thermal label printers, as well as a full line of options, accessories and consumables. OKI Data Americas takes a consultative approach to supporting every customers needs and delivering individualized print solutions that optimize business performance. The companys innovative technology is backed by Tokyo-based parent company Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd., a world leader in information processing systems, telecommunications and electronics; and an approximately $5.7 billion multinational corporation according to its FY 2008 financial reporting. Keeping its customers needs top of mind, OKI Data Americas is ISO 9001:2000 certified and most products have earned the ENERGY STAR certification. As an extension of the companys dedication to its customers, OKI Data Americas created the Color Me OKI philanthropic program to support the fight against breast and colorectal cancers and the people courageously battling those diseases.

The program celebrates those touched by both causes with vintage vehicles and musical entertainment at fundraising events nationwide. For more information, please visit http://www.colormeoki.com.

OKI, Reg. OKI Electric Industry Co., Ltd. Nuance and PaperPort are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nuance Communications, Inc. or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries.

Contact:
Keshia Holland
Domus, Inc.
(215) 772-2170
kholland@domusinc.com

Susan Kirvan
OKI Data Americas
(856) 222-7258
sue.kirvan@okidata.com

Forum: General News

Managed Print Services

artpost — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 03:17:34 GMT

With enterprises increasingly recognizing the inflated costs associated with uncontrolled printing, there's been a shift to specialist managed print services (MPS) providers over the last few years. Also, intricacies of having offices at multiple geographical locations with printing devices, consumables (paper, cartridge etc) and services from different vendors further necessitates a solution like this. MPS like other managed services is offered by domain experts to an organization that wants their printing infrastructure to be managed outside.

This helps organization focus on their core business instead of waisting time and money in maintaining printing infrastructure. Using MPS, organizations can save up to 30-40% cost on printing related activities annually.

Getting started
Once you have decided to outsource your printing, the first step is to zero down on a reliable vendor that can provide printing support across all locations. Vendors in the printing domain that offer MPS include Cannon, HP, Xerox, WeP etc. The vendor analyzes printing needs of your organization and negotiates on service level agreement and sign. An organization can opt for printing service in different modes. If you are starting a new branch, then instead of buying new printer you can ask your MPS vendor to provide printers inside your premises. This not only saves initial investment on printers but also enables branches to be functional instantly. Organizations can also opt to print inside vendor premises if information to be printed is not critical (this model is not good for the BFSI segment).One more option is to get a new printing unit installed inside your premises for fixed amount of time when printing requirement is very high. However, you can also go for pay-per-print model, where a fixed amount is charged per print.

Included services
Services that are provided by an MPS provider include: maintenance of printing units across all locations that include managing and providing printing paper and cartridges, replacement or repair of damaged unit, providing a consolidated bill that gives visibility to top management about actual spending on printing. Besides taking care of printing needs, MPS providers also include number of different services. They provide consolidated reports like a dedicated web page that keeps track of printing activities, few MPS vendors (like Canon ) also give facility of remote monitoring of printer units using advanced software. This gives the MPS provider visibility, and so they can easily track and resolve faults. Complete life cycle asset management service is also provided, which includes providing support to any acquisition, movement and changes to devices, as well as the disposal of unused devices provided by different vendors. Through such managed service, device capacity can be scaled to meet requirements. By measuring your usage of a device, an MPS provider can either simply maintain or replace it with a larger or smaller device to match your organizations demand. This enables customization of the services to meet your unique business needs. With a choice of multiple financing options, there is no need to lock up capital in the infrastructure.

MPS in India is at an early stage of adoption. As most organizations in India still view MPS as an alternative way to procure printers, they give the strategic long term benefits of offering a miss, indicating the lack of awareness about the same. There is a clear need for education among the enterprises on the benefits of MPS, more so during the economic downturn

Puneet Datta, Senior Marketing Manager, Canon BIS Division

An MPS can provide you comprehensive mobile print strategy, utilizing full range of mobile printing solutions to your organization. Instead of having disconnected set of mobile print solutions, an MPS will work with you to define an integrated mobile print infrastructure to meet your specific business needs. Employees gain seamless access to network printers, wired or wireless.

To streamline communication with a client, MPS providers assign dedicated client service managers that acts as a single point of contact. Client manager is responsible to keep track of device fleet and take preventive measures to ensure hassle free services to a client. Regular audits are carried out by him to keep track on changing demands of client and to provide appropriate
support.

Forum: General News

Equitrac Express Print Management Solution Reduces Print Costs by 45% on Private School Campus

artpost — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:13:14 GMT

Jul 21, 2009 09:00 ET

Equitrac Express Print Management Solution Reduces Print Costs by 45% on Private School Campus

Increases Print Network Efficiencies for High School in Ohio

PLANTATION, FL--(Marketwire - July 21, 2009) - Equitrac Corporation's print management system, Equitrac Express is successfully managing the print network and reducing print waste at Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Working in partnership with IKON Office Solutions, a Ricoh company, the school implemented Equitrac Express one year ago to help manage faculty and student print output and distribution. According to Jeff Gaier, Archbishop Moeller High School Technology Director, the school has reduced print and copy costs by 45% in one year. The solution has exceeded expectations for every goal of the project.

Equitrac Express is specifically developed for print management and cost recovery for colleges, universities, K-12 schools and their libraries. With Equitrac software, administrators decide who may print, how many pages and on which machines. Print quotas are easily set and enforced and the solution can be integrated with existing campus card systems to track, analyze or charge for every page output by any student, faculty member, staffer or guest on any desktop printer, networked multifunction printer or walk-up copier. In January 2009, Equitrac Express achieved the Buyers Laboratory Inc. (BLI) Five-Star rating.

"Equitrac Express can reduce costs dramatically by making users more accountable and giving them more flexibility," said Scott Folcarelli, Regional Director of Professional Services, IKON Office Solutions. "In fact, we often find that the return on investment from this solution is less than one year, plus schools love the environmental benefits of reduced paper, toner and power usage."

"The print controls in the Equitrac solution have enabled us to better manage output which has reduced our overall print costs significantly," said Gaier. "Our old way of printing had no accountability. We were generating an incredible amount of print waste on a daily basis. The Equitrac software makes it easier for us to manage our faculty and student print needs. We are now able to direct print jobs to the most available and most cost effective printer and have essentially freed up a full-time staff person, who previously spent 50% of her time distributing unclaimed print-outs. We are pleased with the results and continue to reap the benefits of the Equitrac solution."

"Print management in the education market continues to provide opportunities for improving workflows, reducing print waste and controlling print and copy costs," said Equitrac Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Marketing Jim Kano. "Equitrac remains steadfast in its commitment to servicing the needs of K-12 schools, colleges and universities, delivering innovative management technologies that positively impact the bottom line."

To learn more about how Archbishop Moeller High School overcame its print management challenges with Equitrac Express, click here to listen to a webcast hosted by Archbishop Moeller's Jeff Gaier and Jim Booth Director of Ancillary Services at University of Lethbridge.

For more about Equitrac solutions for the education market, please visit http://www.equitrac.com/solutions_edu.asp.

About Archbishop Moeller High School

Archbishop Moeller High School is one of the largest Catholic high schools based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Grounded in the Marianist tradition, the school was established in 1958 and has a staff of 90 that supports 910 students.

About Equitrac Corporation

Making documents count for over 30 years, Equitrac is the leading provider of solutions to authenticate, authorize and account for use of today's multifunction printers, copiers, faxes and scanners. We're home to the best-funded R&D program, global alliances with leading manufacturers and the largest team of print management experts in the world. Equitrac device-embedded and terminal-based software works with all leading equipment manufacturers, and supports systems already in use, including college and university campus card systems, providing measurable results for any organization that needs to make networked printing more manageable, economical, convenient and secure.

About IKON Office Solutions

IKON Office Solutions, Inc. (http://www.ikon.com), a Ricoh company, is a leading provider of innovative document management systems and services, enabling customers to improve document workflow and increase efficiency. IKON integrates copiers, printers and MFP technologies, and document management software and systems, to deliver tailored, high-value solutions, implemented and supported by its team of services professionals. IKON leverages the manufacturing and engineering expertise of Ricoh, a more than $20 billion global technology innovator, with the experience and reach of its locally based sales and services teams, to provide end-to-end solutions and one of the industry's broadest portfolios of document management services, including on-site and off-site managed services, technical service and support, and customized workflow design and implementation.

Media Contacts:
Kathy McCall
Equitrac Corporation
Tel: +1.954.888.7769
E-mail: Email Contact

Jacqueline D. Sagl
Murray Sagl PR
Tel: +1.978.265.3663
E-mail: Email Contact

Forum: General News

OKI is pleased to announce the launch of

artpost — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:11:34 GMT

OKI is pleased to announce the launch of
PageStart?, a Total Managed Print? Solution
The Fastest and Simplest Way to Enter the MPS Business

Your Print Business is Quickly Disappearing

More than 70 percent of businesses are projected to be under an MPS contract by 2012. That being the case, consider these facts:
FACT: IT Spending is down by 3 - 18% through 2011
FACT: Print Hardware Sales are down by 30%+
FACT: Managed Print Services (MPS) is growing by 27%, annually
FACT: Many of your competitors are growing their profit by 97%

Reserve your space
for this important Webinar
This is your first step in learning how to do the same for your business! PageStart, from OKI Printing Solutions, gives you the power to immediately offer customers a cost-effective print solution, while receiving the following benefits:
You can brand everything under your company name
You continue to own your customers
You control your profitability
You create a full MPS program overnight
You have no risk or upfront investment

More on the PageStart Program:
Our partners such as you helped design the program with a simple pricing structure that includes a flat monthly fee for hardware and services and a cost per page (CPP) charge for each mono and color page printed. PageStart, from OKI Printing Solutions, removes all risk and costs required that are normally associated with developing a basic MPS program.
You will also benefit from higher margins and predictable revenue streams over the life of the agreement, providing a way for you to improve customer acquisition, penetration and retention while eliminating the customer?s costly burden of service and support.

Forum: General News

Managed Print Services (MSP) Practice Manager

artpost — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:43:40 GMT

Managed Print Services (MSP) Practice Manager

Dubai / US$7000 - US$8000 per month + bonus, family medical and air tickets

An outstanding opportunity has arisen in Dubai to form, run and develop a Managed Print Services (MPS) division within one of the UAEs leading services companies. Our client, employing over 200 people across the UAE, is looking for an experienced manager who can develop a new business unit in Managed Print Services. This role will encompass everything from creating a market proposition, cross selling into the companys existing client base (as well as creating new business opportunities), recruiting a team, budgeting and tender res

Managed Print Services (MSP) Practice Manager

Dubai / US$7000 - US$8000 per month + bonus, family medical and air tickets

The successful candidate will have experience of working for one of the leading Printing companies (Xerox, Rioch, Cannon, HP, Fujitsu Siemens) and have a proven background of developing a service offering. This role will be based in Dubai, UAE. Please apply today for further details.

Eutopia Solutions Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Keywords :	Managed Print Services, MSP
Reference :	SH/DF/MSP/2079
Company Name :	Eutopia Solutions Ltd
Contact Name :	Salman Hamid
Contact Telephone :	+971 4 372 4353

ponses.

Eutopia Solutions Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Keywords :	Managed Print Services, MSP
Reference :	SH/DF/MSP/2079
Company Name :	Eutopia Solutions Ltd
Contact Name :	Salman Hamid
Contact Telephone :	+971 4 372 4353

Forum: Employment

Estimator Print Management Systems News Release

artpost — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 03:05:00 GMT

Estimator Print Management Systems News Release

Monday, July 20, 2009

Estimator Full Version Sale to Large US Printer and Mailer

Estimator Corp, a leading supplier of print management software, announces sale of its full version Sheet-Fed and Web, Estimating & Management solution, to Brigar X-Press Solutions Inc of Albany NY.

The installation completed in less than 1week comprised of setting up 11 presses including Web, Sheetfed and Digital, all bindery and pre-press functions, and integrating Estimator with their Mailing software.

Estimator is fully compatible with XP and previous Windows programs as well as the I-Mac. Unique features make Estimator the Fastest, Easiest Single-Screen, Mistake Proof, Intelligent, High-Speed... Print-Management System...available anywhere and includes QuickBooks connect and Select-a-Press.

Estimators easy-to-use low-cost solutions deliver an e-mail-able Quote, Order Acknowledgement, Job-Ticket, Stock & Services PO, Custom Shipping Labels for brokers, Invoice and Job Scheduling & Tracking Reports, all in an error-free, single screen environment.

The Estimator sale included Set-up and installation, annual releases, updates and full live maintenance.

Interested parties may contact Estimator to arrange a short Webinar and have the unrestricted program installed in their plant. E-mail requests to EstimatorCorp@aol.com or call: 203 682 6436 or download the full run program from: http://www.EstimatorCorp.com

Estimator Corp. 35 Evergreen Parkway Westport CT 06880.
Website: http://www.EstimatorCorp.com

Forum: General News

10ZiG Launches Print Management Solution

artpost — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:58:21 GMT

10ZiG Launches Print Management Solution

Published: July 14, 2009

by Alex Woodie

10ZiG Technology (formerly BOSaNOVA) last week unveiled a new print management product called ProximityPrint Q (PPQ) that's aimed at ensuring the security of printed materials, while tracking printouts and reducing waste at the same time.

PPQ is composed of a physical device that's installed at the printer or copiers (see Figure A.) and software that installs on the server. Print jobs are held on the server until a user is authenticated at the device with an RFID-enabled smartcard.

Figure A. Users must authenticate themselves before picking up their print-outs when 10ZiG's new PPQ print management device is installed on a printer or copier.

By providing authentication, PPQ ensures that no document is accessed by a person other than the intended recipient. The company cites research that shows that up to 20 percent of all print-outs are not picked up by the intended recipient, either because they were inadvertently left at the printer or they were picked up (mistakenly or intentionally) by somebody else.

PPQ can help to reduce the number of documents printed or copied by tracking printer output (and communicating the findings to the offenders). The product also enables "follow-me" printing functionality, which allows a user to pick up his print job at any printer, regardless of where it was intended to be printed.

"Most companies are looking for ways to cut back, but oftentimes the result is that security is overlooked," says 10ZiG president Martin Pladgeman. "With PPQ, security is enhanced while printing costs are cut. Using a secure print management solution allows companies to easily and quickly cut costs and lessen their impact on the environment by reducing wasted paper."

PPQ works with any printer and most copy machines. A Web interface is provided for management functions and for tallying each user's use of the printer or copier. For more information, visit http://www.10zig.com

Forum: Hardware

HP offers guarantee for managed print customers

artpost — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:20:29 GMT

HP offers guarantee for managed print customers

Hewlett-Packard is trying to woo managed print customers with a payback guarantee that promises customers savings or the company will pay the difference.

It's part of HP's ambitions to become the top player in managed print. Managed print is an $18.7 billion market that is growing at about 4 percent, fueled by companies wanting to cut costs or complexity out of their print operations.

HP is telling customers that if they sign up to have HP assess their current printing operation and allow HP to implement a cost-saving plan, they can come back a year later and see if the company made good on its promised savings. If HP falls short, they'll pay the difference in the form of credits.

HP believes it can save companies a good deal by modernizing their fleet of printing machines. The savings can come from better power usage, utilizing duplex printers that print on two sides, consolidation of devices and lower maintenance costs. Of course, it would entail a capital outlay for new hardware but HP is assuming this is part of a company's replacement cycle.

Forum: General News

RICOH HELPS CREATE POSITIVE ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE WITH MANAGED DOCUMENT SERVICES PROGRAM

artpost — Thur, 09 Jul 2009 23:53:36 GMT

RICOH HELPS CREATE POSITIVE ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE WITH MANAGED DOCUMENT SERVICES PROGRAM

New and Improved Managed Print Services Approach Helps Businesses Change Habits of Workers, Reduce Costs and Deliver Continuous Improvements Like Never Before

West Caldwell, NJ, July 09, 2009 Ricoh Americas Corporation, a leading provider of digital office equipment, today announced that it is now offering a robust Managed Document Services (MDS) Program. Managed Print Services (MPS) provides the foundation for this program, which focuses on total cost of ownership, business process improvement, security and compliance and environmental sustainability. While Ricoh has provided professional services for its clients for nearly a decade, its recent IKON acquisition and growing market demand for MPS has allowed the company to enhance its capabilities in this area.

Beyond conducting assessments, implementing solutions, providing on-site and off-site management of fleets, Ricoh MDS helps customers effectively change their document output practices across their organization, streamlining processes and cutting costs, which is especially critical in todays economic climate. A new Managed Document Services logo with the tagline MPS and Beyond helps communicate Ricohs intention to deliver additional document management services.

Ricoh and IKON both had strong best practices with regard to MPS, but with their combined insights, Ricoh is able to take its services to the next level. In fact, together these best practices set the groundwork for Ricohs MDS Program. One of the most important methodologies Ricoh has developed from this fusion of expertise, resources and thought leadership is a strategic four-phase approach for effective managed services.

In the first stage of the MDS methodology, Ricoh utilizes DOCutivity to assess the current document output environment of a business and identify the technologies, associated costs and process workflows in place. Then, in phase two, system architects design a new document management workflow blueprint that takes into consideration security regulations, process improvement, total cost of ownership and environmental sustainability. The third step entails the transformation of an old workflow system of a business to a new and improved version that introduces more evolved technologies which reduces risks, enhances efficiency and makes document management easier for the end-user. Last is the fourth phase Ricoh manages the fleet, provides operations, continuous improvement and additional support services. Regardless of the hardware and software solutions implemented, Ricoh offers on-site and remote services to effectively govern the new and existing systems. Further, Ricohs support services do more than simply answer questions, troubleshoot problems and install supplies; they work with businesses to change output practices across their entire organization. There are a total of 23 Service Modules that Ricoh can deliver within the MDS Program.

Understanding that office cultures cannot be changed overnight, members of Ricohs MDS Teams apply Prosci's change management methodology. Prosci has become the leading provider of change management tools and benchmarking reports, working with more than 2,000 companies from 65 countries on research projects in change management. Proscis popular ADKAR model is used worldwide. Following this methodology, Ricoh works with a customers corporate office and end-users to formalize guiding principles of the change management program, which are to be carried out by everyone across the organization. Once these are set, staff training takes place to ensure they understand these principles and why it is essential to abide by them. Additionally, Ricoh collaborates with the customer to internally promote a branded campaign, which includes marketing materials that generate awareness, develop desire, educate, and reinforce the program principles. A significant return on investment can be seen as end-users change habits and integrate new workflows into their everyday practices helping companies reduce costs, better utilize information, decrease environmental impact, and improve efficiency.

By enabling control of output-related costs and assets, optimizing the fleet and enhancing the document management environment, customers will see efficiencies across the board with the MDS Program which will provide them a competitive advantage in todays marketplace, said Dan Waldinger, Director, Strategic Marketing, Ricoh Americas Corporation. We are proud to offer a program that does not provide a temporary solution based on existing needs, but seeks to positively change behavior within an organization to lead to more effective, lasting results. Ricoh has made significant investments in delivery mechanisms and provided continuous improvement for its customers over time. To this end, we are best suited to deliver the benefits associated with an MPS deployment.

About Ricoh Americas Corporation

Ricoh Americas Corporation, headquartered in West Caldwell, N.J., is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., the 73-year-old leading supplier of office automation equipment and electronics, with fiscal year 2008 sales in excess of $20 billion.

Ricoh Americas Corporation is a leading provider of document solutions. Ricohs fully- integrated hardware and software products help businesses share information efficiently and effectively by enabling customers to control the input, management and output of documents.

Ricoh Americas Corporation directly or through its network of authorized dealers markets and distributes products in North, Central and South America.

Information about Ricoh's complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at http://www.ricoh-usa.com.

# # #

All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies.

Forum: General News

Equitrac Enhances Usability and Technology Support in Print Management & Cost Recovery Solution

artpost — Thur, 09 Jul 2009 23:52:50 GMT

Equitrac Enhances Usability and Technology Support in Print Management & Cost Recovery Solution

Latest Release of Equitrac Professional 5 Now Available

PLANTATION, FL--(Marketwire - July 9, 2009) - Equitrac Corporation, a print and cost management solutions provider, today announced the availability of the latest version of its print management and cost recovery solution for law, architecture and engineering firms, consultants and other professional services providers. Equitrac Professional expands revenue, lowers costs and reduces supply waste by automatically matching equipment to specific business requirements and simplifying IT support of print operations. Further, it captures every client-related expense for timely and accurate bill back. In this latest release of Equitrac Professional 5, usability has been enhanced with easier disbursement control and processing. Additionally, technical support has been expanded for wide format printing and Microsoft Windows Server 2008.

"In networked MFP environments, companies increasingly have a need to capture and manage a myriad of activities associated with digital documents, but only if user productivity is unaffected, or better yet enhanced," said Brian Bissett, Editor & Publisher of The MFP Report. "Nowhere is this truer than in professional firms, where Equitrac has long provided solutions that enable efficient cost control and recovery. The new release of Equitrac Professional 5 extends this leadership, while enhancing ease of use and expanding technical support."

Some of the new features and benefits of Equitrac Professional 5 include:

Enhanced usability with streamlined disbursement entries

Equitrac Professional 5 now provides greater details on categorizing general office expenses that are captured and billed back to customers. New disbursement types can be created by user group, location, or device to provide site administrators with better control to manage deployments with tens or hundreds of disbursement types. Additionally, the new "Next Disbursement" feature of the Equitrac TouchPoint Console makes it easier for end users to consecutively enter details for multiple disbursements.

Improved scanning processes

In order to make the scan process more user friendly and intuitive for the user, Equitrac Professional 5 now has the ability to customize the process according to each organization's needs. For example, site administrators can configure the Equitrac TouchPoint Console to display customized text that is more appropriate to the organization's scanning workflow process, instead of being forced to use generic terms such as "Scan to Email" or "Network Folder." Administrators can now use terms that are easily recognized by the user, such as "Scan to Interwoven iManage" or "Scan to MS Outlook."

Expanded wide format device support

With support for GARO, the Canon print stream language used by Canon's wide format print devices, Equitrac Professional 5 now tracks all page counts and job attributes (such as output size) from these devices.

Other enterprise support features in Equitrac Professional 5 include support for deployment on Microsoft Windows Server 2008 and support for the Core Accounting Server (CAS) service of Equitrac Professional to be fully compliant with Microsoft Cluster Server Software, in an active-passive configuration.

"Demand for Equitrac Professional in the professional services market is strong and growing as requirements for reducing waste in an organization becomes standard across any and all organizations doing business in this economic climate," said Noel O'Dwyer, Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Alliances, Equitrac. "For professional services organizations, the close management of billable expenses has become of greater concern and can be a resource consuming task. With this latest version of Equitrac Professional, cost management is centralized, disbursements are better managed and improved usability increases use of the system to optimize accuracy and cost recovery -- a must do in today's economy."

About Equitrac Corporation

Making documents count for over 30 years, Equitrac is the world's leading provider of solutions to authenticate, authorize and account for use of today's multifunction printers, copiers, faxes and scanners. We're home to the industry's best-funded R&D program, global alliances with leading manufacturers and the largest team of print management experts in the world. Equitrac device-embedded and terminal-based software works with all leading manufacturers' equipment, and supports systems already in use, including college and university campus card systems, providing measurable results for any organization that needs to make networked printing more manageable, economical, convenient and secure.

Forum: General News

Photizo Group Announces Call for Speakers for Managed Print Services European Conference

artpost — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:00:32 GMT

Photizo Group Announces Call for Speakers for Managed Print Services European Conference

Top tier line up of sponsors and exhibitors promises valuable networking
Lexington, KY July 7, 2009 The Photizo Group invites Managed Print Services end users and channel partners to submit session ideas for the Managed Print Services European Conference October 21-23 in Amsterdam. The conference will feature case studies, panels, exhibitions and interactive sessions. MPS decision makers, vendors, channel partners and other attendees can gain insights and share their experiences regarding successful MPS engagements. The deadline for speaker submissions is July 31.
A top-notch line up of top-tier sponsors and exhibitors promises valuable contacts and networking for conference attendees. PrintFleet has signed on as a Silver Sponsor and exhibitor, along with other exhibitors Equitrac, Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc., Netaphor, and perform IT. The MPS European Conference features expanded exhibit programs to maximize networking time for attendees.
The conference sessions will highlight successful approaches and valuable lessons from actual MPS engagements. Organized around two tracks, the conference is designed for all types of MPS experience and interest. The end user track is for CIOs, CFOs, IT Managers, Facilities Managers and Purchasing Departments who have implemented MPS or are considering it. This track consists of best practices, case studies, how-to guides and more. The second track is targeted at vendors, resellers and infrastructure providers. It offers information on the emerging hybrid channel, infrastructure, best practices, research, market projections and more.
Based on feedback from the successful MPS Conference in Austin, TX, we are preparing an outstanding educational and networking opportunity for MPS professionals in Europe, said Ed Crowley, Founder and Senior Partner of the Photizo Group. We also welcome ideas for sessions from anyone in the MPS marketplace. Specific topics being considered for each track include:
End User Track
Is MPS Right for Me?
Managing MPS Vendors: Best Practices, Cost Savings, and Benefits
Whats the Data Around MPS Benefits?
Best Practices in RFPs
Choosing the Best Vendor
State of the Standards
Practical Guide to Managing Cultural Change
Dealers, Resellers and Vendors Track
How to Target SMBs
ITIL Help Desk/Software Systems for SMB
SMB vs. Large Accounts Selling, Service, How Are They Different?
When Does MPS Make Sense for SMB?
Managing MPS Across Multiple Countries
MPS Environmental Story
Local vs. Foreign Solutions Panel
How to Write an SLA, RFP
A new feature, an introductory pre-conference seminar will help jump start participants with less MPS background and experience. Pre-conference sessions will be offered for both end users and channel partners. These sessions will concentrate on establishing a solid foundation and offering practical strategies when selecting an appropriate MPS partner or provider for first-time MPS engagements.
Speaker forms and topic information can be found at http://www.mpsconference.com/forms/speakerapp.html. Applications for speakers must be submitted by Friday July 31, 2009. For information about MPS 2009 sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities, agendas and registration, visit http://www.mpsconference.com.
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About the MPS 2009 European Conference
To serve a rapidly expanding Managed Print Services market, the first MPS 2009 European Conference has been scheduled for Amsterdam, The Netherlands, October 21-23. Hosted by the Photizo Group, leading research firm and consulting firm specializing in the Managed Print Services (MPS) industry, the event addresses the urgent need for information about the fast-growing managed print services market. The conference will feature case studies, panels, exhibitions and interactive sessions that highlight successful approaches and practical ideas from actual MPS engagements. MPS decision makers, vendors and channel partners can network and share insights and experiences regarding successful MPS programs. Speakers, case study presentations and other session ideas are now being accepted at mpsconference.com. The deadline for speaker submissions is July 31.

Forum: Announcements

Lyra's Senior Analyst Steve Reynolds Examines the 'State of the Printer Market' at the Samsung Executive Partners Conference

artpost — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 02:59:17 GMT

Lyra's Senior Analyst Steve Reynolds Examines the 'State of the Printer Market' at the Samsung Executive Partners Conference

Lyra Research (http://www.lyra.com), the digital imaging authority, announces that Lyra Senior Analyst Steve Reynolds will be a featured speaker at the 2009 Samsung Executive Partners Conference (http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=652471). The conference will be held July 6-8, 2009 at The Georgian Bay Club in Clarksburg, Ontario, Canada. The executives attending the event will represent Samsung's network of VARs, printer-focused resellers, BTA dealers, and distributors.

Newton, MA (PRWEB) June 26, 2009 -- Lyra Research (http://www.lyra.com), the digital imaging authority, announces that Lyra Senior Analyst Steve Reynolds will be a featured speaker at the 2009 Samsung Executive Partners Conference (http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=652471). The conference will be held July 6-8, 2009 at The Georgian Bay Club in Clarksburg, Ontario, Canada. The executives attending the event will represent Samsung's network of VARs, printer-focused resellers, BTA dealers, and distributors.

In his Wednesday, July 8 presentation, Reynolds will discuss the state of the printer market. Specifically, Reynolds will examine digital imaging industry topics such as the future of the copier and printer business, the latest solution offerings, marketplace trends, and the role of managed print services.

"I am looking forward to speaking at the Samsung Executive Partners Conference, and I appreciate the opportunity to provide Samsung's network of VARs, resellers, dealers, and distributors with insight and analysis regarding the products and the trends that are shaping the printer and digital copier industries," said Reynolds, senior analyst for Lyra's Hard Copy Industry Advisory Service. "With the transformation that is currently taking place in the digital imaging industry, I feel it is important to discuss where the printer business is headed over the next five years, what's hot and what's on the decline, the issues that distribution channels face, and potential sales opportunities."

Lyra Research: The Digital Imaging Authority
Lyra Research collaborates with imaging industry decision makers worldwide, enabling clients to strengthen their market position and achieve profitable growth. Lyra's expert analysts and editors help clients devise and implement creative solutions to business challenges, arming them with competitive intelligence, strategic and tactical advice, news and analysis, and market forecasts.

Since 1991, Lyra's custom research and consulting, advisory services, award-winning journals, and innovative events have set the standard for analysis of imaging hardware, consumables, and digital photography markets.

Visit http://www.lyra.com to learn more about how Lyra can be your strategic business partner.

CONTACT:
Irene Savage
Marketing Manager
Lyra Research, Inc.
617-454-2658

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Forum: General News

The Water Training Institute Offers a Free Whitepaper on "How to Sell Managed Print Services"

artpost — Thur, 25 Jun 2009 23:39:03 GMT

Philadelphia, PA, June 25, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The Water Training Institute (a division of Water, a New Jersey-based consultancy) has made available a free whitepaper on "How to Sell Managed Print Services." The whitepaper is available free-of-charge on the company's website: http://h2o15.com/HowToSellMPSv1.pdf. Content for the whitepaper has been made available under license from its authors, Tab Edwards and Michael Maupin.

Managed Print Services (or MPS) is a comprehensive solution that provides convenient, reliable paper output - managed - for a single monthly invoice fee.

"We work with companies and their sales representatives every week providing sales training workshops on selling Managed print Services and other service-led solutions," says Jon Reiser, a Principal with Water. "There is lots of demand for this type of insight, so we decided to make it available to anyone who is interested in selling MPS deals more effectively. The concepts are not new and are consistent with consultative and strategic selling models, but these are best-practices that anyone selling MPS solutions would be best served to not forget or neglect as so many of us often do."

Selling Managed Print Services effectively requires the seller to be thorough, to understand the customer's objectives for the initiative, to focus on how to help the customer accomplish his/her objectives, to have financial selling skills, and to understand how to build a business case.

Michael Maupin is a former IBM executive, the author of "The Billion Dollar Deal" (Oxford Hill Press) and is the Managing Partner of MBI - a Philadelphia-based consultancy. Consultant and Author of 4 books, Tab Edwards, is one of the foremost figures in the world of Imaging & Output optimization (including Managed Print Services) and has achieved Master Consultant status at Hewlett-Packard Company, a credential earned by a very small percentage of the company's professionals.

Together, Maupin and Edwards lend their insight to those interested in ways to improve their MPS sales proficiency. Says Reiser, "We are fortunate to have access to such accomplished, respected experts as Messers Maupin and Edwards, and we are glad to be able to use their expertise - in the form of this whitepaper - to assist our customers at becoming better services sellers."

A comprehensive "How to Sell Managed Print Services" workshop will be part of the curriculum for the September 16-18 Certified Managed Print Services Seller(TM) Sales Training & Certification Program" to be held in Philadelphia, PA. More information can be found on the Water website at http://www.h2o15.com.

About Water
Water H2O15 L.P. (d/b/a Water) is a consulting and professional services firm providing business strategy consulting, sales training (through The Water Training Institute), Managed Print Services solutions & consulting, and Marketing services (through Water Creative).

Forum: Announcements

Managed Print Services related statistics from DocuVision International:

artpost — Thur, 25 Jun 2009 03:06:18 GMT

Managed Print Services related statistics from DocuVision International:
- HP has placed over 100 million laser printers in the U.S.
- Copier makers have placed over 8 million copiers and MFPs
- Only 10% of office document hard costs can be attributed to document device and supply/service costs
- Other 90% is IT infrastructure, IT support, procurement, vendor administration, scanning labor,
storage labor, retrieval labor and distribution labor

Forum: Announcements

Xerox and Fuji Xerox to Manage P&Gs Worldwide Print Operations

artpost — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:00:42 GMT

Xerox and Fuji Xerox to Manage P&Gs Worldwide Print Operations

WEBWIRE Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Managed Print Services Improve Document Management
With Estimated Cost Reduction by 20-25%

TOKYO US-based Xerox Corporation and Fuji Xerox Co. Ltd. will manage the Procter & Gamble Companys (P&G) worldwide print operations, helping the company reduce operational costs by an estimated 20-25 percent. The five-year services contract calls for Xerox and Fuji Xerox to manage P&Gs office printer fleet as well as their print environment in mobile work settings.

P&G is a leading consumer products company with more than 138,000 employees in 80 countries/regions. Including Japan, the contract covers 13 countries/regionsNote 1 in Asia Pacific, where Fuji Xerox implements the services.

XOS (Xerox Office Services), which fulfill P&Gs needs and requirements, is the companies industry-leading Managed Print Services (MPS) offering. It helps organizations drive cost out of IT and office infrastructure by managing document devices such as printers, copiers, and fax machines -controlling how and when documents are printed.

Xerox and Fuji Xerox will also provide on-site training to help P&G employees manage the new print environment, including tips on how to reduce the time spent on print-related activities. The companies change management program focuses on how best to support the staff during the transition in order to minimize disruptions. Xerox will also create a Web portal for easy procurement of consumables and support for virtual employees.

In addition, P&G has the opportunity to deliver substantial sustainability benefits in addition to cost savings and increased user satisfaction and reliability. P&G predicts it will reduce print-related power usage by 30 percent and paper consumption by 20-30 percent annually.

"Simplifying our global printing structure helps increase reliability and efficiency, transforming the way we work" said Filippo Passerini, chief information officer and president, Global Business Services, P&G. "This innovative initiative is one step on the journey to go digital and make our workplace more sustainable"

Using Lean Six Sigma-based methodologies, Xerox Global Services will deliver an enterprise-wide strategy, expected to free up hundreds of minutes of employee time annually.

The breadth of the P&G agreement is an example of how Xerox and Fuji Xerox are extending their managed print services leadership across the global enterprise.

According to the Gartners reportNote 2, the worldwide MPS market amounted to $3,758 million in 2007, and is expected to post double-digit growth throughout 2010 as most businesses consider how they can lower costs or boost productivity through the technologies they use within their office environment.

Xerox and Fuji Xerox were positioned by Gartner, Inc., in the Leaders Quadrant in the "Magic Quadrant for Managed Print Services Worldwide"Note 3 and " Magic Quadrant for MFPs and Printers"Note 4 reports. The Magic Quadrant offers visual snapshots of a markets direction, maturity and participants, in which Gartner evaluates vendors on the basis of completeness of vision and ability to execute.

Note 1 Singapore, China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan), The Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Japan
Note 2 Gartner "Dataquest Insight: Managed Print Services Market Will Show Strong Growth as Enterprises Seek to Cut Costs" by C. Drew, etc., January 20,2009, GJ09141
Note 3 Gartner "Magic Quadrants for Managed Print Services Worldwide" by K. Weilerstein, et al. September 25, 2008.
Note 4 Gartner "Magic Quadrant for MFPs and Printers" by Don Dixon, et al. December 9, 2008.
The Gartner Magic Quadrants are copyrighted 2008 by Gartner, Inc., and are reused with permission. The Magic Quadrant is a graphical representation of a marketplace at and for a specific time period. It depicts Gartners analysis of how certain vendors measure against criteria for that marketplace, as defined by Gartner. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in the Magic Quadrant, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors placed in the "Leaders" quadrant. The Magic Quadrant is intended solely as a research tool, and is not meant to be a specific guide to action. Gartner disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

WebWireID97242

Forum: General News