Print.IT Reseller - issue 84

BULLETIN Konica Minolta partners with Matrix247 The partnership with the Rossendale- based provider of managed IT, hosted telecoms, managed data networks, mobile business communications, cyber security, photocopier/printer, and document management solutions is an integral part of Matrix247’s evolution as a full cloud- based and hosted provider. Earlier this year the company acquired Task Office Systems, an IT support and print services provider based in Bolton. Task has added a considerable print and photocopier element to its already broad and highly successful managed IT and hosted telecoms offerings, with over 20,000 users from over 1,200 clients currently benefiting from its solutions. Stephen Pritchard, CEO and Co-Founder of Matrix247 said: “Our growth strategy is focused on targeted partnerships and acquisitions, to cater for all the IT and communications requirements of our customers. With Task joining the Matrix247 family we wanted a strategic partnership with a manufacturer that can deliver not only powerful MFD and print solutions, but also complementary managed IT and workflow automation solutions. It rapidly became clear that Konica Minolta was the perfect partner to help us achieve this element of our growth strategy.” www.matrix247.com Quick thinking protects customers IT firm Neuways has issued an emergency security patch and protected customers from a recent flaw affecting hundreds of millions of devices around the world. Millions of Dell desktop computers, laptops, notebooks and tablets were found to be unsafe due to a 12-year-old vulnerability that had been recently discovered by security researchers. The flaw could allow cyber criminals the ability to bypass security protocols, execute malicious code and move laterally between areas of a business’ internal network – causing devastating data breaches in the process. As a result of Neuways’ quick thinking, patches were issued remotely to over 500 Dell devices its customers rely upon to operate, with over 300 customers avoiding becoming the next victims of cyber criminals. Managing Director, Martin Roberts, said: “Our support team have yet again delivered swift action to save hundreds of our customers from being vulnerable to malicious cyber criminals.” www.neuways.com Smart Office Group acquisition Smart Office Group has acquired Chariot Office Automation Ltd, its second deal in as many months. In April the firm announced the acquisition of Essex and Suffolk-based Document Office Technology Service Ltd. Founder and CEO Gary Smart, said: “We would like to thank all of the Chariot clients for being so supportive and we welcome them to the fastest growing print solution company in the south east of England. Our high level service offering, will be enjoyed by Chariot clients for many years to come. Chariot’s customers bring a very long history of commitment and loyalty to the owner Colin Re. The group would also like to welcome Colin into the Smart Office family, for the duration of the transition period. Colin will ensure that all his loyal clients are in very good hands.” www.smartofficegroup.com ASL supports Spectrum Graphics ASL has helped Spectrum Graphics strengthen its offering through the purchase of a Canon imagePRESS C9010VP. The new device will allow the Kent-based family run design and printing service to produce exceptional quality prints, whilst helping it become more efficient and cost- effective. Spectrum Graphics approached ASL in early 2020 looking to purchase a new device that would allow it to broaden its product offering and strengthen its quality of output. The business had worked with multiple print providers in recent years; however, it was experiencing difficulties with its existing product range and the service it was receiving from suppliers. After exploring products from various manufacturers, Spectrum Graphics invested in the Canon imagePRESS C9010VP, which boasts impressive colour, performance, and consistency. The purchase will help the company grow into new markets, as it can now offer its customers a wider range of outstanding quality products with an extremely high level of consistency. Will Doherty, Commercial & Industrial Printing Systems Director, ASL Group, said: “We’re delighted we’ve been able to support Spectrum Graphics on its journey, helping the business identify a Canon product that uniquely fits its business needs. We pride ourselves on our consultative approach, and hope that the new device will open up exciting opportunities in the future.” www.asl-group.co.uk ICC partners with Vapour Wetherby-based IT solutions provider The ICC Group is building a next-generation managed service proposition through a collaboration with Vapour, a cloud specialist and Microsoft cloud solution provider. The addition of Vapour to its partner portfolio, follows the appointment of Gary Saunders and plans to grow its managed service division into a multi-million pound revenue business in just two years. The partnership will enable ICC to meet growing demand from SME, enterprise and public sector customers for managed services, in addition to the hardware and maintenance offering on which the company has built its success. When an ICC customer wants to embark on a digital transformation journey or a cloud-first overhaul of its communications infrastructure, the two firms will join forces to leverage the expertise of both teams. Vapour has already transitioned ICC itself from a legacy on-premise voice system to a licence-based softphone environment, giving ICC’s 60 employees the flexibility and connectedness they need whether they are in one of the company’s four offices or working remotely. www.theicc.group PRINTITRESELLER.UK 7