Print.IT Reseller - issue 85

VOX POP The print channel has a unique opportunity to help customers transition to the cloud while mitigating the emerging security risks the print channel because it allows unprecedented flexibility for fleet management. Customers can have their printers configured remotely and keep them updated with the latest firmware, especially security patches, all via cloud. It’s also a great solution when it comes to data collection asset management and certain service interactions. “Plus, in the wake of the pandemic, it removes many interactions that would have otherwise been affected in person. Additionally, touchless print features meaning less contact with workplace surfaces – which has been more critical than ever. We know from IDC that currently one-third of companies with fewer than 500 employees have adopted structured print and document management policies supported by cloud-based software – making this technology a significant area of growth.” www.lexmark.co.uk Aaron Anderson, Head of Marketing, KYOCERA Document Solutions : “The era of the traditional managed print service provider is over. The ongoing impact of the pandemic has accelerated digital transformation and the move to the cloud, as it offers organisations a way to overcome the multitude of new challenges. Kyocera is focused on offering comprehensive cloud-based IT services to help build smarter workplaces for today’s hybrid workforce. This will include key areas such as IT support and managed services, security, infrastructure, connectivity and unified communications. “The scalability of the cloud allows us to offer MPS to our customers in a way that is extremely flexible and sustainable. This is critical for reducing business costs, and these key features will be integral in supporting collaborative hybrid working practices as they evolve in the future. We would certainly agree with Quocirca, as there are many great benefits that can be gained by successfully migrating to the cloud, including improved operational resilience, efficiency and agility. The cloud will unify the print channel through its ability to drive innovation and it will be a major growth area for businesses and end-users. “At Kyocera we have launched three cloud print solutions in the last year, and we are dedicated to working closely with all our MPS partners to help them deliver our new range of content services (content management, automated workflow processes and workflow collaboration). Our objective was to harness the enormous potential of digital transformation so we could meet the new demands of our customers and we have been working towards this goal ever since. We have now evolved into a comprehensive IT services provider that offers support and strategic advice in the implementation of hybrid workspaces, from hardware and software to optimising work processes. We believe that offering customers a fully integrated cloud service that includes all IT, print and document processes will be the only viable strategy for MPS providers to achieve success and long-term growth in 2021.” kyoceradocumentsolutions.co.uk research has shown that up to 77 per cent of end-users prefer a hybrid work model; yet 77 per cent of ITDMs believe more remote work means more security vulnerability. “The print channel has a unique opportunity to help customers transition to the cloud while mitigating the emerging security risks. With secure, managed turnkey subscription services for mobile or hybrid workers, channel partners can offer customers the flexibility to scale based on changing needs while also bundling software with their services, enabling high margin and long-term growth.” www.hp.com Steve Kendall-Smith, Managing Director of UK & Ireland, Lexmark : “It’s critical for document management and MPS providers to evolve to meet the needs of today’s customers. In terms of the bigger IoT picture, cloud migration is a key stepping stone for PRINTITRESELLER.UK 49 Neil Sawyer Steve Kendall-Smith Aaron Anderson