DOTC To Speak At Managed Print Services Conference: Changing Business Models, Myth vs. Reality

It will be my honor to discuss the above mentioned subject to interested parties.

Indeed, it is my honor to be presenting along side David Cameron from the Photizo Group - we are working diligently on our action-packed, thrilling based, hour of intrigue.

So, Myth vs. Reality - what say you?

There are a couple of polls out here, one over at P4P and another from Photizo, that show 50% of the folks who got into MPS are unsatisfied.

And recently, while attending a 1.5 day, MPS training seminar, I heard only 4% of today's, standard, BTA, copier dealership's revenue can be attributed to MPS engagements.

For all the flash generated by MPS, there seems to be little heat.

Well, an hour session in San Antonio won't quell the queries. More then likely, the mystery will continue - and perhaps that is part of the problem.

By now you know you won't find all the answers in some session at iTEX.

The heavens do not open up, illuminating the path toward MPS enlightenment, after 18 weeks of MPS boot camp/conference calls.

And unfortunately you may have found out your dire situation, if in the first hour of MPS training, the instructor tells you, "MPS is just like color was when it first came out..."

So, will you reach a higher level of MPS Nirvana after participating in our palaver?

Good lord I hope not, there are far too many MPS-Geeks, like me, out here already. Yes, we actually believe in some sort of MPS Nirvana - so sad.

Also, you may ask, will the Girls of DOTC be bouncing around, painted gold, and munching fishies?

If it were my show exclusively, you bet your sweet bippy the stripper polls would be out.

Alas, it is not my circus but Ed's - much more refined and dignified.

A good time will be had by all.

See you there!

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More Higher Education and Managed Print Services: Down the Rabbit Hole You Go

Andy West, over at the Los Angeles Chronicle has nifty little article outlining how higher education can benefit from MPS.

To summarize his take:

Bad economic times
Organizations looking for places to cut or reduce
MPS can reduce overhead
Educators will see the benefits by not needing so many toner cartridges
MPS can help prevent further cutbacks

Huh - doesn't sound all that bad, except if schools were really serious about reducing costs, they would be reducing the number of non-teaching, admin and "support" staff.

MPS has nothing to do with Education, because the education "market" isn't a free market.

From Andy's article, regarding implementing a Managed Print Services program,

"...When this is properly done, a sound print management strategy can save money, reduce environmental waste, free up IT resources time and extend the useable lifetime of printers. All of this can add up to huge savings for the education industry..."

Well, as incredibly obvious to us as this statement is, many outside our niche, customers and prospects to be specific, still need others to point out good ideas.

Interesting point here, further investigation into the author reveals a diverse field of subjects previously penned. For instance, "The Value of Using a Walker" or "Finding Life Insurance in Australia" and "The Different Types of Shuffleboard Games One Can Play".

Obviously, Andy makes a living writing, so I am not criticizing his occupation, I don't even disagree with his content.

Just some interesting background that indicates more about how MPS is now mainstream.

More from his article:

"With the economic challenges facing the education industry, now seems to be the perfect time for educational leaders to consider the benefits of managed print services. With print management, educators can save significant amounts of money. This savings can help prevent future cutbacks and meet today´s tight budgets. Enjoy the benefits to a print management program today!"

Again, can't argue with this.

I wonder if an audience of educators would really "get" this MPS thing...makes you go, "ummmm"...doesn't it?

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US Treasury Going Green to Save Green - When did the Jungle become a "Rain Forest" Anyway?

Broad New Initiative Will Increase Electronic Transactions, Save More Than $400 Million, 12 Million Pounds of Paper in First Five Years Alone

WASHINGTON – With Americans poised to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day this week, the U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced a broad new initiative to dramatically increase the number of electronic transactions that involve Treasury and millions of citizens and businesses, a move that is expected to save more than $400 million and 12 million pounds of paper in the first five years alone.

In addition to greatly reducing costs, enhancing customer service and minimizing Treasury's environmental impact, the move from paper to electronic transactions will increase reliability, safety and security for benefit recipients and taxpayers.

Moving to more direct deposit, the use of Treasury's Direct Express debit cards, and fewer paper T-Bills.

"Treasury must lead the way in developing methods to deliver payments that are safe and secure in a manner that is efficient and reliable," said Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. "By moving to all-electronic payments, Treasury will save hundreds of millions of dollars and substantially reduce our environmental impact, making this a win-win for all Americans."

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