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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Toshiba Ups the Managed Print Services Ante: LEAD2010

IRVINE, Calif. - (Business Wire) Toshiba America Business Solutions (TABS) is launching an entirely new series of interactive hands-on workshops designed to provide office technology dealers with structure, product knowledge, and tools to help them succeed in selling and implementing Managed Print and Professional Services.

The first-ever seminar series of its kind offered by Toshiba, LEAD 2010 is a free two-day conference that will be held at four convenient locations nationwide this summer, including Washington, D.C. (June 15-16), Dallas (June 22-23), Irvine, Calif. (July 14 and 15), and Chicago (July 19 and 20).

The conference has been designed for three professional tracks including: sales, service and consulting. Anyone who is implementing or merely beginning to develop a Managed Print Services (MPS) program is encouraged to attend. Participation in the seminars is free and there is no limit to the number of people per dealership who can attend. Speakers will include MPS experts from Toshiba, HP, Lexmark and Strategy Development. There also will be a networking reception on the first night of each city’s conference.

“Since Toshiba developed the first MPS program seven years ago, global economics and the industry have experienced dramatic changes. As a result, the demand for Managed Print Services has skyrocketed and what was once a program experiencing gradual dealer adoption has quickly become an integral and necessary element of their business,” said Bill Melo, vice president, Marketing and Enterprise Services and Solutions, TABS.

“As one of the MPS pioneers, our goal is to help our dealer professionals learn everything from best practices for building a sales team, to performing Encompass Security Vulnerability Assessments and addressing customer security needs, to addressing each customer’s unique sustainability requirements and delivering an accurate Encompass Green Report identifying opportunities for reducing a company’s carbon footprint and saving costs.”

LEAD 2010 Registration

LEAD 2010 will include speaker presentations as well as activities with problem solving and role playing. There is no cost to register and no limit to the number of people per dealership who can attend. For more information or to register for LEAD 2010, please go to www.toshibamedia.net/lead2010/index.

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Possible Bribes in Russia by HP in Germany

Raids took place last week in Russia and Germany on HP offices and by Russian Prosecutors.

If there is anything more frightening then 60 Minutes at the front door, its a group of Russian prosecutors.

The investigation revolves around suspected bribes, occurring seven years ago.
German investigators are looking into possible corruption linked to a $47 million sale of computers to Russia. They are examining whether the company paid bribes to win the contract, Wolfgang Klein, a spokesman at Saxony’s Chief Prosecutor’s Office, said.

Under the lamp, nine people are being investigated for breach of trust.

Apparently, the suspects may have set up a system of sham companies and contracts, leading to 8 million euros ($10.8 million) in improper payments.

“It is unclear where these 8 million euros went,” Klein said from Dresden. “I don’t want to use the word bribes to say what they were used for, but we’re looking into that.”

Resonating here at Home -

"Even if senior management doesn't know about it, that doesn't give the company a pass," said John Davis, an FCPA expert at the Miller Chevalier law firm in Washington, D.C.

In the current political climate, a linkage between these possible bribes and former CEO Carly Fiorina’s run for the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Democrat Barbara Boxer, is being bantered about.

From Rich Smith, at the Motley Fool,

"...Tempest in a Russian tea glass

Here's a quick rundown of the allegations against HP. Back in 2003, Russia's Prosecutor General's office put up for bid a contract for sophisticated computer equipment. HP won the $48 million deal, but in order to do so, it allegedly had to pay out $11 million in bribes, parceled out through bills for nonexistent services, and paid to middlemen through an extended series of shell companies ranging from Belize to Latvia to Switzerland..."

Go over to his article here, he does a pretty good job summarizing and explaining.

More here.

Here.


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Education, Managed Print Services and Reducing Costs? It Will Never Work.

Managed Print Services Market Shows Strong Commitment to North American MPS Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 15, 2010

Sold-out exhibits, expanded sessions signal enthusiastic interest from MPS end users and providers

LEXINGTON, KY -- The managed print services market continues to command attention from channel pros and end users alike, and the North American market has long been one of the most active arenas, with a history of over ten years of MPS engagements. North America accounted for 50 percent of the total global MPS market in 2008, and it continues to grow at a healthy 27 percent compounded annual growth rate.

To keep the momentum, MPS end users and providers have sought and found information and contacts at forums like the annual MPS Conferences. The market has responded enthusiastically to the upcoming 2010 North American MPS Conference May 3-5 in San Antonio, TX. Exhibit space is sold out, and the agenda has been expanded to three speaking tracks to accommodate increased attendance and interest.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 15, 2010

Sold-out exhibits, expanded sessions signal enthusiastic interest from MPS end users and providers

LEXINGTON, KY -- The managed print services market continues to command attention from channel pros and end users alike, and the North American market has long been one of the most active arenas, with a history of over ten years of MPS engagements. North America accounted for 50 percent of the total global MPS market in 2008, and it continues to grow at a healthy 27 percent compounded annual growth rate.

To keep the momentum, MPS end users and providers have sought and found information and contacts at forums like the annual MPS Conferences. The market has responded enthusiastically to the upcoming 2010 North American MPS Conference May 3-5 in San Antonio, TX. Exhibit space is sold out, and the agenda has been expanded to three speaking tracks to accommodate increased attendance and interest.

The second annual North American MPS Conference focuses on the theme: “MPS: The Next Stage” and offers case studies, techniques, and ideas for moving to the next stage of MPS engagements. MPS decision makers, vendors and channel partners have signed up in record numbers to benefit from a rich agenda of relevant topics. Photizo Group, the leading research firm specializing in the printing and imaging industry, hosts the popular MPS Conference series, which have brought educational programs to MPS markets around the world.
Stellar Line Up of Industry Professionals

The North American MPS Conference promises a stellar line up of speakers, with multiple keynote presentations, as well as the definitive “State of the Industry” session delivered by Ed Crowley of Photizo Group. The keynote presenters are:

· Mark Boelhouwer, Vice President of Strategic Marketing, Ricoh Americas Corporation

· Dena Bernard, Director, Customer Satisfaction and Services, Oki Data Americas, Inc.

· Jason Evans, founding partner and CEO of PEQ Service + Solutions (which was acquired by Buchanan Technologies last year) and recently featured in MPSmentor

Chasing Customers, Outrunning Competitors

According to the Photizo Group, the most significant growth factors during the next two years will be evolution of distribution channels, continued focus on cost savings and aggressive vendor programs. The MPS Conference agenda provides a number of sessions geared to these information needs. The expanded three-track format offers targeted education covering a number of MPS areas. A diverse range of managed print services topics such as best practices in implementing managed print services, sales and marketing best practices, change management, transforming the dealership, and selling into the SMB market are all part of the industry’s only dedicated MPS conference.

“Expanding the agenda gives attendees ample opportunities to attend all the sessions they want. With much at stake for participants in this multi-billion dollar industry, it’s important to adjust and accommodate their educational needs and interests,” said Photizo Group CEO Ed Crowley. Photizo Group estimates that the MPS market is currently worth over $25 billion globally and projects it will be a $60 billion market by 2013. “Channel professionals and vendors are also coming on board in record numbers. With the nearly sold out exhibit area, attendees are sure to find solutions and advice to support their MPS goals. The across-the-board enthusiasm and support signal strong interest in the red-hot managed print services market, and the conference is designed to provide the information necessary for success.”

Best Practices, Best Networking

The conference features case studies, panels, exhibitions and interactive sessions that highlight successful approaches and valuable takeaways from actual MPS engagements. Some of the practical topics covered at the San Antonio Conference are managing RFPs and contracts, financial models for MPS providers, and sales and marketing best practices. Decision makers, vendors and channel partners can also network and share their insights and experiences with MPS engagements.

Registration details and other conference information are available at http://www.mpsconference.com.

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