Print.IT Reseller - issue 86

VOX POP Steve Kendall-Smith, Managing Director of UK & Ireland, Lexmark : “Key research shows us that the hybrid working model is here to stay, long after the pandemic has gone. Cloud print services have evolved to the point that they can help navigate the new work landscape, playing an important role in recovery for both businesses and MPS providers. Cloud technologies can bridge the gap between users and devices, expanding access to MPS across enterprises and complex networks. Whether you’re at your office or at home, cloud print management can ensure continuity of process, unlocking advanced printing capabilities in any network environment. “It’s vital for MPS providers to consider these types of integrated connectivity solutions for the coming years. It’s also vital that any cloud print service supports the hybrid working model, including working remotely from home via VPN for example.” Aaron Anderson, Head of Marketing, KYOCERA Document Solutions : “Hybrid workspaces represent the ‘new normal’ that we’re still all adjusting to. Today, MPS is no longer simply about managing printer fleets and consumables, instead favouring a holistic approach that includes managed document solutions (MDS) and covers the entire document lifecycle across each area of an organisation. “MPS in the new hybrid working model does bring fresh challenges, however those that are able to successfully align their hybrid strategy with their digital transformation objectives will be able to improve their document management and printing processes, and secure a better return on investment. “In a cloud MPS environment, traditional printing and document management processes are streamlined, so paper usage and waste is minimised while user access management allows authorised users instant access to important documents. Not only does this improve teamwork and collaboration, but reducing printed paper copies of documents is vital for sustainability and cutting business costs. “Switching to a cloud MPS model also decreases the probability of sensitive information being accidentally leaked or accessed. A trusted cloud MPS will offer document protection and security features as standard, ensuring only those with access privileges can view, download and print specific files. These features are proving essential due to the recent rise in phishing and ransomware attacks. “These are just some of the reasons why prioritising the hybrid workforce and cloud MPS can help providers to meet the demands of a changed working world. Workspaces have evolved to cater to staff who now work at any time and from any place. Providers that can offer affordable and reliable cloud print and document solutions will be able to meet these demands and recoup any losses they may have suffered during the pandemic.” www.everyoneprint.com www.printix.net www.thinprint.com www.sharp.co.uk www.officefox.co.uk www.papercut.com www.aurafutures.com www.canon.co.uk www.ebmltd.co.uk www.hp.com www.lexmark.co.uk kyoceradocumentsolutions.co.uk printing services will offer the best opportunity to meet client requirements and to maximise revenue and profit. “Many clients have driven digitalisation of their business processes during the pandemic, replacing dated manual activities with the latest cloud services platforms like Monday. com, ServiceNow or Microsoft Power Automate. In helping businesses understand why and how print is being used, we can provide options available to help reduce operating costs which will open opportunities to offer more advanced digital services in the intelligent automation space. This can include data capture and extraction, content management and workflow, and secure document output. HP will continue to deliver updates and new advanced features to enable our partners to grow into the new automation arena to meet their clients’ evolving needs. “Another key differentiator is security. The shift to home and hybrid working has created operational blindspots that hackers can exploit. According to the HP Wolf Security Blurred Lines & Blindspots Report, 45 per cent of ITDMs state they have seen compromised printers being used as an attack point in the past year. HP’s new Flexworker offering, part of HP Wolf Enterprise Security Services, is a scalable cloud-based print service for hybrid workforces. This extension of MPS facilitates IT departments to arm hybrid workers with secure, company-approved printers to enhance home productivity and reduce potential security threats. Through leveraging the HP Instant Ink and MPS ecosystems, we’re delivering a fully automated secure enterprise managed print experience.” PRINTITRESELLER.UK 45 Neil Sawyer Steve Kendall-Smith Aaron Anderson A trusted cloud MPS will offer document protection and security features as standard, ensuring only those with access privileges can view, download and print specific files