Cover

January 2012

New Technologies

The Imaging Channel brings you the latest information on new technologies within the MPS arena, including mobile printing solutions and managed network services. Also in this issue: Gap Intelligence’s 2011 year in review, a Channel Profile on ECi Software Solutions, a breakdown on the newest hardware releases and Executive Corners with Ed McLaughlin and Brendan Peters.


From the Editor

Techno-Babble

I recently broke down and bought an iPad. Since then, I have rediscovered reading – with a whole new world of “printed” words in my hands. We’re living in a brave new world we could never have dreamed of a few years ago. With these new technologies means new things to print and new ways to print them.

By Amy Weiss


Executive Corner

Executive Corner With Brendan Peters

By Katherine Fernelius


Executive Corner With Ed McLaughlin

By Katherine Fernelius


Features

Shifts in Consumer Behavior Drive Mobile Printing Solutions

Once the interest in printing from now highly capable portable devices was recognized, everyone jumped on the bandwagon to come up with new and/or revamped mobile printing solutions. But there is much to consider when creating the ideal solution for the two main groups of consumers — the enterprise segment and the general public — especially when their behavior is changing at such a rapid rate.

By Raegen Pietrucha


Gap Intelligence’s 2011 Printing Industry Year in Review

I think it is safe to say that 2011 was an interesting one for the print industry. With that I give you the top five printing themes, trends and events of 2011.

By Jake Fishman


Taking a Closer Look at Offering Managed Network Services

It’s an accepted fact that progressive office equipment dealers are actively moving down the path of managed network services (MNS). By transferring the day-to-day management of technology to a third-party MNS provider, SMBs are able to move toward a more proactive technology management approach. For office equipment dealers, this is the biggest opportunity for growth since managed print.

By David Pohlman


Channel Profile

Through Acquisitions and Changing Business Models, ECi’s Commitment To Service Remains Strong

Providing end-to-end solutions for more than 7,000 diverse customers is no easy task. However, Ron Books, president and CEO of ECi Software Solutions, says it’s what his company does best.

By Lisa Weber


Channel Wrap

OEMs Invest in 2011

Hardware manufacturers invested tens of millions of dollars last year in order to grow their services portfolios for SMBs, especially in the area of MPS. Many of the industry’s leading names made important acquisitions in the services space during 2011. Other firms announced expansions and enhancements to their service offering. The Skeptic expects that we’ll start to see the fruits of these moves in 2012.

By Charlie Brewer