April 2012

The Rules of MPS

The Imaging Channel brings you the latest information on the rules of MPS, which haven't been easy to define. Also in this issue: rules of the hybrid provider, a breakdown of the laws your clients contend with, considerations for developing your mobile field service strategy, and Executive Corners with Chris Strammiello and Gary Stevens.


From the Editor

The First Rule of MPS ...

You thought I was going to start this off by saying, “There are no rules,” didn’t you?

By Amy Weiss


Executive Corner

Executive Corner With Chris Strammiello

By Amy Weiss


Executive Corner With Gary Stevens

By Katherine Fernelius


Features

A Direct Question

It’s been hard to ignore the growing buzz surrounding the printing industry’s direct sales organizations as news of downsizing and branch closures placed a spotlight on the sustainability of the business model.

By Jake Fishman


Five Things to Consider When Developing Your Mobile Field Service Strategy

The option of employing mobile technology is no longer considered “nice to have,” but companies need to consider some important issues when implementing mobile technology.

By Robert Sombach


Are Smartphones Risky to Your Business?

Smartphones are wonderful business tools, especially for mobile workers. But with all of the recent stories about cyberattacks hitting smartphones, are you a little nervous? I know I am.

By Mike Stramaglio


The Five-Step MPS Plan

Dealerships that lead the pack are in almost every case simply more organized and proactive in their approach to the business and the changes at hand. Here are five steps you can take to become a leader in this evolving industry.

By Jim Kahrs


Defining the Indefinable: The Rules of MPS

Managed print services is nearly indefinable. We see the results, can feel the power and know it is real, but — like the wind — it is not easily seen.

By Greg Walters


Four Rules of the Hybrid Provider

Photizo studied true hybrid providers to identify trends, patterns and best practices among them, creating a Hybrid Provider Index. Within that index, there were four rules by which every hybrid provider was governed.

By Ken Stewart


The Laws Your Clients Contend With

There’s a lot to consider when “assuming responsibility” for clients’ devices, especially in light of today’s privacy laws.

By Raegen Pietrucha


Channel Wrap

Xerox Print Services Impact Hardware Revenue And Page Volumes — But That’s OK

Xerox had a better year in 2011 than many hardware manufacturers. During a conference call with investors and Wall Street analysts reviewing the firm’s 2011 fourth-quarter performance, Xerox Chairman and CEO Ursula Burns said the company reaped more revenue from its Services segment last year than it did from Technology.

By Charlie Brewer