If you’re not already on the train, you are late to the game
The whole concept of e-commerce and sales enablement is neither a conservative play nor a risk/reward scenario—rather, it is a way of diversifying your organization and making it more nimble.Looking at our audio series in advance of the worldwide celebration of the format
September 30 is International Podcast Day. Come February, it will be 20 years since the word “podcast” was born. The medium keeps evolving and remains as powerful as ever.A digital revolution is changing the way we buy our keepsakes
The widespread popularity of smartphones means that the average consumer is likely to take photographs with their mobile phones these days. And, given their size and portability, it’s an easy and convenient way for people to capture moments.Oh, how the tables have turned…
Long ago, employees and employers were on the same page: You come in, you work, you go home. Around 17% of jobs were performed mostly or fully remote—but that number jumped to 44% during the pandemic.Inaugural blog in a series with emphasis on a solid cybersecurity posture
In the first blog of our series, Keypoint Intelligence and ACS investigate the many facets of cybersecurity to deliver insight and strategy in anticipation of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. We discuss some top-level cybersecurity initiatives businesses can take to protect their data.A closer look at one aspect of Keypoint Intelligence’s Primary Research study
Digital transformation (DX) is the process of applying technology to improve the way a business runs. We discuss here how DX can affect vendors and technology providers as well as share some key findings from a recent Keypoint Intelligence study.Hardware, software, and services are at the heart of the dealer and customer event
For the first time since before the pandemic, Toshiba America Business Solutions’ Electronic Imaging Division gathered dealers, customers, and key business partners to showcase offerings and impart guidance on its direction and initiatives.Which large-scale technology service providers made the cut this year?
While the mega dealers comprise just a fraction of the roughly 1,800 outfits in the United States, a heck of a lot of attention and focus is put on this group of 18.Keypoint Intelligence’s coverage of IT continues, along with RPA and the Pitt-WVU rivalry
Like the countries that make up Europe, the dealer landscape on that continent is also just different than in the United States—and (oftentimes) more intriguing.Proprietary study delivers insights into the MITS areas that companies plan to outsource
Our most recent IT Decision Maker Primary Research study looked into what IT functions are purchasers looking to outsource to a partner provider. This blog and infographic provide some top-level findings of our study.Summer might be winding down, but there’s still plenty of heat in the news
Staying up to date with all the goings-on and happenings is beneficial from an educational standpoint, but it can be very difficult to keep up with. This blog discusses the top three news articles Keypoint Intelligence covered for August 2023.A look at printing solutions in healthcare and financial services
Digital transformation (DX) has taken over some markets so strongly that physical print is no longer needed, while there are those who still use both options. This infographic aims to highlight those differences within the healthcare and financial services markets.What teachers think about digitalization in education
Of the educators I had the chance to talk to, it goes without saying that most of them credit the COVID-19 pandemic with the decreased turn to printed documents since everyone had to get used to online learning.How cloud printing is bridging the gap between the paper and digital world
Cloud printing is not a new phenomenon, but it has embedded itself in our technological sphere because of a need for greater printing flexibility, easier maintenance, and greater financial returns.We talk about the 2023 European Software Outlook report and automation
Chatting with the head of Keypoint Intelligence’s Production Workflow Advisory Service, Greg Cholmondeley about trends towards automation in the print services industry and how its implementation will be beneficial.How does scanning fit into your future, and where are you on your DX journey?
Highlighting the scanning needs of IT decision makers and how it impacts other aspects of their market.More details on the Konica Minolta-Epson scanner partnership
Epson America partners with Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.Our Office Group leader has plenty to offer to this compelling print services organization
Deborah Hawkins knows the market for workplace technology and has helped build Office Group practice areas at Keypoint (and its predecessors) for 20 years.Supercharge your digital investments with intelligent document processing
Businesses of all shapes and sizes are benefiting from their investments in digital transformation (DX) technology, while intelligent document processing (IDP) technology enables businesses to scan, read, extract, categorize, and organize information in hardcopy and electronic documents. We discuss here the process of implementing DX and IDP technology and how they can benefit a business' operations.A Parisian approach to commercial printing
In Paris, Americans will pick up a couple of factory-baked bread loaves and toss them in the freezer for a week or two. Parisians prefer to purchase individual, hand-baked baguettes that are made fresh every morning to consume that day. So print-on-demand makes sense to them, but concepts like workflow automation appear to be untranslatable.Here’s what happened when you were at the beach
Keypoint Intelligence's news service covers everything from print to managed IT to the smart workplace and beyond. We will be providing here a recap of July 2023's top news stories.Analyzing demand for RPA in the North American market
Keypoint Intelligence recently published a Multi-Client Study on robotic process automation (RPA) that surveyed 825 respondents from mid-size and large companies in the US. We discuss here some of the key findings of the study.Proprietary study delivers insights on where companies are on their DX journeys
Where are organizations on their digital transformation journeys, and what are their plans for DX, workflow, intelligent document processing, and other smart solutions? That’s what we set out to discover in our 2023 IT Decisionmaker primary research study.How have things been going since the company’s dealer meeting?
Hard to believe it’s been three months since the Sharp National Dealer Meeting 2023, which carried “Opportunity Meets Execution” as its theme.What are the biggest factors industry players are currently dealing with?
Peter Mayhew, Principal Analyst in Keypoint Intelligence’s Office Group, brings over 40 years of sales, marketing and research experience to the table. We discuss here Peter's opinions on sustainability in the office print market, remanufactured hardware, and government regulations.Keypoint Intelligence takes a sneak peek into Canon’s remanufacturing factory in Germany
Taking a look into Canon's impressive remanufacturing site in Germany.A highlighted review of production inkjet industry trends
A look inside our time at thINK Ahead 2023!How to make AR sexy again
Augmented reality is a solution that has fallen to the wayside from the invention of more recent developments, such as artificial intelligence. We discuss here how AR can still be a viable software for companies to use and provide examples of current AR programs.What’s been on the minds of dealers and what are they thinking about moving forward?
It’s true that Keypoint Intelligence focuses a lot of time and energy on the vendor side of the print industry, but that does not mean we shy away from the channel.Offering insight into a unique market
Nothing stands still in India!How to figure out what solution best fits your cybersecurity needs
Cybersecurity has become a key aspect of all parts of our lives. We discuss here the key aspects of adapting endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions as well as their importance in a business infrastructure.There’s always M&A activity, but how active has it been?
Acquisitions come in all shapes and sizes. Consolidation will continue like clockwork—basically no different than the sun rising and setting.Make AI work for you
AI is on a path to change how businesses and its employees operate.Just because summer is here doesn’t mean the print industry has gone on vacation
The Keypoint Intelligence news service provides extensive coverage of various topics and markets. This blog discusses the top three articles covered in June 2023.Why everyone should take the initiative and learn how to leverage artificial intelligence
AI is more than just a buzzword; it is capable of revolutionizing business efforts organizations make. We discuss here the need for AI literacy as well as the benefits it can have for businesses.An overview of our lab testing process, along with options we offer
Chatting with Rachel Dean about how lab test reports are written, discussing different tests and how vendors can benefit from each, as well as some additional research she is conducting.Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises continues its growth in IT and everywhere else, too
IT is like one of those monsters that absorbs everything in its path and just keeps growing. Luke Ubelhor of Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises is the kind of guy who likes to help make sense of the IT beast.How print OEMs are adapting office space to bridge the skills gap of new graduate recruits
Recent hires who spent part of their formal or higher education isolated from the face-to-face interaction that previous cohorts received have found it harder to adapt to the work environment.The need for better inventory management in testing times
Supply chain bottlenecks and breakdowns are not uncommon, but the last few years have seen potent, relentless disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors.HP’s impact and the path ahead
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times: Sustainability has become a top priority for companies everywhere.Sometimes classics exist for a reason
While quick response codes have been utilized for a variety of uses, one that has yet to gain approval is QR code menus. We discuss here the benefits of a QR code menu as well as the resistance to use it.Industry has much to consider following a US DHS ban on Ninestar Corporation
When the US Department of Homeland Security takes steps to ban products from a large manufacturer in your industry from entering the US market, your ears tend to perk up.Detailing results and analyzing the data in this valuable roundup
Keypoint Intelligence is set to publish its annual Vendor Financials document this month, which appraises the financial health of major manufacturers in the global office and production equipment industry. We discuss here the key points as well as major effects this data will have on the market.Keypoint Intelligence Interview Insights with OpenText’s Janet de Guzman
Chatting with Janet de Guzman, Senior Director of Experience Cloud Product Marketing at OpenText, about Total Experience.Safeguarding the digital frontier
The necessity for effective cybersecurity measures has never been more vital in today's quickly evolving digital landscape. We discuss here some of the major online threats as well as some options to overcome them.What dealers can learn from recent developments in the IT and cloud space
Anne Valaitis (Principal Analyst in Keypoint Intelligence’s Office Group) and Carl Schell teamed up once again to discuss IT happenings and provide some color commentary on the news.You can’t do IT without cybersecurity and compliance services
At IT Nation Secure 2023, ConnectWise CEO James Magee and Greystone Technology CEO Peter Melby had a clear message: It’s time for IT providers to close the SMB cybersecurity gap.A look at buyer personas in the printing industry, digital transformation in education
An analyst in Keypoint Intelligence’s Office Group, Mark Davis joined us last year and is responsible for producing Lab Test Reports for bliQ, InfoCenter deliverables, and blogs for the company’s public site.Are two of the additive manufacturing industry’s primetime players joining forces?
In what would be a groundbreaking move that will have more than just ripple effects in the additive manufacturing (AM) industry, 3D Systems recently confirmed its submission of a proposal to merge with Stratsys.Webinar looks at an important solution in Keypoint Intelligence’s UVERCE® product family
With the increased pressure to accelerate the sales cycle, as well as dealers looking to expand their customer base, the ability to adapt to the changing landscape is more important than it has ever been. We discuss here Keypoint Intelligence's latest solution, quote iQ, as well as the benefits it can offer its users.ECi is no longer the only game in town
Over the past few years, Valsoft has become a one-stop-shop for software by acquiring numerous software applications and platforms that OEDs rely on to run their sales and MPS businesses. We discuss here the latest acquisition as well as the effect it can have on the office print industry.How work has changed and where it’s going
Hybrid working has impacted office printing, altering the traditional model and heralding greater flexibility from a hardware and software perspective. We discuss here the effects of hybrid working as well as the benefits of using Adobe PDF when printing from multiple locations.From May Day to Memorial Day, the month was filled with interesting developments in the industry
Staying up to date with all the goings-on and happenings is, at the very least, beneficial from an educational standpoint—but it can be very difficult to keep up with. Thanks to our News Service (which is updated every business day), we cover everything from print to managed IT to smart workplace and beyond. Here, to provide you with a recap of the month that was, we offer up…Stepping through the digital thread
We are in a new era of digital transformation powered by cloud and edge computing, the Internet of things, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality technology. We discuss here the key themes of PTC LiveWorx and how they can apply to DX.When talking sustainability, every little bit counts
Our planet needs help to secure our existence and the well-being of future generations. Manufacturers of office equipment are making progress in many areas under the stipulations of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs).Dealer-focused webinar looks at all things IT, with an assist from Pulse Technology’s Chip Miceli
They used to say that “The sun never sets on the British empire,” and the same is true of IT development. It is constant, at times progressive, and typically rapid.Good choices can make a difference, especially to the consumer
Earth Day has come and gone, but it should be a concept we (as consumers) keep in mind for the other 364 days of the year. We live on the planet year-round, so it’s in our best interest to keep it from being one giant trash heap, right?Looking at the change AI is introducing to the print industry
Keith Haas joined Keypoint Intelligence last year as an analyst in our Office Group, focusing on software solutions as well as smart office. We discuss with him the concerns surrounding the adoption of artificial intelligence as well as the benefits AI can have for companies.It’s not just digital transformation, it’s also scan acceleration
Digital transformation (DX) is nothing new. Even if DX was here long in advance of the COVID-19 pandemic, that singular event pushed its value proposition up the grid of importance.Merger will create the largest, international business machine manufacturer
Ricoh officially announced that it will integrate the research, development, and production of its business machines with Toshiba Tec as of April 2024. We discuss here the key features of this merger as well as the projected effects it will have on the office market.New printer attempts to boost sustainable digital textile printing
Kyocera Corporation recently held a press conference in Japan to unveil its vision for the future of textile printing—one of being in harmony with nature and reducing the environmental impact of textile printing.Konica Minolta refreshes its bizhub copier range
Whether it’s “reused,” “refurbished,” “reconditioned,” or “remanufactured,” the lexicon has become a little stale. So, when the positive sounding “refreshed” entered into copier vocabulary, we wanted to know more.The newly discovered vulnerability has a fix, but customers must take action
Versions of PaperCut Software’s popular PaperCut MF and PaperCut NG output management platforms have two newly discovered security vulnerabilities that have allowed a ransomware gang to target education customers.Making sure that sustainability in print is really doing what it claims
Sustainability labels can help to mitigate any ethical risks associated with their products and help push forward systemic change. We discuss here the differences between the FSC and SFI labels as well as the effect of sustainability practices in the industry.A sneak preview of a recently published forecast and testing of FADGI compliance
Lee Davis has been an Associate Director for Keypoint Intelligence since April 2015. We discuss here some of his thoughts on the scanner market and our testing practices (including FADGI compliance).April showers helped grow interesting developments in the industry
Keypoint Intelligence's News Service covers everything from print to managed IT to smart workplace and beyond. We discuss here a recap of the top three news articles we covered in April.Integrating print into a secure infrastructure
ConnectWise and Sharp recently announced a strategic partnership to realize their shared vision of offering secure and effective managed services through their extensive channel partner networks. We discuss here the basics of this partnership as well as the effect it could have on the industry.This move should boost the bottom line, but at what cost?
Xerox Corp. recently announced that it had donated its Palo Alto Research Center to SRI International, a non-profit research institute associated with Stanford University. We discuss here the key features of this donation as well as its effect on Xerox and the tech industry as a whole.Keypoint Intelligence’s Randy Dazo is among the many honorees
At the end of April 2023, ENX Magazine announced the list of its 2023 Difference Makers—including Keypoint Intelligence's Randy Dazo. We discuss here the nature of this prestigious list and Randy's laudable contributions.What happens when going “green” could cost you some green
Sustainability initiatives are pretty widespread at this point, but there are some darker aspects involved in "green" policies. We discuss here the concept of greenhushing and its effects on companies' sustainability practices.How Canon uniFLOW Online helps users step up their zero-trust approach
What organization doesn’t worry about securing their digital environments? While a lot of technology has advanced to better protect its users, bad actors will always be present trying to cause havocThoughts on where we are in that journey
Consumers and businesses are increasingly paying attention to how our actions impact the planet, with a plethora of opinions and many arguments that reflect a diversity of viewpoints on the topic.But sustainable, eco-friendly furniture is an option!
In the print industry, discussions of how to reduce carbon footprints and the impact on the environment are always circulating—especially since consumers now take sustainability quite seriously. We discuss here some other methods of sustainability beyond the recycling and reuse of print supplies.How this VR solution can revolutionize digital connections between workers
Canon announced it has developed a VR solution that makes you feel you’re with the people you’re communicating with online. We discuss here the main features of the Canon Kokomo app as well as its effects on the industry.Our “green” content drive for Earth Day week starts here!
In the print industry specifically, sustainability has stepped up to the mic like the front man in your favorite band. The amount of marketing and messaging and promotion around sustainability has for sure seen an uptick in the United States, but even in other regions where eco-responsibility had already made significant gains.A new smart factory in Isahaya may be the answer
Kyocera Corporation recently announced that it has acquired about 37 acres of land for a new smart factory at the Minami Isahaya Industrial Park in Isahaya City, Japan. We discuss here the implications this construction will have on the semiconductor market as well as for Kyocera.Looking at realignment in the print industry over the past decade
We have all grown used to consolidation in the print industry. We all expect it to continue. Having options is always a good thing, but how many options do there really need to be?Credit card loyalty programs and mobile apps attract younger consumers
Even before the recent economic challenges and notable bank failures, consumers of all ages have been attracted to large national banks for their credit card loyalty programs and mobile capabilities.Print buyers recognize the benefits and consumers do, too!
In the never-ending battle for consumer attention, marketing managers have a variety of communication options—digital and physical—for reaching their customers.Spring has sprung, new beginnings abound
This blog explores the top news stories posted by our News service for the month of March.Modularity covers all the angles
Today, Canon announced the next edition of its UVGel line, the Colorado M-Series. Earlier this month, I had an opportunity to take an up-close, in-person look at the M-Series and found it to be impressive for many reasons—which is not surprising as Canon is offering the new line with modular options that “cover all the angles.”Big time consolidation in the print MIS world
Earlier this week, eProductivity Software (ePS) announced that it had acquired UK-based Tharstern Group Ltd. This is monumental news in the segment because both companies are giants in the print management information system (MIS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) spaces.The best offense is a good defense
The Official Cyber Security Summit took place on March 23, 2023 in New York City, bringing together IT executives, cybersecurity professionals and providers from around the globe to educate in cyber protection, defense, and mitigating the risks of attacks. We discuss here some of the key features of the show.Company continues its evolution of devices for office, hybrid, and remote workers
Today at the Amplify Partner Conference, HP is announcing the launch of a new A4 lineup that delivers printing solutions for businesses of all sizes.What can you do when you can’t trust your eyes and ears?
With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and superior technology, we must now be as vigilant with our videos as we have been with our images.The box will say “Ricoh,” but everything else will stay the same
When it was first announced that Ricoh was acquiring PFU Limited (manufacturer of Fujitsu-branded scanners), some wondered if Ricoh would restrict the sale of Fujitsu scanner products on e-commerce platforms and through competing channel partners. This blog takes a look at the most recent development of this acquisition and the effect it could have on the marketplace.Sharp upgrades its smart workplace portfolio, while Kodak Alaris gets more feet on the street
Sharp and Kodak Alaris have struck an agreement on a strategic alliance that will allow Sharp’s 17 direct sales offices and 300+ channel partners to sell and support the Kodak Alaris line of capture hardware and software. We discuss here the effect this agreement will have on the market.How this can be a driver in future automation solutions
On February 9, ConnectWise announced its new integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools: ConnectWise Automate and ConnectWise RMM. We discuss here some of the key features of the tools as well as the benefits of adopting AI into the process.And were you even aware of Global Recycling Day?
Recycling and the replanting of trees are merely two of the many facets of sustainability. The subject has been around for ages, but its density and meaning have surged due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent supply chain crisis.How professionals can benefit from a stronger internet connection
Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E devices have only really been around for a few years, and already Wi-Fi 7 is expected to officially launch in 2024. We discuss here some of the key features of Wi-Fi 7, what it's introduction should mean, as well as some barriers to its adoption.Epson’s innovative “paper upcycler” could change how we recycle paper
Epson's Paperlab A-8000 is a device that seeks to help companies expand on their "green" initiatives to form a closed circuit for recycling and reusing paper. We discuss here some of the features of the device as well as the benefits it could provide to its users.Are we going to lose our jobs to robots?
To test the hype surrounding chatbots like ChatGPT, Keypoint Intelligence has attempted to use the app to produce a blog based on the prompt: “Write a blog on how the benefits of ChatGPT outweigh the controversial aspects of the tool.” We provide the results here.Further education from Keypoint Intelligence’s 2022 Channel Survey
The Keypoint Intelligence 2022 Channel Survey sure does have some important, strategic research and data. What you see here is an infinitesimal sliver of the pie. Have a look and let your brain wander!What were some of the bigger items during the shortest month of the year?
Thanks to our News Service, we cover everything from print to managed IT to smart workplace and beyond. We discuss here a recap of the top news stories for the month of February 2023.How BOSS is making a difference
Charity organizations range in focus and reach, but all are established trying to do some good in the world. We discuss here the the work of BOSS, the business supplies charity, as well as a recent event that some of our analysts attended in London, UK.More fun with numbers from our Channel Strategy Advisory Service
I thought there would be more dealer acquisitions in 2022 than in 2021. That turned out to be true, though my mind and my gut did think that even more would happen.How schools can still enjoy the benefits of colour printing, despite the rising costs
Colour printing in schools has always been a contentious issue. Those advocating for its use, citing benefits to learning inside and outside the classroom, are often side-lined by those who claim it wastes an already tight budget.Do print buyers purchase based on price…or value?
Most companies in the printing supply chain believe that print is not a commodity…but what does the buyer think? Price is always a powerful part of any buying criteria for any industry, and print is no exception.Our survey reveals the uptake of RPA…and the pain points
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has been a growing area of interest for a few years now. We discuss here how RPA can be a benefit for many printers as well as some key points of a recent Konica Minolta study on the subject.Learning about the future of work
Last week saw the return of ISE, the world's largest audio/visual & IT Integrators exhibition; we also saw some of the most current trends around the future of work. We discuss here some of the key features from the show.
