Managed print services under pressure from market trends

The days when a printer was just a printer are long gone. Multifunction devices (MFD) are just as likely to have a graphic interface and sophisticated network and security features as they are to have paper trays and ink of some variety.

But as service providers have developed managed print services over the last few years, certain market influences have recently begun to impact their further development.

Increasingly, what is termed convergence has seen network enabled print and imaging devices come under the remit of the IT department, with all that that entails. High profile incidents have occurred where MFDs have been targeted for attack, as they not only have network interfaces, but browsers that can be leveraged to gain information on the rest of the network and also the jobs that have been put through the machine. Therefore, IT has to extend the usual network security measures for these devices. Moreover, many MFDs are deployed as part of document and information management strategies which makes these devices entry points as well outputs for information, bringing them further within the IT fold.

Collaboration trends too have seen print and imaging move beyond a single function to being part of a wider array of actions within business processes.

With the current focus on services, and the cost and efficiency associated, MPS will likely see greater adoption in the Irish market. However, service providers need to guide users through the journey of adoption as MPS evolve and change under market forces.

On 8 March at the Convention Centre, Dublin, MPS specialist Bryan S Ryan is hosting a free event where these themes will be explored from a user perspective. With speakers covering areas such as transitioning, convergence and cloud influences, the event is designed to inform and educate on the benefits and the opportunities for organisations in moving to and building upon MPS.

As part of this event, ComputerScope in association with Bryan S Ryan is conducting a survey to get specific information on MPS adoption and usage in Ireland.

Go to www.computerscope.ie/survey to help build a comprehensive picture of MPS in Ireland.

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