Print.IT Reseller - issue 47

01732 759725 38 VOX POP move to something less tangible. However, we should expect more vendors to change that mindset – by showing the benefits of the cloud and providing a more flexible and collaborative approach to working. Print vendors will also have to conduct more research into the cloud-based apps and services the SMB market is investing in to find ways in which they can integrate. “Security will continue to be high on the agenda for businesses as we move into the new year, predominantly with the EU General Data Protection Regulation coming into effect in May 2018. Print organisations, amongst many others, will be assessing their data processing activity more closely than before and we should expect to see print businesses seeking out expert advice to get to grips with the needs of the regulation and to develop a more systematic approach.” www.xerox.co.uk Eddie Ginja, Head of Innovation, KYOCERA Document Solutions “Moving into 2018, it will become increasingly important for print suppliers to deliver greater value as part of their traditional services. Over the last couple of years, it’s become apparent that adapting to modern working habits is the only way that the ever-declining print industry will survive. “With that in mind, we’ll probably see an increase when it comes to combining the file and print estate/environment with other areas such as document disaster recovery. Given the rise of mobile working, making documents or solutions accessible to anyone, at any time and from anywhere, will also become even more important. “In 2018, I think customers will also increasingly look for integrated solutions that are truly ‘plug-and-play’. Printers, for example, will need to integrate seamlessly with not only the file and print server but also with the back-end document management (DM) solution. There will probably be an increase in the use of the printing applications – both on the printers themselves and on mobile phones – which can facilitate this. In theory, you should be able to install an app and away you go! This simplicity is what will enable their popularity to increase even further next year. “The print industry will need to pre- empt what customers want before they even know themselves; 2018 will be the year when innovation is key.” www.kyoceradocumentsolutions. co.uk Jonathan Whitworth, Managing Director, DSales UK “Compliance to the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will be the hot topic for all organisations in 2018. Organisations are beginning to audit their procedures and processes to adapt and change to meet GDPR guidelines and timescales but now only have until the 25 May 2018 to ensure that they are indeed compliant. “Naturally, organisations have begun to ask about the data security risk of their existing and future print devices, fuelled by the constant news of hackers, malware and ransomware posing a tangible threat to their organisation. However, despite companies doing all they can to shore up the IT infrastructure there is often one area that’s overlooked – the print infrastructure. “However many organisations do not have the infrastructure to manage printer security protocols in-house. To deal with this very real threat to device-based company data, Develop has launched a new industry-leading security service known as ineo SECURE UK, which will be offered exclusively by authorised Develop resellers. Highly trained professionals will configure the security features of Develop devices – either prior to onsite installation or at the users’ premises, customised to the individual user’s requirements. “The workplace will continue to require more mobility, BYOD and innovative workspaces. Mobile workers are no longer tied to their desks, they use smartphones and tablets as opposed to laptops whilst on the move, but still expect seamless integration into workflows for both printing and scanning of documents. To meet this challenge Develop MFPs have been designed to provide uncomplicated mobile usability, including the award- winning app ineoPRINT, free to download for Android and iOS mobile devices, providing extremely simple connection to the MFP. “Workflow solutions are an increasingly important part of document imaging so Develop has also produced its own unique range of document management software solutions to meet the needs of SME customers. New ways to improve business productivity, flexibility and efficiency are essential for the modern workplace that demands workflow solutions to help streamline document processing. “For example the latest version of Develop’s easy to use convert+share software brings new functionality and new capabilities to everyday tasks. convert+share does away with manual document processes by allowing original documents to be scanned on a Develop MFP and automatically converted to many different file types including searchable PDF, xlsx or .docx files. The documents can then be sent straight from the devices to a number of destinations and this latest release includes any cloud-based archiving system.” www.dsales.eu Shaun Wilkinson, Managing Director, UTAX (UK) “The one thing we can be certain about in 2018 is that there will be market uncertainty. Brexit negotiations will continue to bring a lot of unknowns about the value of the pound and business ...continued Jonathan Whitworth It’s become apparent that adapting to modern working habits is the only way that the ever- declining print industry will survive