MFP Copier "Brand Poll"

We've just released a new poll on our new Multifunctional Copier Network community.

We want to hear your thoughts on what brand you would pay more for considering feature and benefits were equal. Would you pay more for a Xerox, Ricoh, Canon or KonicaMinolta?

There's is no cost to take the poll, and membership is not required. You can vote here Multifunctional Copier Network.

Art

New Color Laser MFP from Fuji Xerox

Fuji of Japan announced a couple new color laser MFPs, that may show up in the U.S. under the Xerox name:
- DocuCentre C1101
- 16ppm full color or b/w
- Uses “Imari” 4 drum engine, which is also found in many current Xerox color MFPs
- Fully loaded MSRP of $12,310
- DocuColor 5151
- 51ppm color or b/w
- Based on engine used in current Xerox DocuColor 242, 252, etc.
- Fully loaded MSRP of $73,400.00.

Okidata Launches New C830 Color Printer

- Okidata launched a new color LED printer, the Okidata C830 series that includes:
- all models are A3, or able to handle 11”x17”
- use LED, instead of laser technology (Okidata owns most of the patents worldwide for LED printing technology)
- use pulverized toner infused with wax, called Okidata High Definition Color
- supports banner printing up to 52” long
- all are desktop models
- 30ppm top speed full color and 32ppm for b/w
- First page out time of 10 seconds for color
- 1200x600dpi (not true 8 bits per pixel)
- 4 tandem OPC drum design
- Handles up to 220gsm or 80lb cover stock (can not handle 10 point)
- Advertised as offering a 5 year warranty, but this is just on the LED printhead
- Optional automatic duplex
- 75,000 page per month maximum duty cycle
- Built-in print controller
- 256MB RAM standard (maximum of 768MB)
- 40GB Hard drive is optional
- PCL and PostScript print drivers standard
- Front loading 100 sheet stack bypass comes standard
- Front loading 300 sheet paper drawer comes standard
- Can add one or two 530 sheet paper drawers
- Becomes floor standing unit with optional storage cabinet
- Base MSRP of $2199.00
- soon launch MFP version of this engine

Riso launching two high speed inkjet systems

Riso announced it plans on launching two new high speed color inkjet systems to replace the existing HC-5500.

The new model will feature:
- Like current model, is not a Riso made duplicator, but an inkjet engine made by Olympus
- 120ppm and 150ppm versions if set at 300dpi
- The company claims that the existing models account for 24% of its sales and $100 million in revenue
- The Americas only count for 13% of Riso’s global sales of all products, and that U.S. sales declined 11% in 2008
- The Americas division lost $3.7 million in 2008
- Unlike previous models, the new versions will use oil-based inks to improve print quality
- New models are smaller and weigh 30% less
- Come standard with three 500 sheet paper drawers
- Built-in print controller
- 1.86MHz processor
- 512MB RAM (can upgrade to 1GB)
- 160GB hard drive
- Optional external PostScript print controller
- Optional HS4000 scanner (made by Epson) allows unit to scan and make copies (top speed of 40opm)
- Pricing not yet announced

Multifunctional Copier Network Community

While searching the web, I've seen many web sites/aka message boards that cater to technicians, along with many sites having information pertaining to multifunctional systems. But, there is not one site that is dedicated the industry as a whole, merging end users and industry support people. The Multifunctional Copier Network is focused on the end users ability to get immediate information on their multifunctional systems, printers, fax and scanners (technical or support).

So, in short, I've put together a community for end users, technical, sales and support people. Not only is this system designed to help diagnose problems for the end user, the system will also post the latest information from all industry related manufacturers.

Features:

Updated Press Releases
New Product News
Manufacturers Resource Links
Leasing Information
Third Party Software and Hardware Solutions
Support Forums
Where to Lease or Buy a System
Trade or Sell Items
Equipment Lease Calculator

As the site grows there will be more features added, the site is free for all to view. Click here for The Multifunctional Copier Network Community.

Ricoh Introduces DocuClass Document Management Solution

RiSVP Member Software to Streamline Business Processes

WEST CALDWELL, N.J., Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh Americas Corporation, a leading provider of digital office equipment, today announced the release of DocuClass document management software - one of the first solutions to become available to the Ricoh Channel through its recently introduced Ricoh Independent Solutions Vendor Program (RiSVP).

DocuClass, a product of Cima Software Corporation, Inc., is a complete process-oriented, document management software solution that enables organizations to streamline their internal operations by dynamically controlling and organizing the capture, management, access, and distribution of documents and information within their business process. Enhanced for Ricoh, the DocuClass MFP Link ties the software directly to most Ricoh multifunction products (MFPs), offering a simplified method of document indexing, archiving, document processing, workflow routing and full version control directly from the MFP control panel.

"We are delighted to partner with Ricoh in delivering world-class document management solutions to the marketplace," said Nelson Cano, vice president, Sales and Marketing, Cima Software Corporation, Inc. "Going forward we will continue to develop innovative solutions for Ricoh customers."

One of three Ricoh Alliance programs, RiSVP, developed in cooperation with Ricoh solution partners and Ricoh's direct and dealer channels, focuses on two key areas: expansion of channel marketing opportunities for RiSVP members and simplifying solution access for Ricoh sales channels. By providing RiSVP member products directly from Ricoh, the direct and dealer channels have more opportunities for new revenue growth combined and simplified sales operations. In turn, RiSVP members enjoy faster and greater financial return on the investments they have made in developing solutions that when combined with Ricoh's award-winning product portfolio address customers' key concerns. Cima Software is a Platinum Plus member of RiSVP.

"Together with Cima Software, we will continue to provide customers with real enhanced value by delivering a broad set of capabilities designed to improve business processes and reduce operational costs," said Hede Nonaka, executive vice president, Ricoh Americas Corporation. "Both organizations are committed to developing solutions driven by customer need and not industry hype."

For more information on RiSVP, please visit www.ricohalliances.com.

About Cima Software Corporation

Cima Software Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, is an information management organization, specializing in creating and delivering innovative and process oriented document management solutions. Information about Cima's complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at www.docuclass.com.

About Ricoh Americas Corporation

Ricoh Americas Corporation, headquartered in West Caldwell, N.J., is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., the 72-year-old leading supplier of office automation equipment and electronics, with fiscal year 2007 sales in excess of $22 billion, a 7.3 percent increase over the previous year.

Ricoh Americas Corporation is a leading provider of document solutions. Ricoh's fully integrated hardware and software products help businesses share information efficiently and effectively by enabling customers to control the input, management and output of documents.

Ricoh Americas Corporation directly or through its network of authorized dealers markets and distributes products in North, Central and South America.

Information about Ricoh's complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at www.ricoh-usa.com.

All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies

Copy Machine Lease or Purchase?

Over the years, I've had many customers ask the age old question. Should I lease or purchase this copier?

I've been in the business almost 30 years and for those 30 years at the end of 36, 48 or 60 month lease you have been able to lease a new machine with more features and the same speed for less than what you leased the system for.

Yes, interest is charged on the lease.

However there are many things to consider when leasing. One, you preserve you capital, meaning you do not have to lay out $10,000 for a new system. Two, the "Time Value of Money". Three you can write off the entire amount of a "Fair Market Value" lease within the term. Four, basically the system are worthless after 48 & 60 months, new technology in the industry comes along every eighteen months or so.

Consider this scenario, today I spend $20,000 for a new copier system, in three years the system is shot, either due to not working well, or over use. Purchasing another system means spending another $20,000, so in three years you've laid out $40,000. If you would have leased the system for three years, you would no initial out lay of cash and could turn in the system and release another. Even if you lease leased for $20,000 for 60 months, payments would have been $390. Thus, after 36 months you would have 24 payments of $390 ($9,360) left. Here you can do a few things, negotiate with dealer to pick up a few payments to upgrade with them, or roll the balance into a new lease. Most dealers will pick up some of the remaining balance, lets say 20% ($1,872), your balance in the old lease is now $7,488, the cost of the new machine is again $20,000 ($390 for 60 months), and the balance on the old lease is $7,488 ($146.01), your new lease would be for $536.01. Your out of pocket for 36 months would have been ($14,040 initial term & one new payment at $536.01) $14,576.01.

Talk to your account, see what they think is right for you.

The only way I would purchase a system is at the end of the the year and I need the right off, or I am a very low volume user and believe the system will last ten years.

Hope this helps!!!

Kyocera America Launches TASKalfa Color Multifunctional Product

Kyocera Mita America Launches the TASKalfa Color Multifunctional Product Series with the Unsurpassed Performance, Ultra Reliability and Superior Image Quality That Businesses Demand

Exceptional Image Quality and Enhanced Productivity Expertly Delivered Through a
Class-Leading 300,000-Page Rated Drum Yield

Fairfield, NJ – December 8, 2008 – Kyocera Mita America, Inc., one of the world’s leading document solutions companies, today announced the launch of the TASKalfa® 500ci series of Color Multifunctional Products (MFP). Designed for today’s demanding businesses, the TASKalfa 500ci color MFP series combines exceptional color printing, scanning, copying and optional faxing, along with easy-to-use features that maximize efficiency and streamline tasks.

The TASKalfa 500ci series, features a bold new black and silver exterior, delivers power, performance, quality and ultra-reliability, in four new models: the TASKalfa 500ci (40 pages per minute (ppm) color/50 ppm black); TASKalfa 400ci, (40 ppm color/40 ppm black); TASKalfa 300ci (30 ppm color/30 ppm black); and the TASKalfa 250ci (25 ppm color/25 ppm black).

Kyocera’s long-life technology, known to deliver the ultra-reliability that businesses demand, helps reduce required service intervention while maximizing performance in every environment. The TASKalfa 500ci series is built with Kyocera’s long-life consumable technology, including the company’s Amorphous Silicon (ASi) drums, thus delivering maximum business “uptime” through a class leading 300,000 page preventive maintenance (PM) schedule. This incredible PM cycle creates longer intervals of time between required service visits and helps minimize maintenance costs for end-users.

The exceptional and consistent image quality of the new TASKalfa 500ci series is the result of a new color engine by Kyocera, featuring 8-bit color output and incorporating Kyocera’s new micro-particle toner.

“Kyocera understands the importance of quality color imaging and streamlined document workflow solutions, so we purposefully aligned our R&D efforts to build every possible enhancement into this new series,” said Michael Pietrunti, president and CEO, Kyocera Mita America. “We are confident our dealers and their end-users will clearly recognize the value of the TASKalfa 500ci series – no matter the size or complexity of their imaging needs. TASKalfa raises the bar for the industry, and will be a successful solution by which Kyocera will be measured by for some time.”

All models incorporate a vibrant 8.5-inch color touch screen control panel, standard duplex and can include up to a 4,100 sheet paper capacity with the ability to accommodate heavier paper stock (up to 120 lb Index), all with advanced finishing and paper handling options.

The TASKalfa 500ci and 400ci comes standard with two 160GB Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and the 300ci and 250ci features a standard 80GB HDD. The TASKalfa series offers the choice of two optional document processors, Dual Scan or a Reversing Automatic Document Processor. With speeds up 100 images per minute, the optional dual scan document processor reads double-sided pages in a single pass for maximum productivity. In addition, the TASKalfa 500ci series offers several standard scanning destinations, including Scan-to-E-mail, Scan-to-Folder (SMB), Scan-to-FTP, Scan-to-USB, WSD scanning (Windows® Vista) and TWAIN scanning, with resolutions ranging from 200-600 dpi.

The 500ci series offers an optional Super G3 fax/network fax for high-speed document delivery. Each model boasts solid monthly duty cycles (200,000 for the 500ci, 160,000 for the 400ci, 130,000 for the 300ci and 100,000 for the 250ci), and comes standard with a USB host interface for convenient print-from and scan-to any USB drive in PDF, JPEG, TIFF and XPS file formats – all via the touch screen control panel.

Security and Performance Delivered

The TASKalfa 500ci series offers cross-platform compatibility, connecting to virtually any environment including Windows®, Mac and Linux, with the drivers, tools, utilities and software options to optimize workflow and help guarantee performance in any business.

This comprehensive suite of value-add solutions assists in document creation and output via Kyocera’s KX Driver and PRESCRIBE Solution for on-demand color and black & white document creation; advanced document workflow solutions such as KYOcapture; and flexible network and device management tools such as KMnet Viewer and PrintQ Manager. For those businesses with heightened security or compliance requirements, the 500ci series comes standard with Secure Print and Security Watermark capabilities. An optional Data Security Kit is also available which provides security overwrite and encryption for printing, copying and scanning, ensuring that highly confidential and critical information is never compromised.

The TASKalfa 500ci series also integrates with several third-party solution providers, such as Equitrac, a leading cost accounting and recovery software. In addition, Kyocera’s document workflow solutions such as KYOcapture and KYOcapture Express integrate with many of the industry’s leading document management systems, including SentryFile, LaserFishe, Documentum, and Microsoft SharePoint.

Introducing TASKalfa – Kyocera’s New Product Brand

Kyocera’s new TASKalfa product brand mark, which means that every end-user’s need – or task – is always a top priority, is also defining a new global, strategic direction for future Kyocera MFP solutions.

This “#1 Priority” mission has been the inspiration behind the advanced technology features that Kyocera has incorporated within its new TASKalfa 500ci series, as well as the stimulus for a new global branding initiative and the company’s bold move in designing the product line’s new sleek black and silver exterior.

“There is true excitement behind the TASKalfa 500ci series and our new brand, as we undeniably advance Kyocera’s respected position and engineering reputation in the global marketplace,” said Peter Hendrick, vice president, marketing, Kyocera Mita America. “With TASKalfa, business users can trust that their imaging needs will be done right, the first time, every time, with a low total cost of ownership, ultra-reliability, and technical excellence they’ve come to expect from Kyocera.”

Pricing and Availability

The TASKalfa 500ci, 400ci, 300ci and 250ci are available today through authorized Kyocera Mita dealers at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $16,460, $12,955, $9,950 and $8,915 respectively. To find the nearest dealer, or for more information, please visit Kyocera’s web site: www.kyoceramita.com/us.

# # #

ABOUT KYOCERA MITA AMERICA
Kyocera Mita America, Inc. (www.kyoceramita.com/us), headquartered in Fairfield, N.J., is a leading provider of computer-connectable document imaging and document management systems, including network-ready digital MFPs/printers, laser printers, color MFPs/printers, digital laser facsimiles, and multifunctional and wide format imaging solutions. Kyocera Mita America is a group company of Kyocera Mita Corporation. Kyocera Mita Corporation is a core company of Kyocera Corporation, the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of advanced ceramics and associated products, including telecommunications equipment, semiconductor packages and electronic components. Kyocera Mita America, the first document solutions company with third-party certified sales data, has earned numerous honors for its products’ high performance, reliability and cost efficiency. Kyocera Corporation’s consolidated net revenues exceeded $10 billion for the year ending on March 31, 2008.

RICOH Review of THE AFICIO MP C2050/MP C2550 COLOR

New Series Offer High Quality Color at a Low Total Cost of Ownership

West Caldwell, NJ, December 3, 2008 – Ricoh Americas Corporation, the leading provider of digital office equipment, today announced the launch of the Aficio MP C2050/MP C2550 color multifunction products (MFPs). Designed for small and medium sized businesses, the MP C2050/MP C2550 Series provides the features typically reserved for more expensive MFPs at an affordable price.

Furthermore, the MP C2550 has gone through extensive testing at Buyers Laboratory and it was recently awarded the company’s “Highly Recommended” rating and Certificate of Reliability.

In today’s fast paced business environment, color documents are vital in obtaining a competitive advantage. The Aficio MP C2050/MP C2550 delivers 20 pages-per-minute (ppm) and 25 ppm for full-color and black & white output respectively, and offers resolution of up to 1200 dpi, giving organizations the boost they need in the marketplace. In addition, color documents look more professional with vibrant images due to Ricoh’s new PXP™ toner. Businesses can enhance productivity and reduce costs simultaneously with the Aficio MP C2050/MP C2550 Series as it saves paper by printing two-sided documents at nearly 100% of the simplex speed.

Smaller organizations and workgroups can reduce the costs associated with maintaining four separate devices by consolidating to these MFPs, which offer several document management functions and high-quality color output in one device. The Aficio MP C2050/MP C2550 Series also allows organizations to develop finished documents in-house, streamlining production expenses. An optional Internal Finisher with Hole-Punch capabilities enables users to tailor the Aficio MP C2050/MP C2550 to their specific needs without utilizing extra floor space.

“In today’s economic climate, businesses do not want to sacrifice quality for price, and with the Aficio MP C2050/MP C2550, they don’t have to,” said Michael Hunter, director, Product Marketing, Ricoh Americas Corporation. “The MP C2050/MP C2550 Series offers companies a secure way to produce high-quality color documents at a low total cost of ownership, all of which our customers have come to expect from Ricoh products.”

Organizations of all sizes must meet security standards and compliance regulations. Providing numerous levels of authentication that allow administrators to confirm user identity and control access to color printing, scanning and other functions, the Aficio MP C2050/MP C2550 helps businesses meet or exceed these requirements. Among the beneficial security features are Locked Print, which prevents confidential documents from unauthorized viewing, and the DataOverwriteSecurity System (DOSS) option that automatically overwrites the hard drive. Another option, HDD encryption, enables businesses to protect valuable data in the event that the hard drive is stolen.

The MP C2050/MP C2550 Series expedites important document communications with customers, colleagues and other business partners efficiently with several Scan-to functions, including Scan-to-Email, Scan-to-FTP and Scan-to-Folder. A new feature, the Scan-to-Media function, allows users to store scanned documents directly to a USB memory device or SD memory card, for instant portability.

The Aficio MP C2050/MP C2550 Series is equipped with an 8.5” full-color W-VGA display for easy navigation. In addition, the Series supports a number of third party
solutions, including GlobalScan NX and the Card Authentication Package, which enables users to efficiently and effortlessly complete tasks.

The suggested retail price for the Aficio MP C2050 and MP C2550 is $5,800 and $7,500 respectively. The Aficio MP C2030 will join this series in mid-January, offering a basic feature set that includes TWAIN Scanning, Faxing and Printing in Windows environments. To learn more about Ricoh’s full line of products, please visit www.ricoh-usa.com.

Print Audit Green for "Eric the Office Worker"

So, you just bought a shiny new Color "Green" MFP. You know the system, your salesperson touted the "Green" features such as default auto off, default power save mode, default duplex copying, the small carbon foot print and scan2distribute.

So, what good is all of this if you can't control printing? Did you know that the average employee prints 34 pages a day and 17% of those pages are never used?

Do you think that "Eric the Office Worker" knows the cost per page of every MFP and printer in the office? What stops "Eric the Office Worker" from printing a 50 page color report to an ink jet printer (that can have a per page cost as high as 60 cents a page), just because he did not want to walk to the Color MFP that prints at .08 cents per page. Well, the idea of "Eric the Office Worker" not taking the short walk just cost you an extra $26 from one employee. Think of the abuse when you have 50 employees and this happens more than once a day.

Rules based printing, what does this mean to "Eric the Office Worker", well the next time "Eric the Office Worker" prints a report he will get a pop up alert on his pc that directs him to print green to this device (meaning the device with the lowest per page cost). Plus the fact that all of management will know when and where "Eric the Office Worker" is printing. So, if "Eric the Office Worker" does not print responsibly he could have a new "Green" job cutting the grass around the office!

Did you know that Print Audit Green on the average reduces your printing by 15%? Taking a closer look, I have a client who produces 200,000 prints each month on their MFP's. A 15% reduction would lower those pages to 170,000. So, that's 30,000 (that's more than 3 trees a day you are saving from the mill) less sheets of paper at .008 for a savings of $240. Then 30,000 less meter clicks per month at .01, this will be a savings of 300.00. Overall savings is $540 per month, cost to implement Print Audit Green in their environment (about 50 users) would be $146.25 per month. Savings WOO YAA of $393.75 per month.

Here's some more cool facts about Print Audit:

Understand your environmental impact

•Monitor 100% of the printing in your environment to spot abuse and waste.
•Learn who is printing to where and when.

Reduce unnecessary printing and waste
•Cut waste through the knowledge that all printing is being monitored.
•Decrease abuse by forcing duplexing, and restricting color printing.

Create green-friendly and cost-conscious users
•Utilize printing limits or redirect users to use more efficient devices.
•Educate users of the costs and environmental impact of each print job they print.

Not once in the last 10 years did a customer every present a print or copy report to me on an appointment. Thus, showing that the average company has no idea of how many pages are copied, printed, and scanned. Nor do they have any idea of the cost associated with their volume and hardware. How the heck can you be in business and not know this? Print Audit should be in every office, even if it's only used at the end of the year to review how many pages were used and what the cost was per page.

Did you know that you can enable Print Audit Green Software for less than 10 cents per day per employee?

-=Good Selling=-