Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. Inc. (Konica Minolta) has announced it has been named a ‘Leader' in managed print services by Quocirca. The industry analyst's Managed Print Services 2022 Report recognizes Konica Minolta's intelligent connected workplace (ICW) portfolio of hardware and solutions and its ability to deliver integration across the entire workplace ecosystem

With many organizations fully embracing the flexibility and stability of hybrid working models post-pandemic, managed print services are more important than ever in ensuring cost reductions, IT security, sustainability and efficiency. In its report, Quocirca states, "Partnering with businesses of all sizes, Konica Minolta's 360-degree hybrid approach has evolved by combining the company's global expertise with local market insight and extensive vertical-market knowledge. This has enabled the company to design and build solutions that can be easily scaled to address the differing needs of organizations operating across the globe, irrespective of size or market."

"Managed print services has become an essential cornerstone of secure, cloud-based digital workflows that empower flexible and remote working, and Konica Minolta's comprehensive offering — spanning digital, print, IoT, artificial intelligence and augmented reality solutions — has helped businesses large and small transform into intelligent connected workplaces," said Chris Bilello, vice president of business solutions development, Konica Minolta. "We are honored to again be named a market leader in this area by Quocirca, which recognizes our success in providing integrated IT services as a reliable partner for digital workplaces."

The report also focuses on Konica Minolta's comprehensive services-led portfolio, including the employment of remote diagnostics, security services that proactively monitor for potential vulnerabilities, and artificial intelligence to support deployed hardware by automatically scheduling preemptive service calls and just-in-time consumables replenishment.

Examining Konica Minolta's cloud-based MPS fleet management solution, the Quocirca report highlights the lightweight Windows application that runs at the customer's site and scans MFP IP addresses, detecting devices and transmitting public MIB data to the cloud, along with the monitoring of MFP diagnostics for optimal fleet performance. Also highlighted is Konica Minolta's Worldwide Remote Service Platform (WWRSPF) enhanced remote support and security for devices.

The report also underlines Konica Minolta's continuously evolving assessment approach to providing solutions and services, including a range of tiered TCO assessments, environmental assessment and review of device-centric document security issues. Also highlighted are the assessment of customer print needs and recommendations for workflow automation, network security, print optimization and information management.

Quocirca also examines Konica Minolta's end-to-end security portfolio, which spans print and document security, IT security, physical security (cameras), compliance and risk management. It looks at Konica Minolta's managed print security services with the provision of outsourced monitoring and management of print devices and systems — including device security profile management, vulnerability scanning and intrusion detection, and print policy enforcement.

One of Konica Minolta's key strengths, according to the report, is its use of innovative solutions (hardware, software and services) to support the needs of hybrid working. Also praised are Konica Minolta's Managed Application Services (including Workplace Hub Core, Workplace Hub Smart and MarketPlace), and its Intelligent Information Management (IIM) solutions.

In other news, Konica Minolta has announced that CRN has named Jackie Dato, regional dealer manager for Konica Minolta, to its 2022 Rising Female Stars List. This annual list honors 100 up-and-coming, dedicated and driven women who are leaving their mark and making a difference for solutions providers throughout the IT channel.

Featuring a powerhouse list of nominees — hand-selected by the CRN editorial team and largely based on recommendations from channel chiefs and other channel management executives across the industry — this third-annual list of rising female stars represents extraordinary women who are working hard to help their channel partners find success. These IT channel standouts demonstrate an aptitude for growing their respective channel partner programs and initiatives through a variety of disciplines including marketing, channel program management and partner engagement.

Dato joined Konica Minolta three years ago, having spent 30 years in the office technology industry, rising from administrative sales roles to become a territory manager. Her efforts and results have been praised by her dealer partners, colleagues, vendors and senior management.

"We are so pleased to see Jackie's hard work recognized with this well-deserved honor from CRN," said Laura Blackmer, president of dealer sales, Konica Minolta. "Jackie brings a very high level of support to our mid-market dealer community in ways that are both efficient and effective. This allows our dealer partners to grow their businesses with us, including diversifying their portfolios and also to become more profitable."

"CRN's 2022 Rising Female Stars list highlights the women poised to become tomorrow's channel leaders and luminaries who consistently demonstrate dedication to IT channel innovation and excellence," said Blaine Raddon, CEO, The Channel Company. "All of these women are helping to create a brighter future for the IT industry. On behalf of The Channel Company and CRN, I want to congratulate all the honorees. The change these rising leaders are helping to enact today will define the IT channel for many years to come."