Print in the Channel – issue #20

case studies and compliance certifications, which helps reassure SMBs about the robust security measures in place. By partnering with Kyocera, resellers can leverage these resources and support to help SMBs overcome barriers and successfully adopt cloud print solutions.” Importance of security One of the most important considerations for customers – and therefore resellers – is security for cloud print management solutions. Terry Caulfield, chief commercial officer at Brother UK, notes that about 32% of businesses cite data protection concerns as their top barrier to adopting cloud print solutions. “Resellers have a key role in addressing these concerns, playing the role of trusted advisor in facilitating the transition

requirements and challenges of a business. For example, location-aware technology, for area managers regularly visiting multiple offices or GPs operating out of different surgeries, who need to print securely from anywhere.” Stuart notes that all businesses hold confidential information specific to them and many more will also hold confidential customer or market data as well as their own IP. “Therefore, it’s important that the print eco-system has security pinned down to prevent data leaks before, during and after a print incident,” he says. “Everyone – including end users – is responsible for print security, and we must always remember that where print is concerned, ‘nothing is safe until everything is safe.’” Ian Fox, UK channel solutions and services specialist at Xerox, agrees that security is high on the list of concerns. “However, even the most change-averse SMBs are exposed to cloud solutions for their key business function such as banking, accounting and payroll,” he says. “Why shouldn’t it be the same with print? The reality is that a well- managed SaaS cloud print management solution, such as Xerox Workplace Cloud, can be much more secure than many of the ageing on-premises and badly patched file and print servers that SMBs are so reliant on.” Graham says that customers need assurance that their data is protected at all stages, from document creation to final print. “Regular security updates are provided to address emerging threats, maintaining a high level of security. KCPS allows businesses to customise security settings according to their specific needs,” he says. Ensuring security is critical to protect the company’s assets and intellectual property, Denis adds. “It also safeguards the solution from potential threats compromising its functionality and reliability,” he says. “A secure solution would ensure smooth operations and avoid possible losses due to security breaches.” Bespoke solutions Resellers should also look to make cloud print solutions bespoke to each business. “There will be some core commonality between different businesses’ print functions, but beyond that cloud print architecture will be unique to each customer; an SME selling clothes online will have a different set of

Concerns about reliance on a stable internet connection and potential network issues can impact the perceived reliability of cloud print solutions.

Denis Slavin national business development sales director, partner channel

ricoh.co.uk

to cloud print, while offering support and training during implementation and helping to maintain systems,” he says. “We’re working with partners like Tungsten Automation to offer Brother Cloud Solutions (BCS). It’s a portfolio of tools we provide to our reseller partners to help customers with their document digitisation processes, and to transform print infrastructure, without compromising on security. “Businesses will be turning to cloud solutions for a multitude of reasons from improving workflow efficiencies, and overhauling their print infrastructure, to making cost savings. Resellers can combine any of our BCS tools to address the unique

Terry Caufield chief commercial officer

brother.co.uk

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