Output Management Solution Under Joint Development
IBM and Konica Minolta Introduce Standards-Based Printer/MFP Solutions.
ARMONK, NY and TOKYO - IBM and Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc. (KMBT) today announced that they are working together on a joint initiative to introduce an output management middleware solution for the printing environment that integrates into a client’s existing IT infrastructure and provides security and cost optimization capabilities. This output management solution is focused on those clients that manage their own printing environments and are looking for technologies to help them optimize that infrastructure.
Business Output Optimization
The Business Output Optimization (BOO) middleware platform, called JScribe, allows a client's IT systems to connect to their entire output environment, including out-of-network printers, and can be deployed in such devices as servers, PCs and multifunctional peripherals (MFPs), when they are JScribe-enabled.
"By partnering with KMBT, together we are offering the first solution that draws on this technology to help KMBT clients significantly cut costs and improve operational efficiency in the printer space," said Philippe Jarre, vice president of Integrated Technology Services, IBM Global Services.
"As copiers have evolved into networked MFPs, the connectivity aspect of MFPs has become very important. With IBM, we will be able to offer integrated output devices and applications that enhance security and optimize our customers’ output solutions," said Shoei Yamana, executive director and general manager of Konica Minolta Business Technologies' MFP Sales and Marketing Headquarters. "I hope this partnership, combining our expertise in output solutions with IBM's services capabilities, will bring us new market opportunities."
The Four Types of Business Output Optimization Solutions:
JScribe Secure and Mobile Print Solutions - The output environment is often considered one of the weakest links for enterprises' computer network security. With JScribe, IBM and KMBT enhance the existing security features available to MFPs by securing the end-to-end solution, starting at the client, working through the server, and on to the output device. This type of solution provides several security measures, including SSL connections between all hops and, when KMBT JScribe-enabled devices are involved, encrypting print data in distinct security levels, authenticating authorized user ID's before the pages are produced, executing encrypted data storage, and completing deletion of temporary jobs are other available security options.
JScribe Enterprise Edition
JScribe Intelligence Server Solution – The JScribe Intelligence Server Solution operates with both Windows and Linux-server OS as a management platform and allows precise cost allocation to individually defined cost centers, departments, users or other accounting groups. This solution works within the Windows or Linux print framework, enabling it to monitor even locally attached printing to devices from other printer device vendors. As a growing number of employees have a printer locally connected in his/her own office, companies may need the capability to manage the entire output environment.
Business Output Cost Analysis - The Business Output Cost Analysis Solution provides both assessment and consulting. It records document output over a certain period of time as a snapshot. Then, it provides an assessment of a client's IT and output environment, as well as their cost situation. Based on the evaluation, the cost analysis tool helps provide for a fully optimized output environment.
These BOO solutions will be demonstrated at the IBM and Konica Minolta booths at CeBIT 2006, which runs from March 9th to March 15th in Hanover, Germany.
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