Thursday, April 1, 2010

Managed Print Services - Dressed Up and Ready to Compete - What Do You Think? PART II

PART II - What Do You Think? How Will You Respond?

In this series, “Dressed Up and Ready to Compete - What Do You Think?” we'll look at some "MPS" indicators and market directions so that we can address the questions... or at least be aware of what's taking place.

Just in case nobody heard the news.....HOW COULD YOU HAVE NOT!
"Dell to enter managed print services market"
"Dell is eyeing the growing amount of data in organizations"

"Dell could start offering managed print services later this year as it tries to extend its reach in the printing and imaging market......................"

So the other day, we spoke a bit about the managed print services space with a focus more on Xerox and HP; let's face it, the biggest of the big boys.....for now….. But here comes DELL, as if this is a shock to any of us. Great company, obvious market positioning with the acquisition of Perot Systems; I mean Dell Services (their just down the street from my office and I happened to drive by while taking my daughter to cheerleading practice - noticed the new sign; a pretty blue!


IT Acquisitions: So did I mention the acquisition of Perot Systems a while back. The acquisition was a good move for Dell in entering the printing services arena. Perot had some nice footprint into health care and other niche markets.

Direct Channels: Dell has always had a direct to end user channel approach to the market; aggressive to say the least; no real surprise here. Now a managed Print Solutions focus is a different story. This is going to create much more exposure so get ready and positioned.  

PCWorld reports:
“Dell in the coming months will release a software package to unify printer infrastructures in enterprises and will also incorporate OpenManage Printer Manager software into the Dell Management Console, which brings device and task management in server environments under a single application"

So we all know Dell's business model....do you think you’re in their long term plan? Let’s keep it real....You, me, and the other guy down the street are not threatening any of these guys, but together, were a big player and we have a very compelling story to tell. Remember, it’s the Power of the Independent and our ability to leverage and compete.

So I just have to ask the question: Are we, the independents, dressed up and ready to compete? What's your MPS go to market strategy? Are you positioning to MPS yourself right out of business? I’m just asking the questions.

The MPS space is getting hot and the competition is getting hotter. Your biggest threat will be the OEM's and the Nationals. I'm just a broken record, aren't I?

We’ll continue to look at more examples of these threats in the days to come but let's be asking the questions.....Are you dressed up and ready to compete? What’s your national story? What’s your national presence? How are you positioned to leverage and compete?


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