Business Connexion establishes largest, brand independent managed print service (MPS) support team in Africa

Business Connexion has expanded its print service offerings through an exclusive joint venture (JV) agreement with Canon SOS (Smart Office Services).

This JV serves to establish the largest, brand-independent managed print services organisation in Africa, boasting over 600 certified support engineers.

“We have always included basic print support services in our ICT outsource offering; however, this JV uniquely positions us to deliver what the market wants - namely: reduced costs, where Business Connexion, as a single service provider, intelligently integrates print and ICT services in one, holistic managed approach,” says Business Connexion's group executive: strategy, Victor Antezana.

“Running a printer fleet is an enormous burden on a company's IT staff resources. Without managed print solutions (MPS) it is a huge cost that is often poorly controlled. It is further complicated by the trend for multifunctional printers to replace traditional desktop printers, a common challenge that many of our enterprise customers face.

“Business Connexion MPS simplifies the complex problems and provides reliable, significant cost savings - backed up by two leading companies that have joined forces to offer a better solution,” says Antezana.

Research studies predict immense growth in the MPS area. Studies show that customers using MPS can achieve between 10% to 30% savings in print services operational costs. This is aside from the other benefits of better integration between systems, savings on IT overheads, improved service delivery and productivity.

“We can enhance benefits for clients by creating document management applications that leverage intelligent print solutions and convergence of devices. We have the applications development skill set to enable a far more rewarding output strategy. Imagine that, instead of standing in a mile-long queue for a new licence, you simply walk up to a self-service multifunction printer that links to a database which automatically populates your form with your specific details and, once you've signed it, scans the form and transmits it directly to the licensing application, which then prints your licence directly.”

Antezana adds that the venture presents a significant opportunity for customers.

“Business Connexion has a sound track record in all aspects of the IT managed services and outsourcing arena, and the inclusion of document management and print is a logical progression. We're proud to be associated with Canon, who have a well-established international brand in the print arena.”

Through the joint venture with Canon SOS (Smart Office Services), Business Connexion now offers over 40 centres across the country delivering support for MPS solutions. This support covers 80% of the major equipment manufacturers' products and is not limited to Canon equipment.

“Our customers now have a single point of contact to plan, implement and manage their print solutions,” says Antezana. “This includes using the latest technology to integrate with IT networks and applications, regardless of whether they are in-house or in the cloud. It also translates into a complete document management solution alongside the obvious benefits of well-managed print services.”

Antezana notes this is a significant strategic move for Business Connexion as it broadens the company's solutions to include print and other imaging as a more strategic service.

“Moreover, it strikes at the heart of the group's drive to enhance annuity based revenue streams.

“This venture is a good fit for both Business Connexion and Canon's technical support subsidiary SOS for many reasons, including: reputation, customer base, skills set, outsourcing experience, business analyst IP and project management,” Antezana concludes.