OkiData moves into MPS. OkiData v XRX v HP v Ricoh v etc.etc

Oki Launches Program For MPS-Shy Resellers
"Oki Data Wednesday launched Total Managed Print, a new three-tiered managed print services program aimed at resellers, particularly those uneasy about entering the MPS arena.

In addition to offering an array of services, the Mount Laurel, N.J.-based company is including color and mono printers as part of its MPS program.

The entry-level program, PageStart, is aimed at resellers that are new to MPS or hesitant to get their feet wet. It provides a simple, turnkey channel program that opens the door for partners to sell, service and support cost-per-page and small MPS accounts.
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Oki is facing some stiff competition in the MPS arena, particularly with Xerox (NYSE:XRX). However, the company said that there are some major options that its program offers that Xerox doesn't, including hardware training and proactive service alerts. . . .

Oki plans to launch the next two levels of its MPS program in the third quarter. Resellers that are already familiar with MPS may want to look at Oki's FleetAssist MPS program. In this case, Oki provides infrastructure to support partners on a one-off or single-basis MPS contract.

FleetAssist is aimed at channel partners that don't have an existing MPS business model but have opportunities they need help in closing. In this case, opportunities have to be prequalified for revenue opportunity at significant enterprise levels. If accepted, Oki's infrastructure is used to fulfill whatever necessary services are required to deliver the MPS agreement on behalf of the channel partner.

The services are priced to the channel partner on a cost-per-page and fixed monthly fee basis. These services include competitive financing through a three- to five-year leasing agreement; national on-site and advanced exchange service; fleet blueprinting; life-cycle asset management; remote monitoring of service and consumables; and training and other change management consulting and materials.

The third level of the program is MPS FullAccess, which provides channel partners with complete access to Oki's full MPS infrastructure and well as methodologies and resources that minimize cost, risk and time to market.

MPS FullAccess starts with a complete MPS planning session to access a partner's current capabilities, long-term objectives and a step-by-step plan to reach their goals.

The program requires a contract that allows Oki Printing Solutions to place its hardware where it deems necessary. In other words, Oki gets first rights to place its own printers when they sign an agreement.