IRVINE, Calif., (March 19, 2008) – Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc. (TABS) today announced that it has entered a strategic alliance with Fujitsu Computer Products of America Inc, a market leader in document imaging scanners and services, to offer Fujitsu’s award-winning line of small-footprint, high-speed scanning products through authorized Toshiba dealers.  Incorporating Fujitsu’s best-in-class document capturing hardware with TABS’ robust line of document imaging products and solutions further positions TABS as a complete one-stop document management resource for its business customers.  

“Pairing up with Fujitsu allows us to be even more flexible in meeting the business scanning needs of our customers, and offering another well-designed and trusted brand ensures we maintain our quality and standards,” said Joseph Contreras, director, Product and Solutions Marketing, TABS.  “There are times when businesses need additional image capturing options, yet do not have the space or need for an additional MFP.  By leveraging Fujitsu’s extensive scanner line, Toshiba dealers can now address those specific needs within their product catalogue, and have full confidence that they can meet any customer’s special scanning needs.”

IRVINE, Calif., (March 18, 2008) – Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc. (TABS) is proud to announce a newly formed strategic alliance with Ringdale® Inc., offering the all-in-one secure document output management solution, FollowMe®, to Toshiba’s e-STUDIO™ family of products.  This partnership provides Toshiba’s dealers and customers with one of the most advanced and easy-to-use secure document output management solutions on the market today. 

"Businesses are focusing on security and confidentiality now more than ever,” said Joseph Contreras, director, Product and Solutions Marketing, TABS.  “By teaming up with the industry’s foremost authority on secure print management, Toshiba can now offer the highest level of security and confidentiality to our customers without the need to replace their existing printing fleet.”

February 27, 2008 - To find out how the economic slowdown might affect the document imaging industry, BLI interviewed representatives at four major manufacturers and the Photizo Group, an investment research firm that specializes in financial analysis of the industry and a leading consultant to manufacturers on growth strategies. What we learned is that while the sluggish economy will present some challenges, not all is doom and gloom for the industry. In fact, it'll undoubtedly present some opportunities be it through offering certain kinds of products, focusing on specific vertical markets or by providing services that can help customers reduce costs and solutions that add value.Edward Crowley, founder, chief executive officer and managing partner of the Photizo Group, used a familiar analogy as cause for optimism. "People drive cars regardless of whether there's an economic downturn or not, so gas will always be a premium commodity," he said. "The same rings true for document imaging. Despite workflow being more electronic than paper-based these days, companies need to print and are producing an increased amount of hardcopy output, which means they have to buy supplies. The margins for ink and toner are much higher than for hardware, thus protecting this revenue stream-but only to a degree. Because the loyalty rate in terms of aftermarket consumables is lower due to third-party vendors, manufacturers will really have a do an impeccable job of pleasing their customers." Tom Salierno, senior vice president of acquisitions for Global Imaging Systems, also expressed optimism, pointing out that approximately 1 million copier-based MFPs are sold every year. That figure translates into a lot of money and doesn't even factor in printer-centric products, as well as scanners, faxes, consumables and cost-per-click charges. Still, the current recession, which some experts don't believe we're in but many do, looms over the industry. "Nobody's dominating right now," he said. "If a business has quality salespeople and is focused on improving efficiency and productivity, it can be ‘recession proof' by growing within the existing market and increasing its share-if only by a little," he said. "A company that has an 80 percent share will probably be subject to the recession, while an organization that has a share of 20 percent or less will end up stealing some away from the competition." More From The Photizo Group "The symbiotic relationship between manufacturers and dealers will be interesting to watch," Crowley said. "The field is already very competitive, but in all likelihood there'll be an elevated sense of friction. My feeling is that both sides will act more aggressively because there should be fewer contracts to be won." Crowley believes that it will be a challenging time for everyone in the industry. "Businesses tend to be conservative during recessions and stay the course instead of going a different route and purchasing another brand's equipment," he said. "This will, in effect, limit manufacturers' abilities to increase their market shares. Profits will be there if the operation is run well, but I see the trend of mergers and acquisitions playing a major role in growth rather than it coming organically via introductions of new devices and product refreshes." "I expect that hardware sales won't be as strong in the U.S. and Europe in 2008, but manufacturers will more than likely continue to see a demand for their products in Asia, which is quickly shedding its ‘emerging market' label," Crowley continued, adding that lower-end devices-laser printers especially-will fare better than those targeted toward large workgroups. "Realizing that a recession was imminent and that placing hardware in the SMB (small and medium-size business) space would be key were reasons why Océ and Xerox bought Imagistics and Global Imaging Systems, respectively." Samsung Samsung is the world's second largest manufacturer of laser printers and the fastest growing global brand, according to Jay Shears, director of office automation for Samsung Electronics America's Information Technology Division. Although he acknowledges that the industry is experiencing a "constrained" economy, Shears emphasized that the company is focusing on markets that have a strong growth trend for printing-the healthcare, education, governmental and legal markets, for example. "The voice of our customers drives our product, solutions and program development in these emerging markets, which allows us to meet our customers' needs while supplementing our existing portfolio with new technologies." Shears used the healthcare and legal markets, which "are printing intensive and will experience growth despite the economic constraints," to illuminate how Samsung's multifunctional printers can be a good investment for businesses. "We've seen a trend toward organizations consolidating the costs associated with their fleets and more and more businesses converting to printer-based letter- and legal-size MFPs versus A3-size printing systems because of the less expensive total cost of ownership (TCO)," he said. A second interesting part of this discussion is how managed print services are changing the paradigm on business printing costs. "The most critical challenge for our customers is to understand that there's a convergence happening from the traditional copier and dealer cost-per-click models with printers," Shears said. "Managed print services level the brand consideration and place the focus on TCO and our channels' ability to meet the customers' service, relationship and cost requirements. Since we manufacture most of the hardware and software technology used in our printing engines, we're uniquely equipped to quickly and efficiently meet customers' demands." In closing, Shears said, "Samsung doesn't sell hardware direct to the user. To be successful, we must align our strategy, support, solutions and products with our dealers' and resellers' business plans so they can be successful with our printing systems. Despite changes in the economy, we'll remain flexible to meet our customers' printing needs." Sharp Ed McLaughlin, president of Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, has a similar viewpoint as most regarding satisfying customers. "We as an industry always need to keep our eyes on the customer, but even more so when there's an economic downturn," he said. "Service becomes critical because businesses are slow in ordering new equipment and they'll typically try to do more with less. Therefore, we provide the means for our dealers to ensure that people remain happy." Because recessions put added pressure on manufacturers' distribution networks, McLaughlin added, dealers will experience longer sales cycles and require more support. "The current economic landscape will contribute to the ongoing independent dealer consolidation," he said. "Last year we built a direct organization through Sharp Business Systems in major markets like San Francisco, San Diego, South Florida, Indianapolis and Arizona. We'll intensify this objective and look further at financially solid businesses in appropriate markets that could benefit from our enterprise support." McLaughlin pointed out that Sharp was one of the first copier manufacturers to be awarded the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule 36 Contract renewal through 2011, which is designed to provide federal government agencies purchasing access to office equipment, supplies and services. "We invested in the rigorous federal review process and successfully met their high standards as a contractor," he said. According to McLaughlin, the company is increasingly looking to partner with dealers and independent software vendors who understand that the future of the industry lies in technology. "There'll always be a demand for features, functions and software that improve workflow," he said. "We aim to offer distinctive products that are exceptionally reliable, highly productive, easy to use and customizable. Anyone who's merely selling a commodity product is going to find it tough. But the Sharp OSA (Open Systems Architecture) development program provides a strategic opportunity for dealers and ISVs to differentiate themselves by providing personalized solutions. Fresh applications are driving productivity so capturing these clicks enables us and our dealers to grow." Toshiba "We view the economic slowdown as part of a cycle and we believe that things will rebound," said Mark Mathews, president and chief operating officer of Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. "For us, it's all about holding steady and continuing to display a commitment to our strategy and channels." Mathews agreed with others' assessment that businesses, particularly larger ones and enterprises, are taking their time making decisions and that there's a somewhat decreasing demand for products. "We're not necessarily losing contracts, but customers are being very cautious with their funds," he said. "We've seen a tightening of money since last summer, as well as it being increasingly difficult to obtain credit. Our industry is heavily leased and the economic downturn has impacted people's ability to get funds or have their credit approved." "Adversity really shows who's doing well and who isn't," he continued. "A lot of people benefit when the market is rising, and those who aren't well prepared for a recession suffer the most-this weeds out weak performers. Toshiba focuses on what customers need during any type of business cycle and, by extension, earnings and profitability. We're always pushing managed print services, which are designed to alleviate problems and improve bottom lines. A recession plays to this theme very well." The company is careful about cost control and hiring, and proactively takes steps to ensure that it doesn't dramatically increase spending or add unnecessary people in an economic downturn, according to Mathews. "We're very tight about our asset and expense management and we fine-tune our products and services," he said. "The idea is to have good products at the right time. We're well positioned for 2008 or for however long the slowdown lasts to make it through successfully while growing our profitability." Mathews acknowledged that the company's dealers will each have a slightly different story depending on whether they're in a rural area or a city, if they're major account-based or small business-based, or if they have a certain vertical market emphasis. "Our dealers go through the same process we do as far as reviewing their business plans and making sure their expenses and controls are in place, then perfecting their marketing message," he said, noting that a dealer he'd talked to recently mentioned that it used to sell to real estate attorneys but is now focusing on bankruptcy attorneys. Xerox According to an executive in Xerox's Global Communications Group, the company won't be severely affected by the economic downturn. "We operate an annuity-based business with about 70 percent of our revenue stemming from recurring funds such as supplies, service and consulting, while about 50 percent of our revenue stems from outside the U.S.," the executive said, adding that during December, Xerox's enterprise customers in this country gave them mixed signals: there was a modest slowdown in decision making on large purchases but an increase in signings for the company's document management services. "This tells us that more businesses are looking to reduce costs and improve productivity, and our service offerings tend to be in higher demand during tougher economic times." The executive also pointed to the acquisition method preferred by businesses during this economic downturn. "Many of our enterprise customers are now doing business with us through operating leases instead of outright capital purchases," the executive said. "This means that they can spread out payments over time and bundle the purchase of the devices with supplies and services. We've especially seen an increase from customers in the graphic arts market preferring this approach. Companies see the value of operating leases where they can hang onto money for other investments and also realize productivity savings." The executive noted one other reason why Xerox is confident that its business model can weather volatility in the current economy. "We operate in diverse markets, including enterprises and the public sector, as well as the SMB space and commercial printers, which gives us broader coverage should economic concerns hit one market more than others," the executive said. "The breadth of our product line at different price points and with different levels of functionality gives us and our dealers the benefit of offering businesses more choices than anyone else in the industry." Xerox also believes that managed print services and document assessment will be of increasing importance. "Oftentimes during tough economic downturns, people are looking to reduce costs and tend to uncover hidden costs like document management-that's where we come in," the executive said. "We work with our dealers to help customers consolidate their document technology with MFPs that provide an immediate savings. Given the times, this value proposition becomes that much more compelling." .......................................................................................................... This article was originally published from BLI and can be found at http://www.buyerslab.com/news/viewarticle.asp?article=38070.

IRVINE , California   ( Feb 05, 2008 ) : Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc. (TABS) today announced it will be exhibiting its e-BRIDGE Re-Search™ e-Discovery data management solution at the 2008 LegalTech® New York tradeshow, held Feb. 5-7 at The Hilton New York Hotel.  What was once only available as a costly and highly specialized service, e-BRIDGE Re-Search brings businesses to 100 percent compliance with the Dec. 1, 2006 amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedures (FRCP) in an all-inclusive software solution.  Toshiba’s e-BRIDGE Re-Search solution is easy-to-use, intuitive software that integrates a unified cross-platform data management system to automatically index, track and recall online and archived documents, as well as email, with a single software solution.   “Toshiba has a long history of creating new and innovative solutions to help businesses become more efficient, while not disrupting their existing business model.  Developing information storage and searching software was a natural fit, given our background in document imaging,” said Michael Szot, senior product manager, Solutions, TABS.  “Re-Search delivers an efficient and elegant software solution to e-Discovery data management.  By leveraging a company’s existing hardware and security rather than requiring dedicated data storage equipment or costly legal e-Discovery services, we have created an invaluable tool that is cost effective, and doesn’t interrupt company workflow.” Robust Automated Records Management Platform Developed exclusively for the Toshiba e-STUDIO multifunction product (MFP) family, e-BRIDGE Re-Search eliminates the need for a company to individually key search tags or parameters on files as they are scanned or stored on the network.  The program indexes the contents of all network documents including file metadata in real time, delivering accurate and unique tags to help create faster and more accurate search results.  The e-BRIDGE Re-Search solution integrates advanced search engine technology into a file management system and unstructured database, delivering a unique and intuitive solution for finding data anywhere on a corporate network while simultaneously identifying relationships between different sets of data. FRCP Compliance with Software, Not From a Service Toshiba’s e-BRIDGE Re-Search specifically addresses the amendments made to FRCP e-Discovery rules.  With e-Discovery, requests for production of electronic records, as well as identifying how and where data is stored within existing networks, companies are complying with Rule 26(a)(1)B.  By using e-BRIDGE Re-Search, businesses can manage all information recalled through a legal discovery process in-house, without the need to resort to highly specialized service-based legal firms.  The solution dramatically reduces the most costly and time-intensive part of the discovery process, and manages the information in-place without disrupting user workflow. Storing, Searching and Retrieving Digital and Hard Copy Records When used in combination with Toshiba’s e-BRIDGE Re-Rite™ or eCopy™ programs, e-BRIDGE Re-Search streamlines storing and managing both hard copy and electronically-stored forms of information and keeps them easily accessible in the e-Discovery process.  The e-BRIDGE Re-Search software offers users an intuitive search interface with multiple keyword search options, including file name, file type, metadata field or the contents of the individual document.  The solution supports all file formats with optimized data extraction for multiple file formats, including e-mail, HTML, Microsoft® Office applications, PDF, image files, sound files and even video files, allowing any type of data to be easily searched.  The result is a complete, comprehensive solution for managing the entire breadth of a company’s information. Leveraging Existing Network Security Infrastructure Toshiba’s e-BRIDGE Re-Search is designed to leverage a company’s existing network security model, eliminating the need for IT to manage yet another security system.  The solution’s initial scan indexes a business’ network, crossing operating systems and/or hardware platforms, and gathering all existing information.  A decentralized structure allows companies to manage data where it resides, without disrupting the current workflow or productivity.  Additionally, e-BRIDGE Re-Search checks users’ search queries against the existing network security settings, ensuring users can only see the search results they are authorized to view.  Toshiba’s e-BRIDGE Re-Search is now available through Toshiba’s nationwide network of dealers.  To find the authorized Toshiba dealer nearest you, please visit www.copiers.toshiba.com.

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About Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc.Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc. (TABS) manages product planning, marketing, sales, service support and distribution of copiers, facsimiles, multifunction printing products, network controllers and toner products throughout the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Latin America and the Caribbean.  Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., TABS has four divisions: the Electronic Imaging Division; the Toner Products Division; the Document Solutions Engineering Division; and TOPAC U.S.A., Inc., dba Toshiba Business Solutions (TBS), a wholly-owned subsidiary corporation of TABS, that operates a network of wholly owned office equipment dealers throughout the United States.Named the most favored manufacturer eight times by the Business Technology Association (BTA), Toshiba’s entire product line, customer support and marketing distribution policies are markers for the industry.  Among the many other awards garnered in recent years, Toshiba was named the “Manufacturer of the Year” seven times by Marketing Research Consultants (MRC), and has twice been named to the CIO 100 for being among the top 100 “bold” (2005) and “agile” (2004) companies in the world. TABS is an independent operating company of Toshiba Corporation, the seventh largest electronics/electrical equipment company and the world's 91st largest company in terms of sales.  Ranked by Fortune magazine as the 10th Most Admired Electronics Company in the World, Toshiba Corporation is a world leader in high technology products with more than 300 major subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide.  Fiscal year revenue in 2006 was approximately $60 billion. For more information on Toshiba copier, facsimile, multifunction printing products, network controllers or toner products, or for a dealer in your area, call (800)-GO-TOSHIBA or visit the TABS Web site at www.copiers.toshiba.com.