Use of cloud-based services enables integrated operations and management of printing and IT equipment
TOKYO, February 16, 2010—Canon Inc. and Fujitsu Limited today announced their plans to collaborate in offering cloud computing-based managed services for printing and other IT equipment. The services will combine Canon's print management and operations technologies with Fujitsu's cloud-based IT management services to deliver an integrated package of solutions.
Until now, Canon and Fujitsu have jointly collaborated in building and operating a variety of systems, such as Internet-based remote maintenance services for printers and multi-function office systems, as well as a license authentication management system for Canon products.
In light of the increasing diversity and complexity of work performed in office environments, the two companies recently reached an agreement to collaborate in the field of managed services for printing and other IT equipment. They will jointly offer Canon Managed Document Services, which provides support in effective management of document input-output environments, combined with Fujitsu's Workplace LCM Services, which provides comprehensive support for IT resources. By leveraging Canon's strengths in printing and Fujitsu's strengths in IT services, the accumulated technologies and combined expertise of this collaboration will enable the one-stop delivery of comprehensive, high-quality managed services for multi-function office equipment, printers, and IT equipment.
Furthermore, by using a cloud-computing platform, which allows software and information services to be accessed via the Internet, technologies from both companies will be linked to create a platform for managed services that can continually evolve. In addition to increasing productivity, reducing costs, and streamlining operations, the services resulting from this technological collaboration will also deliver new added value by addressing needs in areas such as the environment and security.
In conjunction with this collaboration, the two companies will further enhance their alliance and joint marketing efforts, as well as collaborate on business planning and establishing a support system. Beginning in March 2010, Canon Marketing Japan Inc. and Fujitsu will jointly begin offering these services to large- and medium-sized companies in Japan, with the goal of signing up 100 corporate customers in the next three years.
Canon and Fujitsu are exploring new ways in the future to expand this collaboration globally. By joining forces in new areas of business, both companies will continue to deliver optimal services which are in demand by their customers.
Canon Managed Document Services (Canon MDS) is an outsourcing service designed to assist customers in the creation and management of document input-output environments involving copying, printing, and scanning, in offices and Centralized Reprographic Departments (CRD).
Canon MDS comprises five phases, starting with (1) discover and analyze (prior to deployment), (2) design (improvement plan for placement), (3) deploy and transition (device installation, system introduction, and user training), (4) support and manage (operate and maintain systems), and (5) evaluate and review (aggregate, analyze, and report results thus presenting plan for further improvement). By delivering an optimal input-output environment with its wealth of experience, knowledge, resources, and skills, Canon also contributes to the reduction of TCO and enhances productivity.
Workplace LCM Services leverages a cloud-based platform to provide total outsourcing support services over the lifecycle of multi-vendor and diverse customer ICT equipment (including personal computers, printers, multifunction equipment, as well as servers) ranging from planning and acquisition to deployment, daily operations, and transition to new environments for a monthly fee.
By offering Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS), which delivers business software via the Internet, with this service, Fujitsu provides customers with a one-stop outsourcing environment for both its hardware and software.
