BTA Investigates Potential Fraudulent Industry Practices

By Robert Ingoglia


Robert Goldberg,
General Council, Business Technology

Since its founding in 1926, the Business Technology Association (BTA) has been serving the industry and supporting independent dealer members, manufacturers and service organizations. As such, BTA General Counsel Robert Goldberg chaired a "Patent Issues Industry Summit" in Newark, N.J., on March 14, 2013, to discuss possible fraudulent business practices that might affect dealers, end-user customers and, indirectly, manufacturers that have provided scanning devices across the U.S. All these groups, including many patent and corporate attorneys representing several large manufacturers were in attendance. So what's all the fuss about? An initial letter is sent out by one of numerous alphabet entities (Eli-Put, LLC or Hea-Ple, LLC) alleging a violation of four specific patents. Thousands of these letters have been sent across the country.

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Encompass Drives Efficiency Quickly

The warmer weather makes you want to open the windows, clean out the cobwebs and get rid of all the clutter in your life. As you look around your office, you probably see piles of paper, empty boxes and maybe a few pieces of equipment gathering dust.

If you are a fast growing business, you buy things as you need them to keep up with demand. That may not always be the best strategy, but it works. A lot of small businesses go to the local office supply or big box store and buy computers, printers and maybe even a fax machine. As your small business grows you start looking for ways to save money and time.

A great place to look for savings is your office equipment. You might have all the same brand or whatever was on sale the day you bought it. You might have overused printers and some that are gathering dust. Some may breakdown every week and others seem to run forever.

An Encompass analysis will quickly help you make sense of your output devices. A Managed Print analyst comes into your office and gathers information on every device you have that copies, prints, scans and faxes. They use a tablet computer and electronic forms to quickly take inventory and run it through an online analytical engine to determine document usage patterns. That helps uncover current costs and inefficiencies.

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It's Time For A Little Office Cleaning

Now that spring has officially arrived, it's time to think about a little spring cleaning in the office. The average office is overloaded with outdated, money draining output devices, such as old copiers, MFPs, inkjet and LaserJet printers, that not only increase monthly costs, but also your company's carbon footprint. You might also notice a lot of unwanted pages next to your printers. It's time to take a look at your output and see how to make a few improvements.

Look around your office. Does everyone have a printer at their desk? Do some of them have dust because no one uses them? Are you running out to the store to buy toner or ink cartridges all the time? It's time to analyze your work habits and devise a better strategy. You have to know where you are before you change course.

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Advance Business with Managed Print Services

Managed Print Services (MPS) can help a business save 40% of its document output costs. It's more than just cheaper "cost per click" pricing. It's a set of integrated services, consulting, software, parts and supplies that can drive out cost and increase overall efficiency, security and sustainability.

The benefits include:

• Lower paper and toner use
• Reduced energy consumption
• Consolidated equipment and maintenance costs
• Improved business efficiency

The first three are important, but improving your business should be the main objective of any initiative. You want to develop a document output management strategy that helps drive your business forward.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 27,2013
Chris Tapio - 916-444-5428
info@thinkbigsacramento.org

Mayor Kevin Johnson and Think BIG Celebrate Strong Corporate Support for Kings
In meeting with Mayor, Local Companies Re-Affirm $50M Commitment to Keeping Kings in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, CA -- Today, Mayor Kevin Johnson met with a group of 25 local companies and organizations who have collectively pledged $50 million in sponsorships for the Sacramento Kings' first five seasons in a new entertainment and sports complex (ESC).

"Once again, our corporate community has come through in the clutch," said Mayor Johnson. "This group -- representing companies across our entire region -- understand the critical role that both the NBA and new downtown entertainment and sports complex will play in promoting job creation, economic growth, and civic pride in our community. I applaud their exceptional leadership and powerful demonstration of just how strong and viable our market is."

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February 11, 2013 - Irvine, CA

TOSHIBA AMERICA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INCREASES RECYCLING EFFORTS IN PURSUIT OF ZERO WASTE

Toshiba Recycles Almost 100 Tons of E-Waste in 2012
IRVINE,Calif. (Feb. 11, 2013)--Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. (http://business.toshiba.com) today announces a nearly 60 percent year-over-year increase in recycled imaging consumables as part of the company's "Zero Waste to Landfill" program. In partnership with Close the Loop, an internationally recognized recycler of imaging consumables, Toshiba demonstrates its environmental leadership by recycling about 100 tons of e-waste in 2012.

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Xerox's GIS Acquires N. California Toshiba Dealer

December 10, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Dec. 10, 2012 – Global Imaging Systems (GIS), A Xerox Company (NYSE: XRX), acquired California-based Zoom Imaging Solutions, Inc. a leading provider of business solutions for central Calif.

"By adding Zoom Imaging Solutions, GIS continues to build its nationwide network of locally-based companies focused on catering to the specific needs of area businesses and simplifying the way they work with documents on a daily basis," said Michael Pietrunti, senior vice president, Acquisitions, Corporate Service and Marketing, GIS.

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December 7, 2012

From: Gary Johnson, President Zoom Imaging Solutions, Inc.

DEAR ZOOM CUSTOMERS:

I am very excited to announce that Zoom Imaging Solutions, Inc. has been acquired by Global Imaging Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: GISX) a wholly owned subsidiary of the Xerox Corporation.

Over the past 25+ plus years Zoom Imaging Solutions, Inc. (previously known as Wolco Business Systems, Inc.) has enjoyed an incredible amount of success providing state of the art office equipment and solutions to the business community in Central and Northern California. Our success was largely due to a strong team of employees at all levels, a great partnership with Toshiba, and the continued loyalty of our valued customers. During these 25 years we experienced a tremendous amount of growth; were blessed with multiple national awards and consistently recognized as a leader within our industry. I am VERY proud of what Zoom and its team members have accomplished!

It's that success that caught the attention of Global Imaging Solutions, Inc. Global has also experienced incredible success acquiring strong dealers focused on excellent customer service in key markets and has allowed those dealerships to continue as independent operators with the same leadership and business philosophy that made those businesses successful in the first place. It is truly a unique business model in our industry.

Global's business philosophy was a major factor in our decision to move forward with this opportunity. I believe it will allow Zoom to further build on the strong foundation laid down over the last 25 years.

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You or your favorite charity can win a Toshiba Technology Makeover!

Local charities are working harder than ever, with limited resources. Toshiba wants to make a difference by giving five worthy charities a technology makeover.

Toshiba Helping the Helpers will award one non-profit charity a leading-edge Toshiba office package worth over $100,000 and four charities a package worth $31,000 each. Toshiba business experts will work with the winning charities to help them run smarter and more efficiently.

Enter before January 31, 2013, by submitting a 2-minute video telling Toshiba why your charity needs a makeover.

Contact your Zoom Imaging Solutions account manager for more details or visit facebook.com/ToshibaForGood to learn more.