Xerox Unveils Partner Tools, SMB Push
In anticipation of this week’s Xerox Partner Summit in Orlando, The VAR Guy spent much of last week speaking with partners to hear how business was shaping up for 2007. He liked what he heard.
Partners like Smart Technology Enablers of Ojai, Calif., are using managed services platforms to maintain customers’ Xerox multifunction printers from afar. Other partners such as WaterWare Internet Services Inc. are moving upstream, developing “dynamic document management” software to help businesses comply with new regulations. WaterWare’s software integrates with Xerox hardware and tracks document revisions.
Eager to push forward, Xerox is introducing new office assessment tools and software for its channel partners, in a bid to help customers boost productibity and shrink document costs.
Also, Xerox recently enhanced its Xerox Office Productivity Advisor software tool and developed a streamlined version called QuickXOPA. Channel partners can use these Web-based tools to find hidden opportunities in office document processes and provide customized recommendations based on printing patterns and workflow. The tools help partners serve as consultants and deliver additional value that extends beyond hardware sales. For a complete list of additional partner enhancements, check out Xerox’s press release.
This is a critical year for Xerox and its resellers, who continue to shift from pure printer sales to managed services and custom software solutions. Xerox is seeking to work more closely with roughly 600 resellers across the United States. Although investors remain concerned about Xerox’s top-line revenue growth, S&P recently noted that the company has a strengthening revenue mix.