The Datamax Thinking Blog

Here are 7 points to consider when evaluating whether to choose a copier dealer or a direct manufacturer.

Discovering the right blend of printers and copiers for your office, from brand to specific model to where these devices are strategically placed, comes with no shortage of options and decisions.  Signing on to a 60+ month lease is a big move, raising the stakes on choosing wisely.

The numbers detailed below will say a lot about the level of service you can expect (and subsequent downtime), capabilities in applying technology to your business needs, and frankly just how well they take care of their clients. 

It's always good to know your numbers.

When you lease or purchase your next copier or printer, you're likely entering into a long-term relationship with a provider; and not all copier companies are created equal.  Beneath conversations about speeds and feeds, lease details, onboarding logistics, and in some cases, gimmicks and slick advertising pitches, there are some hard numbers that cut through the fat and help you make the right decision.

What happens when Zero Trust encounters your print environment?  How do you avoid compromising an otherwise locked-down IT environment? How do you retain the ability to print as needed? 

For a rising number of organizations today, when it comes to security, trust simply cannot be earned without proper approval. No exceptions. Seventy-two percent of organizations are either in the process of adopting Zero Trust Security or have already adopted it, according to Statista.

Resolution should be the target metric for service providers because it reveals a technician’s know-how and the resources available to him or her to get you back up and running as quickly as possible.

Let’s face it, your copier, printer, or Multifunction Printer WILL need service.

Even at the efficiency at which today’s MFPs operate, the need for drum, feed tire, or fuser replacement is essentially inevitable. Anyone who’s purchased appliances, TV/Phone/ Internet Services, or a vehicle knows that the quality of service tied to that product can make (or break) your experience long-term.

Before you dial up a new cloud-based communications platform, here’s a few things we’d love to share to help you make the best decision for your organization... and avoid the dangers of disappointing results.

Thinking about upgrading your phone system? You’re not alone.

Accelerated by the remote realities of the pandemic three years ago, telecommunications are changing in both scope and overall capabilities. The Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) model is booming as businesses seek mobility and flexibility enhancements but still understand that phones remain our primary means of communicating with clients.

Are you remaining static in your cybersecurity defense? Are you losing ground? We invite you to consider these advanced IT security layers of protection.

David Packard, cofounder of Hewlett-Packard, once said that "to remain static is to lose ground."

The IT Security landscape looks much different than it did five years ago. Cybercriminals continuously find new ways to outsmart organizational defense platforms, and are becoming increasingly sophisticated at concealing their threats. The more we immerse ourselves (and our business practices) into the digital realm, the more the playing field widens for malicious activity.

Sandbox Analysis introduces an advanced technology solution that can actually detect well-concealed threats prior to execution.

Ever tried to find a marble in a sandbox? Detecting viruses before it's too late under traditional antivirus solutions can encompass a similarly fruitless task.

Almost all types of “business equipment” new or used that your company buys or finances will qualify for the Section 179 Deduction and/or Bonus Depreciation.

Need a little additional "incentive" to close out your year with the acquisition of office technology? Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation are two components of the 2017 TCJA (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) that present potential tax savings for your organization if you're in the market for copiers, printers, or other related technology hardware or software.

But you'll need to act fast.  To maximize the current incentive, qualifying equipment must be financed or purchased before January 1, 2023.

Multifactor authentication simply applies another "layer" to prove that you are who you say you are.

• Must use a mix of letters, numbers, and characters,
• Change your password every 30 days,
• Use a minimum of eight characters,
• then 12 characters,
• enforce a higher password history to prevent reuse
• etc., etc.

Let's face it. Applying the right security settings and ensuring best practices can get complicated fast, but Canon’s Unified Firmware Platform (UFP) simplifies that for you.

Firewalls, VPNs, anti-virus protection... these are all commonplace in today's tumultuous cyber security landscape. It goes without saying that cybersecurity is a top initiative for organizations aiming to protect sensitive information and their reputation.  What about your copiers and printers, and their inherent need for protection? Perhaps less commonplace.