The lines between traditional office services and cutting-edge IT solutions are blurring. We’ve all witnessed this transformation, but not all are embracing it. The fusion between Managed Print Services and Managed IT Services isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity for businesses aiming to streamline operations, enhance security, and drive efficiency.
The Evolution of Business Technology Needs
Traditionally, businesses have viewed their print infrastructure and IT systems as separate entities:
- Printers and copiers were standalone devices, managed for supply replenishment and maintenance.
- IT systems focused on computers, servers, and networks, with an emphasis on data management and software.
However, as technology has advanced, these once-distinct areas have become increasingly interconnected. Modern multifunction printers are sophisticated, network-connected devices that interact with your IT infrastructure in complex ways. This evolution has created both opportunities and challenges that demand a unified approach!
Understanding Managed Print Services and Managed IT Services
Before we dive deeper, let’s clarify what we mean by Managed Print Services and Managed IT Services. Imagine having a dedicated team of experts who take care of all your office printing needs – from supplying paper and ink to maintaining printers and optimizing their use. That’s essentially what a Managed Print Services Provider (MPS) does. It’s like having a print concierge for your business.
On the other hand, Managed IT Services is like having your own IT department without the overhead of hiring full-time staff. Managed IT Services Providers (MSPs) handle all aspects of your company’s technology needs, from maintaining your computers and networks to ensuring your data is secure and your systems are always up-to-date. Both Managed IT Services and Managed IT Services aim to take the hassle out of managing these critical business functions, allowing you to focus on what you do best – running your business.
The Convergence of MPS and MSP
The convergence of Managed Print Services and Managed IT Services brings a host of benefits that go beyond what each service can offer individually. For example, imagine a world where your printing practices and IT security work hand in hand, providing comprehensive protection for your data from the moment it’s created to when it’s printed and stored. While security is a top priority for many, every business can benefit from a seamless flow of documents between digital and physical formats, making your workflow more efficient and smoother than ever.
When it comes to costs, combining these services gives you a bird’s-eye view of your technology spending, helping you spot opportunities to save money and work more efficiently. The unified approach also provides deeper data analytic insights into how information moves through your organization, from network traffic to printer usage.
For businesses concerned about regulations and adhering to compliance requirements from frameworks like NIST-800 or SOC 2 for example, this convergence ensures that you’re complying with rules for both digital and printed documents under one unified strategy.
Perhaps most importantly for your team, this combined approach creates a consistent, user-friendly experience whether they’re printing a document, accessing cloud services, or calling the help desk for support. In essence, the convergence of MPS and MSP turns your technology from a collection of separate tools into a single, powerful system that works together seamlessly to support your business goals.
Why This Convergence Matters for Your Business
The convergence of managed print and IT services offers numerous benefits that are critical for modern businesses. By choosing a single provider for all of your technology needs, you’ll increase productivity and simplify management with one point of contact, enhanced security that covers both print and IT infrastructure, improve efficiency through seamlessly integrated solutions, future-proof your business as technology evolves, and see cost-effectiveness through consolidated services.
At Braden, we’ve honed our expertise in both areas for over 35 years, allowing us to offer a truly comprehensive approach. Our dual specialization means we can provide a thorough assessment of your entire technology ecosystem, tailor solutions that consider both print and IT needs, offer unified support from our cross-trained team, create innovative integrations like secure pull-printing linked with identity management, and act as a strategic partner guiding your long-term technology strategy. This holistic approach ensures that your business benefits from streamlined operations, robust security, and forward-thinking solutions that bridge the gap between traditional office equipment and cutting-edge IT services.
Real-World Impact – Two Use Case Scenarios
Company A is a law firm. They were struggling with document security and efficient information sharing. By implementing a converged MPS and MSP solution, they were able to:
- Integrated secure print release with their case management system.
- Implemented data loss prevention across both digital files and printed documents.
- Optimized their print fleet while enhancing mobile and remote access capabilities.
- Provided a unified helpdesk for all technology issues, from printer jams to software troubles.
The result? Enhanced security, improved productivity, and significant cost savings – all from a single, integrated solution.
Company B is a healthcare provider working to show they follow necessary HIPAA policies. By implementing an integrated managed print and security solution, they were able to:
- Ensure all patient records printed are tracked and associated with specific users.
- Implement secure print release to prevent Protected Health Information (PHI) from being left unattended in printer trays.
- Encrypt all data traveling to and from printers, as well as data stored on printer hard drives.
- Monitor for and prevent unauthorized attempts to print or access sensitive patient information.
- Provide comprehensive audit logs for all print, scan, and copy activities involving patient data.
The result? A robust, compliant printing environment that protects patient privacy while maintaining the efficiency of day-to-day operations.
Embracing the Future with Braden
As technology continues to evolve, the distinction between print and IT services will become even less relevant. What will matter is having a partner who understands the entire technology landscape and can provide integrated, efficient, and secure solutions.
At Braden Business Systems, we’re not just keeping pace with this convergence – we’re leading it. As an award-winning leader in both managed print and IT services we can offer truly comprehensive, forward-thinking solutions that bridge the gap between yesterday’s reliability and tomorrow’s innovation. Our excellence is recognized industry-wide, as evidenced by our recent accolades:
- Ranked as the #1 MSP in Indiana and #172 nationally on the prestigious Channel Futures MSP 501 List
- Named an ENX Magazine Elite Dealer, highlighting our exceptional performance in document technology and managed services
- Certified as a Konica Minolta Pro-Tech Service Provider, demonstrating our technical expertise
- Recognized as a Top Kyocera Dealer, showcasing our proficiency in providing high-quality printing solutions
These recognitions underscore our commitment to excellence and our unique ability to deliver integrated, cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern businesses.
Ready to experience the benefits of truly integrated managed print and IT services from an industry-leading provider? Contact Braden Business Systems today to discuss your unique challenges. Let’s work together to create a unified, efficient, and secure technology ecosystem that positions your business for success in the digital age. Contact Braden Business Systems today to discuss your unique challenges.
Reach out to us here to start the conversation.