February 8, 2015
As you know, CISCO plans on connecting every, single thing and Apple looks to connect every single person: a combination beyond comprehension.
In the early days of managed print services, remote monitoring of devices was cutting edge technology - with just a handful of software providers, we knew the internet of things when it was simply the internet of printers and copiers. Our connected realm was the vanguard - the shape of things to come.
Today, the rest of the business world is recognizing a need to shift focus from boxes to relationships, from project based revenue to repeating streams. HVAC, electrical, automotive and even shoe manufactures are grasping the meaning of everything as a service.
We've done this - we've changed business models, our OEMs have struggled against the tide and the independents prevailed. It doesn't matter if companies are managing laser printers or laser guided missiles, toner levels or tire pressure, ROM flashes or app updates, the managed print services niche, all 100 of us, broke through years ago.
Here is my point - print volumes are decreasing and one day soon, "will fall off the cliff", like buggy whips and cotton looms.
But this is not an "extinction level event".
We can pivot out of copiers/MpS into any niche, vertical or industry as providers understand the IoT means "Everything As A Service".
We've had the C-level conversations about 'relationship' and value outside the product/machine/widget. The refrigeration sales-rep has no clue what all that means. Refrigeration, HVAC, home security, plumbing, traffic lights, automotive sales - they are all evolving into recurring revenue and customer centric managed services.
MpS is not evolving into the IoT, the IoT is transitioning into MpS.
Good stuff here and DOTC posts about IoT, here.
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