Ricoh and U - MDS vs. MpS: "MpS is 10%, MDS is 90% of the solution..." - I love it.

It's the infamous, IKON iceberg. Won't this thing EVER melt?

When the MPSA struggled for months to determine the definition of MpS we stumbled and bumbled our way in the dark.

Each of us had different views and perspectives: OEM's, Independent dealers, toner reman's, parts suppliers, consultants, and end users.  Oh, and ONE VAR.(Jus sayin)

I was impatient - we needed something NOW and I had a definition ready to go.

My version did not include reference to hardware, but the MPSA had to include 'devices'.

I didn't want the word 'print' but quickly acquiesced agreeing that 'print' allowed the concept to be easily identifiable.

Here is what we, the MPSA came up with:

"Managed print services is the active management and optimization of document output devices and related business processes." - MPSA, July, 2010

Here was my definition back then:

"...the act of managing components and processes associated with moving, saving and presenting information in the form of documents..." - DOTC, March, 2010

And here is my current definition of MOS(MpS):

"...the act of managing the optimization of resources and processes associated with information ..." - GRW, 5/9/2011

Why would I be so insistent about leaving 'hardware' out of the equation?  I don't want to be pigeon-holed, I don't think real MpS has anything to do with hardware or even PRINT.

Most importantly, I didn't want those who felt like I,  to find this weakness and project above the MPSA definition.

Well, guess what?  Ricoh and MDS, that's what.

ApesWillRise - Forget the Machines...

Why do we mess with Mother Nature, eh?

Well, I'll tell you why - you see what the movie doesn't explain is the chimps and apes were being modified to become better MpS schleps. That's right, the best way to make MpS so easy a chimp can do it, was to improve upon the chimp, not make MpS simpler.

Ergo, Caesar, leader of the MpS chimps.

Its true.  After so many failed attempts to implement the 'F6 Protocol', otherwise known as the one button assessment-proposal-quarterly business review generator, the super suppliers of the day turned to something more hideous.  Switching from combining databases, creating algorithms and automating selling, these companies invested R/D dollars in perfecting the MpS Sales Person.

Unlike Captain America, failed lab-chimps(Abby Normal?) became recombinant DNA test patients via augmented, third party toner infusions.

The results were devastating.

"Get your stinking paws off my printer, you damn, dirty ape!"

Friend Of DOTC Wins World Kubb Championship. What in the Hell is a Kubb?!!!

Viking Chess!

Okay...so...this isn't pole dancing, but what is except...well, pole dancing...

Josh Feathers, in the green shirt,  is a great friend of the MPSA and DOTC - and a "Knockerhead" - odd, that was my nickname back in college.

Anywho...I don't know what a Kubb is, but judging from this pic, beer may be involved, so how bad can it be?

Out of 84 teams, the Knockerheads prevailed, bringing home a national championship - not to shabby.

Congrats!

Put down the lager, and step up to double-Jacks!