MyQ has thrived in recent years with its print management solutions, mainly through being quick to identify and then fulfil the needs of a changing marketplace.
For many businesses, digitisation and moving applications to the cloud are key focuses for end user organisations this year. Quocirca’s recent MPS Buying Habits report found that 44% of companies already use online platforms to buy cloud print and document solutions with a further 32% planning to do so in the next 12 months.
MyQ has found this to be the case on the ground too, with cloud-based installation and integration dominating many discussions with customers, according to Nigel Eaton, general manager UK, Ireland and Nordic Region at MyQ. “This poses new challenges that we are working hard to meet and deliver,” he says.
It is something MyQ is meeting and delivering successfully; in December 2022, the company was awarded Platinum Awards by Keypoint Intelligence for its MyQ X & MyQ Roger solutions. “This is testament to the hard work and dedication of our developers and product management teams,” says Nigel. “Also, this is only made possible with the fantastic input from our partners who help us to identify the changing needs of a dynamic marketplace.”
Updates
There is no chance of MyQ resting on its laurels, however. For instance, the company recently significantly updated its MyQ X solution. “MyQ X V10.1 is a very significant update; the developers have really excelled themselves with this one!” says Nigel. “At a base level the MyQ admin interface has been updated and redesigned to give more information to the system administrator, improved web accessibility in respect of the WCAG21 regulations and to add new reporting and control features such as the new toner monitoring tool, which uses smart algorithms to identify toner usage patterns to predict replacement timing and the ability to create a bespoke report around this.
“The new embedded terminal release introduces key improvements and new advanced features designed to offer best in class features to those customers who are either already embracing cloud-based features and connectivity or plan to move in that direction. Features such as improved connectivity with Azure active directory, job preview at the device are joined by the introduction of device-based interaction with cloud storage with the addition of browse to cloud folder and the innovative new ‘easy print’ feature that allows the user to browse their online storage and download their document to print directly from the device interface.
“These new features are all built around the central ethos of MyQ solutions, by removing complexity and confusion we save customers that most precious commodity of all – time. This improves productivity, user satisfaction and, of course, a potential benefit of less time at the device is the reduction in energy usage, an important factor in today’s market.”
Security is also a priority; especially as print networks have been targeted as potential low security intrusion opportunities for hackers. “While not every printed document will be confidential in nature with MyQ X we can encrypt all print traffic, watermark documents and even redirect documents to a download link instead of a mailbox for added security,” explains Nigel.
“Our OEM partners have gone to great lengths to close off these vulnerabilities and we are vigilant in identifying and closing potential vulnerabilities and releasing software update patches to keep our customers devices and networks secure.”
Pocket solution
In addition, MyQ’s flexible workplace assistant solution, MyQ Roger, which enables users to have serverless cloud print with the option to print onsite or print later when mobile, continues to gain traction in the marketplace. “MyQ Roger gives users a ‘flexible office in your pocket’ allowing the user to scan and send searchable documents anywhere at any time and either release or queue their print jobs to release later while on the move using the public cloud,” explains Nigel.
MyQ Roger is an example of how MyQ reacts to changing market requirements. “It was launched in December 2020 after the pandemic highlighted a whole new set of challenges identified with hybrid working and the wider move to workforce mobility, which have accelerated the move towards digitisation,” he says.
With hybrid working now a fixture in many businesses, demand for MyQ Roger is remaining healthy and expected to continue to.
All this is, of course, against a tough economic backdrop, and MyQ is trying to help keep costs down for customers. “Right now, cash is king, with inflation, rising utility costs and user efficiency being key factors in keeping print costs as low as possible, stopping unnecessary printing reduces cost, improved user efficiency and smart workflow management allows more time for other tasks,” says Nigel. “In 2021, we introduced the MyQ subscription licencing model, this low entry cost model has been a great success allowing resellers and end user customers to gain improved flexibility and lower commitment during a period of uncertainty around the size and scope of their printer estate due to the changes in working patters and office occupancy caused by the pandemic.”
Dynamic marketplace
The changes in working patterns, along with other factors such as employee mobility, declining print volumes and the rise of the cloud means the market is more dynamic than ever, but MyQ is responding, Nigel says.
“Increasingly, we are seeing a significant growth in Document Management (ECM) requirements as organisations move their documents and processes from physical to digital content,” he says. “This led us to introduce the MyQ Ultimate solution in partnership with ScannerVision to give our customers even more features and control over their document workflows.
“I believe the whole channel has risen to meet the dynamic new marketplace we see today, MYQ and the other ISV’s are working tirelessly to improve, innovate and secure customer’s print environments while identifying and addressing changing patterns of work, mobility and digitisation are key, it is a very exciting time to be a part of this as it grows and expands.”
To this end, while MyQ has already been busy with introducing upgrades to existing products, there is more planned in 2023, Nigel says. “There are exciting and, dare I suggest, ‘game changing’ new developments coming from MyQ Roger,” he teases.
“We will continue to listen to our customers’ needs and develop the solutions to meet those requirements not just at the beginning of their journey with us but throughout the period of their contract and beyond.”
