Is Century Gothic The Greenest Font Of All?

By Peter Lavelle
31 March 2010 10:23 GMT

People looking to reduce their printer ink expenditure ought acknowledge a recent policy change at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay. Officials there have changed the college font from Arial to Century Gothic, claiming the font uses 30% less ink. According to the college Director of Computing Diane Blohowiak, printer ink costs $10k per barrel and accounts for 60% of printing costs. The change may therefore mean huge savings.

Century Gothic is more economical than Arial because the font is thinner. Each letter requires fewer resources to print. Moreover, Century Gothic preserves the aesthetic integrity of print – unlike “green” alternatives. For example, the “eco-font” creates savings by punching holes in each letter. Yet letters become less readable in the process. The “draft” printing mode also consumes fewer resources than normal. Yet the print quality is similarly reduced. Century Gothic may therefore be the best of all possible worlds.

The font shift is part of a Five Year Plan by the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay to become environmentally responsible. Related schemes at the college include discouraging students from excess printing. Speaking on Wisconsin Public Radio, Diane Blohowiak said: “It was appealing to people to save money on their supply and expense budget.”

Before changing to Century Gothic though, people ought also take into account findings by Consumer Reports. The publication recently stated that printed pages cost between 1.5 cents and 10 cents – depending on ink consumption. Century Gothic is more economical than Arial at first glance because it is thinner. However, Century Gothic also features bigger spaces between letters. The thinner font may therefore consume more paper than Arial in printing, though the cost per letter is smaller. Potential savings may therefore be offset.

Of course, only people kept awake at night by their printing costs would devote such deliberations to their choice of font. Either that, or people working in managed print services.

Sources

Matthew Wheeland, ‘Can Green IT Be As Simple As Changing Your Font,’ GreenBiz.com, 26 March 2010.
Tannith Cattermole, ‘Century Gothic Is The ‘Greenest’ Font,’ Gizmag.com, 29 March 2010.
Tom Barlow, ‘Should You Change Font To Go Green, Save Money,’ WalletPop.com, 29 March 2010.
Vincent Bevins, ‘University’s Font Choice Cuts Ink Use,’ Guardian.co.uk, 29 March 2010.

Waste Management Body Encourages Ink Cartridge Recycling

By Peter Lavelle
30 March 2010 10:37 GMT

The Waste & Resources Action Programme has asked families to recycle ink cartridges, in an attempt to salvage “green” waste management policies. The action is critical of UK households are to reduce their carbon footprint.

Spokespersons at WRAP made these comments amid reports that British households waste 8.3 million tonnes of food annually. The average four person family could save £50 monthly by wasting less food, according to communication manager Emma Marsh. 20 million tonnes in CO2 emissions in food waste management could be avoided.

In related news, WRAP recently announced two recycle bank pilot schemes encouraging SMES (small-to-medium enterprises) to dispose their waste responsibly. ‘Bring bank’ projects in Bristol and Merseyside will enable companies to recycle: glass, cardboard, paper, metal cans and plastic materials.

The first pilot scheme in Bristol will provide free collection to attract companies. The Merseyside scheme meanwhile will require companies to register first, and include waste and electrical equipment. WRAP will review these services after 6 months and if successful encourage them to be adopted elsewhere.

A WRAP spokesperson said: “We hope that these schemes will overcome some of the barriers encountered previously by SMEs and make it easier for small businesses to recycle their waste.”

Sources

Lynn Baker, ‘WRAP Says UK Households Must Recycle Ink Cartridges,’ Recycle.co.uk, 29 March 2010.
Tiffany Holland, ‘WRAP Trials Bring Bank To Encourage SME Recycling,’ MRW.co.uk, 29 March 2010.

Hewlett Packard Employees Cancel Strike

By Peter Lavelle
Monday 29th March 17:53 GMT

Employees at Hewlett Packard have cancelled a strike scheduled for 29th and 30th March, following intervention by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).

Members of the Public Services Union were set to strike against scheduled pay cuts and redundancies by printer manufacturer Hewlett Packard. Instead, union representatives will meet with Hewlett Packard tomorrow.

However, though PCS have cancelled their March strikes, more strikes are planned for early April. Whether these go ahead depends on whether ACS can resolve the dispute.

PCS National Officer for HP Jim Hanson said: "We had talks last week that were quite successful and we will have more talks tomorrow. We haven’t got a final offer yet, so we are mid-way, but the talks have been positive enough to suspend the action."

Earlier this year around 1000 PCS members rallied outside Hewlett Packard facilities in Northern England.

Sources

Anh Nyugen, 'Two Day HP Strike Suspended,' ComputerWorldUK.com, 29 March 2010.
Anonymous, 'Proposed Strike By HP Workers Called Off Following Intervention From ACAS,' ITProPortal.com, 29 March 2010.
Nicole Kobie, 'The Public and Commercial Services Union Has Called Off A Strike In Order To Negotiate With HP,' ITPro.co.uk, 29 March 2010.
Spencer Dalziel, 'HP Strike Is Called Off,' TheInquirer.net, 29 March 2010.

Printers’ Charitable Corporation Seeks Wider Audience With Name Change

By Peter Lavelle
Friday 26 March 11:52 GMT

The Printers’ Charitable Corporation has changed its name to The Printing Charity. This reflects the fact that its services are available not just to printers, but people in related industries. The change follows research undertaken with the Cass Business School City University, and became effective on 23 March 2010.

The charity has updated their logo to accompany the name change – switching from an angel watching a family to 4 coloured window panes. This reflects the charity’s intention to appeal to people in print-related industries, regardless of belief or creed. Eastbourne-based company Manor Creative oversaw the new design.

Last year The Printing Charity distributed more than £1m to people in print-related industries. They focus on people whose income is below 60% the national median. The charity supplies retraining grants to printers who are made redundant, and can provide £20 weekly financial help. The charity also gives grants for purchases including: mobility aids such as chairlifts, nursery home top-up grants, and hearing aids.

Reflecting the name change, President Michael Johnson said: "We know it's a very difficult time for many in the sectors we support and the rebranding is key to our strategic objective of ensuring more people benefit from our services."

The Printing Charity was established in the early nineteenth century as the Printers’ Pension Society in London. Originally the charity assisted only those who paid subscription, but this changed in 1972. Among the charity’s illustrious lists of Presidents are: Charles Dickens, Benjamin Disraeli and William Gladstone.

Sources

Abbey Dean, ‘Charity For The Printing Industry Rebrands,’ ThirdSector.co.uk, 25 March 2010.
Anonymous, ‘The Printing Charity – Change Of Name,’ ThePrintingCharity.org.uk.

Fiat Signs Contract With Xerox For Managed Print Services

By Peter Lavelle
25 March 2010 12:25 GMT

Italian car maker Fiat has signed a contract with printer manufacturer Xerox to receive managed print services. Fiat hopes to reduce their operational costs by 30% by distributing Xerox MPS to facilities worldwide. Like most MPS strategies, Xerox will reduce Fiat’s number of output devices and encourage efficient printing practices.

Fiat have arguably made an astute decision by contracting Xerox. The ink cartridge manufacturer has received numerous awards for its managed print services – including being named the 2009 MPS market leader by research firm Quocirca.

Perhaps capitalising on this reputation, Xerox recently accredited 22 new European partners to distribute its MPS. This suggests Xerox views MPS as a significant source of future revenue. Indeed, according to Quocirca 70% of companies consider printing a strategic priority.

President of Xerox Global Services Stephen Cronin said of the Fiat contract: “Companies like Fiat who partner with Xerox have a significant advantage – our global delivery capabilities and MPS market leadership position mean we can quickly transform the way business is done – and build a sustainable infrastructure for the future.”

Sources

Andrea Deckert, ‘Xerox Inks Contract With Fiat,’ RBJ.net, 23 March 2010.
Becky DzieDzic, ‘Fiat Group Deploys Xerox’s Managed Print Services Worldwide,’ Xerox.com, 23 March 2010.
Winnie Palaran, ‘Fiat Group Deploys Xerox’s Managed Print Services Worldwide,’ TTKN.com, 23 March 2010.

Ricoh Release Innovative Gel-Based Ink Cartridge

By Peter Lavelle

24 March 2010 10:45 GMT

Printer brand Ricoh has released details of an innovative gel-based ink cartridge – marketed as an economical alternative to both laser and inkjet printing. The gel-based cartridges fitted in the Ricoh Afficio GX e5550N allegedly dry instantly on paper, enabling people to print with incredible speed. This is because the gel cartridge has a viscosity similar to wine, meaning it doesn't smudge – unlike traditional inkjet technology.

Ricoh maintain that their gel technology outstrips both inkjet and laser printing, because the Aficio GX e5550N prints photo quality images at speeds comparable to laser printers. Product Manager at Ricoh UK Robert Brown outlines: “The first colour print is ready in only five seconds, it prints up to 30 pages per minute and has a high paper capacity of 1,350 sheets with options.”

Additional features of the Aficio GX e5550N include plant-based plastic components and duplex printing as standard. These environmentally-minded features ought be expected from Ricoh: last year the ink cartridge brand unveiled the pioneering biomass toner. This toner is produced using surplus plant material, greatly reducing the petroleum component present in ink cartridges.

The gel printer is aimed at small office workgroups – who print both text documents and both images. Yet the previous iteration of Ricoh's GX series received a mixed reception: the GX 3000 failed to print at the advertised speeds, and the colour images lacked the clarity of a bottom-rung inkjet printer. The new model may eliminate these flaws though, and capitalise on Ricoh's unique technology.

Sources

Barry Ashmore, 'Ricoh Releases Gel-Based Printer Ink,' Internet-Ink.co.uk, 23 March 2010.
Carolyn Scrivener, 'Aficio GX e5550N – Ricoh Launches A Fast And Affordable Colour Printer With A Low Total Cost Of Ownership,' Ricoh.co.uk, 15 February 2010.
Robin Morris, 'Ricoh Aficio GX 3000 Gel-Based Printer,' PCAdvisor.co.uk, 11 May 2007.

Japanese Ink Cartridge Makers Expand Recycling Scheme With UNEP Donations

By Peter Lavelle
Tuesday 24 March 10:15 GMT

The Ink Cartridge Homecoming Project may sound like a graduation celebration for printer supplies – perhaps involving ink cartridges wearing miniature tuxedos and dresses. But it is actually a collaboration between six ink cartridge brands – seeking to take responsibility for the environmental impact of their products. Since April 2008 the six companies – including Brother, HP Japan, Epson, Lexmark and Dell, in alliance with the Japanese Post Office – have created ink cartridge recycling points across Japan. Consumers can discover the dangers of improperly recycled ink cartridges at these points, and deposit their cartridges. Supplemented by advertising across Japan, the Project’s stated aim is to encourage a recycling-based society.

Today the ink cartridge brands have announced they are expanding the Project – not by introducing the scheme to other nations, but with donations to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Every 6 months each company will donate three Yen for each ink cartridge recycled. This could contribute significantly to UNEP projects – including protecting biodiversity and encouraging the better use of resources. The donation scheme marks the first time in Asia that private enterprise has aided conservation efforts through the United Nations, and the six companies hope the gesture will encourage increased recycling among the Japanese public.

There are currently no plans to expand the Homecoming Project outside Japan – nor to explain the Project’s name. Presumably ‘Homecoming’ doesn’t refer to an obscure printer supplies coming-of-age ritual. Perhaps then it means that by being recycled the ink cartridge components are “coming home” – either to the Earth or their manufacturer. Please submit your alternate explanations in the comments!

Sources

Winnie Palaran, ‘Brother Canon, Dell, Epson, HP Japan and Lexmark To Kick Off Support For UNEP Via Collaborative Ink Cartridge Collection Effort,’ TTKN.com, 23 March 2010.

New HP Printers Make Printing Blueprints A Cinch

By Peter Lavelle
Monday 22 March 10:14 GMT

Ink cartridge manufacturer Hewlett Packard has released two new DesignJet printers able to replicate architectural blueprints. The HP T1200 and HP T770 models print specifically using thin blueprint tracing paper. Architects can hence reproduce the intricate details of building designs in minutes – and in unlimited quantities.

The two DesignJet models have been made to accommodate heavy workloads. For example, the Hewlett Packard T1200 can produce A1 prints all night without interruption. In addition, the new printers are not only capable of printing blueprints. Their optimised setting improves the optical density of prints – producing darker fills and defined lines.

The new printers are being released through Hewlett Packard’s branch in the Philippines. The general manager Margaret Ong said the new printers gave companies a: "competitive edge through impeccable imaging quality, whatever the print size."

Sources

Myla Iglesias, ‘HP Expands Large Scale Printing Solution,’ Malaya.com.ph, 22 March 2010.
Raquel P. Gomez, ‘HP Enables Prints Of Tall Buildings In A Single Try,’ Inquirer.net, 21 March 2010.

Xerox Opens First Research Lab In India

By Peter Lavelle
Wednesday 17 March 10:30 GMT

Ink cartridge manufacturer Xerox has opened its first research laboratory in India. Initiated in January last year and housed in Chennai, the lap will develop innovative approaches to document management in developing markets. In conjunction with Indian universities, it aims especially to address managed print services through local concerns. It will develop projects including: multilingual technologies and rural technology initiatives.

The lab’s concern with document management reflects Xerox’s recent move away from printer manufacturing into service provision. Recently Xerox purchased business processing outsourcing company ACS (Affiliated Computer Services) for $6bn for this purpose. In addition, last week Xerox accredited 22 new partners to distribute its managed print services in Europe.

The new Indian research centre will join laboratories already housed in: Canada, France, Palo Alto and Webster. Later this year Xerox plans to show the fruits of its research centres in a new technology showroom. The showroom is intended to assist researchers in India concentrate on ‘pain points’ in emerging markets.

Sources

Anonymous, ‘Xerox India Innovation Hub,’ Xerox.com, 2010.
Katie Hoffmann, ‘Xerox Opens Research Lab In India, Its First In Emerging Market,’ BusinessWeek.com 17 March 2010.

Italian Entrepreneur Plans Printed Buildings

By Peter Lavelle
Tuesday 16 March 11:24 GMT

Imagine a grey cathedral apparently carved from a single rock. The sedimentary stone stretches several hundred metres skyward, looming over the brick and concrete structures below.

The buildings are rectangular, but the cathedral lurches at weird angles. It resembles a Christmas tree, threatening to topple. The cathedral’s windows are oddly shaped mouths agape.

The complete structure is lunar grey, as though carved from the moon and transported to earth.

This might be taken from the imagination of Italian entrepreneur Enrico Dini. A resident of Piza, Dini has spent 7 years labouring to bind sand to chemical solutions. He hoped to create a machine that prints buildings.

Now with help from his mechanical engineer brother Ricardo he has succeeded. The machine housed in his shed in Piza can not only print structures including cathedrals. It can potentially use the moon’s dust to create buildings on the lunar surface.

Dini’s invention can revolutionise architecture. By binding layers of sand with a magnesium solution, the printer creates solid rock. The results are capable of withstanding freezing and boiling temperatures. The million-year process require to create sedimentary rock is reduced to a day.

Even better, the printer forms buildings at a third of the price of concrete construction and several times faster. The organic curves banished from architecture by practical necessity become possible. Building planners need be inhibited by neither vision nor cost.

Dini calls his printer “d-shaped technology.” He is presently finalising a pavilion for a roundabout in Pantedera – a nearby town. The pavilion is a “proof of principle” project intended to impress potential investors.

Already though the Architectural Association has requested a market model of his machine, and Dini is negotiating with the European Space Agency. They are interested in the application of his machine to expand our lunar presence.

In the meantime Dini has ambitions to print a cathedral, and jokes about recreating the Leaning Tower of Piza. Whether this happens though depends on investment – Dini has spoken with several London equity firms seeking financial support. But if his printer gains popularity, it could change the face of building construction.

Sources

Jane McEntegart, ‘3D Printer Could Build A Church (Or Moon Houses),’ TomsGuide.com, 15 March 2010.
John Baichtal, ‘Giant 3D Printer Can Print Buildings (Theoretically),’ MakeZine.com, 12 March 2010.
Tim Abrahams, ‘The World’s First Printed Building,’ BluePrintMagazine.co.uk, 8 March 2010.

BBC Announces ‘Move Away From Magazines’

By Peter Lavelle
Monday 15 March 10:56 GMT

Director General of the BBC Mark Thompson has cast doubt on the future of the corporation’s printed magazines. In an interview with internal BBC magazine Ariel, Thompson suggested several magazines would be sold in a corporate shake-up. He said: “Over time, the strategic direction of [BBC] Worldwide will be away from things like magazines and into digital.”

Titles in the BBC roster presently include Top Gear and Radio Times. Yet the corporation has already implemented the recommendations of a committee to restrict its commercial ventures. In future, all BBC purchases “must be in keeping with the BBC brand.” This decision especially reflects last year’s acquisition of travel guide publishers Lonely Planet – a purchase widely criticised.

A four-to-six week review of BBC properties is presently underway. The publications to be sold will be announced at that period’s end.

Sources

Alex Alvarez, ‘BBC To Sell Magazines, Look Beyond ‘Physical Media’ In UK,’ MediaBistro.com, 3 March 2010.
John Plunkett, ‘BBC ‘Likely To Sell Its UK Magazines,’ Guardian.co.uk, 2 March 2010.
Matt Whipp, ‘BBC Director General Warns Of ‘Move Away From Magazines,’ PrintWeek.com, 10 March 2010.
Maisie McCabe, ‘Future Of BBC Magazines In Doubt After Thompson Sidelines Print,’ MediaWeek.co.uk 3 March 2010.

Xerox Accredits 22 EU Firms For Managed Print Services

By Peter Lavelle
Friday 12 March 10:43 GMT

Printer inks manufacturer Xerox has accredited 22 new European partners to supply its managed print services. Launched in October 2009, Xerox MPS helps customers identify new ways to manage their document workflow, and revise existing processes. The new MPS partners include six in the United Kingdom, among them Bytes, Document Express and Xenith.

The new partners are certified to provide sales, solution design and service delivery, through Xerox Print Services. This follows a formal accreditation programme. The new partners will target a primarily SMB (small to medium business) customer base.

The Managing Director at Document Express Peter Bradford explained that Xerox accreditation enables resellers to enter the rapidly expanding MPS market, when they might otherwise lack the resources. He said: XPS ultimately enables resellers who recognise the MPS opportunity to get up and running fast, providing them with a compelling offer to succeed in the MPS market.”

In addition, resellers can supply non-Xerox devices through their accreditation – though Xerox will maintain them. To date Xerox manages more than 1.5m devices globally, of which more than 50% are non-Xerox.

Sources

Anonymous, ‘Xerox Signs Up New Partners For Managed Print Services,’ ChannelPro.co.uk, 11 March 2010.
Fleur Doidge, ‘Xerox Signs Up Six New Managed Print Partners,’ ChannelWeb.co.uk, 11 March 2010.

Lexmark CEO Total Pay Drops 36% To $2.2m

By Peter Lavelle
Thursday 11 March 10:48 GMT

The CEO of ink cartridge manufacturer Lexmark Paul Curlander received a $2.2m total salary in 2009, down 36% from 2008, according to figures compiled by Associated Press. Curlander’s $1m basic salary did not decrease in 2009 from the previous year: however, last year he did not receive stocks and options compensation. In 2008 he received a $3.4m total pay packet – including performance-based stocks and options.

Curlander has served as CEO at Lexmark since 1999, when original helmsman Marvin Mann retired the position. Until recently, Mann retained a seat on Lexmark’s board of directors.

Lexmark posted $3.88bn in revenue in 2009, and $145.9m profit. The ink cartridge maker was created almost 20 years ago as a spin-off from IBM.

Sources

Anonymous, ‘Former CEO Leaving Lexmark Board: Mann Leaves With ‘Mixed Emotions,’ TradingMarkets.com, 8 March 2010.
Marley Seaman, ‘Lexmark CEO Gets 2009 Pay Of $2.2m, Down 36 pct.,’ BusinessWeek.com, 9 March 2010.

HP Pay Dispute To Continue

By Peter Lavelle
Wednesday 10 March 10:17 GMT

Employees at Hewlett Packard facilities in the North East return to work this morning, following a two-day strike action in which they petitioned against falling job security and pay freezes. An extended campaign is planned.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) working under contract at the Department of Work and Pensions picketed colleagues on Monday and Tuesday. The strike concerns the 3,400 redundancies Hewlett Packard have made since taking over EDS (now HP Enterprise Services) in 2008, and the further 1,000 job losses HP plan before July.

The two-day strike received support from 92% of PCS members, while 78% favoured long term action. The strikes follow negotiations between PCS and Hewlett Packard begun on 22 January. HP management refused to make “sufficient movement” to conciliate union members however.

According to national officer at PCS Jim Hanson, no formal discussion with HP has been scheduled, though the ink cartridge giant has been in touch: “We haven’t had any talks since the week before last. If management comes up with a serious offer we would be happy to discuss it with them.”

Speaking yesterday outside HP’s offices in Newcastle, Hanson expressed satisfaction at the success of the picket: “The car park is looking somewhat empty, so we’ve had a good day.” He was worried that some members would find a two-day strike too long, but added: “We have been pleasantly surprised at the support”

Hewlett Packard has attempted to mitigate the impact of the strike by focusing on critical projects. A spokesman said: “As a global company, we have got enough resources in the company that we need to continue operating.”

Even as PCS members resume work today, whether these resources can compensate for future strikes remains to be seen.

Sources

Anh Nyugen, ‘HP Workers Begin Two Day Strike,’ NetworkWorld.com, 9 March 2010.
Anh Nyugen, ‘HP Focuses On “Critical Work” As Strike Continues, ‘ComputerWorldUK.com, 9 March 2010.
Nicola Brittan, ‘HP Workers Picket For A Second Day,’ Computing.co.uk, 9 March 2010.
Spencer Dalziel, ‘HP Faces A Two Day UK Strike,’ TheInquirer.net, 8 March 2010.

HP Launches Surprise Lawsuit On Asian Companies

By Peter Lavelle
Tuesday 9 March 14:46 GMT

Printer manufacturer Hewlett Packard has filed a lawsuit against four Asian companies, alleging that 1) these companies sold ink cartridges infringing on HP patents and 2) they sold products containing stolen HP components. The ink cartridge giant has requested they stop selling the patent-infringing cartridges, and filed for triple damages.

MicroJet Technology of Taiwan and PTC Holdings of Hong Kong have been accused of selling cartridges that mimic HP designs. MicroJet sold these cartridges under its own brand, or as generic cartridges through PTC holdings, as well as Hong-Kong based Mipo Technologies. According to HP, Mipo sold these products through sites including Amazon and Craigslist between April and June 2009.

Separately HP alleges that MicroJet, PTC Holdings and US-based Mipo-affiliate SinoTime Technologies converted more than 300,000 printheads stolen from HP’s Asian facilities. They were then sold through Mipo Technology.

Speaking in a press statement, MicroJet spokesman John Kuo said the company had not yet received legal documentation from HP. They had discovered the lawsuit only yesterday. “Our lawyers are currently investigating the situation,” he said.

Sources

Brandon Bailey, ‘HP Says Stolen Components Found In Ink Cartridges Sold Online,’ MercuryNews.com 9 March 2010.
Charmian Kok and Perris Lee Choon Siong, ‘MicroJet Haven’t Received Any Legal Documents On HP Suit,’ WJS.com, 8 March 2010.
Karen Gullo, ‘Hewlett Packard Sues MicroJet, Mipo Alleging Patents Infringed,’ BusinessWeek.com, 8 March 2010.
Spencer Dalziel, ‘HP Sues Four Ink Cartridge Companies,’ TheInquirer.net, 9 March 2010.
Vivian Yeo, ‘HP Sues Asian Firms For Patent Violations,’ ZDNetAsia.com, 9 March 2010.

Xerox CEO Ursula Burns To Receive $200k Pay Increase

By Peter Lavelle
Tuesday 9 March 11:39 GMT

Xerox CEO Ursula Burns is to receive a $200k pay increase. From April, her $900k basic salary will increase to $1.1m. This is according to paperwork filed at the US Securities and Exchange Commission. According to the trustees compensation committee at Xerox, the raise reflects Burns’ “increased scope of responsibility.”

The $200k raise is the first increase in Burns’ basic salary since becoming Xerox CEO in July last year. Since then, Burns has overseen the $6.4bn takeover of ACS (Affiliated Computer Services) by Xerox. The takeover is perceived as an attempt to move Xerox upmarket. ACS specialise in business process outsourcing, while Xerox are famed as copier manufacturers.

Aside from the ACS takeover, Burns concedes her accomplishments to date are negligible. Last month she said: “The accolades I get for doing absolutely nothing are amazing – I’ve been named to every list, literally, since I became CEO. What have I done? In the first 30 days, I was named to a list of the most impressive XYZ. The accolades are good for five minutes, but then it takes kind of a shine off the real story. The real story is not Ursula Burns. I just happen to be the person standing up at this point representing Xerox.”

As President in 2008 Burns received a $550k bonus in addition to her $900k salary. She also received around $4m in shares, according to the SEC.

Sources

Adam Byrant, ‘Xerox’s New Chief Tries to Redefine Its Culture,’ NYTimes.com, 20 February 2010.
Anonymous, ‘Xerox’s Burns Receives Raise,’ DemocratAndChronicle.com, 9 March 2010.
Matthew Daneman, ‘Xerox CEO Ursula Burns Is Getting A Raise,’ RocNow.com, 8 March 2010.

Create A USB Flash Drive From Your Empty Ink Cartridge

By Peter Lavelle
Monday 8 March 17:02 GMT

People with a penchant for DIY may enjoy this story. The creative folks at Instructables.com have posted instructions for turning your empty ink cartridge into a USB flash drive. The project requires little more than electrical tape and a knife – and is completely free! The final device is perfect for storing private data, because the USB cartridge slots into the printer. Close the cover, and who would know?

Sources

Fuogger, ‘Printer Cartridge USB Drive,’ Instructables.com, 7 March 2010.

What Might Canon’s Takeover Of Océ Mean For Consumers?

By Peter Lavelle
Friday 5 March 13:58 GMT

Recently Canon completed a 71.3% takeover of Dutch printer manufacturer Océ. This is the product of negotiations started in November between the two companies, and by 19 March Canon hopes to acquire the remaining Océ shares. Stakeholders that refuse to sell will become minority investors in a Canon-controlled company. Together, Canon and Océ aim to “create the overall No. 1 presence in the printing industry,” according to their 16 November joint press statement.

The Canon takeover of Océ has been widely reported in the business press. The consequences of the deal however have been much less well publicised. For example: How does each company benefit from their combination? How does the deal affect their competitors? And most importantly, what does the takeover mean for consumers? This article addresses these questions.

Let’s started by answering the last query first: What can consumers expect from the Océ takeover? The answer in the short term is: nothing. The two companies will take three years to consolidate their facilities and technology. During this period, Canon will transfer their Research and Development to Océ’s European HQ. The Marketing, Sales and Logistics Departments of each company will be integrated. Notably, though Canon has been taken over, no redundancies are expected. The Océ shareholders’ board will retain its independence, though reporting ultimately to Canon.

In the longer term, Océ branded office imaging products (including printers and copiers) may disappear. This is because Océ technology and branding are widely inferior to Canon in this sector. For example, in 2008 Océ took less than 1% of the North American imaging market. Moreover, Océ does not manufacture its own products, instead rebranding technology suppied by OEM manufacturers such as Konica Minolta. Anticipating the takeover, Océ altered the terms of their technology alliance with Konica Minolta last month. Océ will no longer receive office imaging equipment. Hence, given both this and Canon’s existing office imaging clout, Océ branded products are likely to be phased out.

The consequences of the takeover for the SOHO (Small Office / Home Office) market are in fact limited. Consumers may notice an extended range of Canon products, owing to improved economies of scale and greater research and development clout from the deal. The primary benefits though, come from Canon’s acquisition of Océ’s wide format production printing technology and document management software, and Océ’s greater access to the Asian market through Canon’s presence. In short, the deal has potentially great B2B (business to business) implications.

For example, Océ’s biggest customers are European banks and architecture businesses. Their wide format production printers meanwhile are industry leading, and arguably kept them afloat during the recession. Moreover, Océ’s wide format toner cartridges and RIP (Raster Image Processing) software are also first rate. Hence the deal with Canon enables Océ to introduce these excellent products into Asia, and grow their market share beyond their traditional customers. However, consumers not involved in print production are unlikely to notice this.

The changes in Canon by comparison are likely to be more visible. The Japanese manufacturer will gain greater access to European markets through Océ’s presence. The takeover has greater implications for Canon though, because it could transform their business. Presently Canon manufactures office imaging equipment. However, by acquiring Océ’s document management software, Canon can begin the transition to a managed print services provider. The company can incorporate pre-sales and after-sales services into their portfolio. Océ has especial expertise in mailroom automation. By integrating this, Canon can offer customers a service package to accompany their printing hardware. This is highly lucrative.

Moreover, it reflects Canon’s recognition of the changing printer market. Few major players today confine themselves to manufacturing. For example, Xerox recently ventured into BPO (business process outsourcing) with the $6.1 billion acquisition of ACS. Last year Hewlett Packard made similar steps into IT services by buying EDS (now called HP Enterprise Systems.) Similarly, Ricoh last year purchased IKON Office Solutions. Global players in other words concern themselves not only with selling office imaging products. They sell the supervised use of this equipment and its maintenance. Canon and Océ’s stated objective is to become the overall No. 1 presence in the printing industry. To achieve this, Canon must enter document management services – and with Canon they can.

The takeover of Océ also enables Canon to fill significant gaps in their product portfolio. This concerns production printers for the most part: the feed inkjet production printing market is expected to grow significantly, and by acquiring Océ Canon can increase their revenue here. Canon will also garner useful digital production technology from the deal.

However, the most important consequence of Canon’s takeover of Océ is their capacity to challenge Hewlett Packard, Fuji Xerox and Ricoh as global print services. This challenge will largely emerge out of sight of consumers, and will not emerge quickly. It will affect businesses, and print producers. Canon’s takeover of Océ though, reflects the changing printer manufacturing market. Perhaps because of the recession, leading corporations no longer feel comfortable confining themselves to one specialty. They are diversifying, and becoming more global. They require scale to feel secure. This is the market consumers now co-habit.

Sources

Anne Valaitis, ‘Canon To Acquire Océ,’ InfoTrends.com, 16 November 2009.
Cary Sherburne, ‘Canon’s Acquisition Of Océ: The Details,’ WhatTheyThink.com, 17 November 2009.
Chris V. Nicholson, ‘Canon To Buy Océ, The Biggest European Printer Maker,’ NYTimes.com, 16 November 2009.
Richard Berger, ‘Canon and Océ To Create Global Leader In Printer Industry,’ Oce.com, 16 November 2009.

Canon Secure 71% Of Oce Shares

By Peter Lavelle
Thursday 04 March 17:33 GMT

Japanese printer manufacturer Canon has secured 71% of Dutch office peripherals company Océ. This falls short of Canon’s 85% target declared when the €1.1 billion takeover bid was announced in November. Canon has given remaining shareholders until 19 March to surrender their stake.

The Canon takeover bid encountered opposition from Océ shareholders Hermes Assets Management and Universities Superannuation Scheme. They were concerned Canon’s bid undervalued Océ, taking their objections as far as the Dutch commercial court. There they demanded an investigation of the talks that initiated the takeover bid, deeming them questionable. The Amsterdam court rejected the shareholders’ claims however.

Following the close of the tender offer on 1 March, Canon declared the offer unconditional. This gives the remaining shareholders – including Hermes – a fortnight starting tomorrow to surrender their shares. Otherwise they become minority holders in a Canon-controlled company.

Analyst Jos Veerstag of brokerage Theodoor Gilissen told Reuters.com, “It’s a done deal now.” He expects the remaining shareholders will surrender their stake, and added: “They’ll make the best of it.”

Océ and Canon said in a joint-statement: "With this announcement, Canon and Océ have successfully taken an important first step in their aim to create the overall No. 1 presence in the printing industry.”

Sources

Harro ten Wolde, ‘Dutch Court Rejects Shareholder Claims Against Oce,’ Reuters.com, 3 March 2010.
Juro Osawa, ‘Canon’s Oce Stake Climbs to 71.3%,’ WSJ.com, 4 March 2010.
Nobuhiro Kuro and Harro ten Wolde, ‘Canon Says Oce Bid Unconditional, Seeks 100%,’ Reuter.com, 4 March 2010.
Tim Sheahan, ‘Canon Seals Takeover Of Oce,’ Printweek.com, 4 March 2010.

Myrtle Beach Launches Environmental Initiative

By Peter Lavelle
Thursday 04 March 15:01 GMT

Companies in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area are to date unable to recycle glass, plastic and aluminium. This is set to change though, thanks to local company Fisher Recycling.

The company plans to audit waste and provide recycling bins to companies on the Grand Strand, as part of the South Myrtle Chamber of Commerce ‘Going Green’ Campaign.

Fisher Recycling will introduce plastic recycling along Myrtle Beach, including for ink cartridges. Certain businesses there already use their service, where a large percentage of the waste can be recycled. However, Fisher aim to make recycling widespread.

President at Fisher Recycling Kira Roff said: “"We are truly excited to be able to be here and be able to offer this type of service.”

For more information, please visit the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce campaign page.

Sources

Chandi Lowry, ‘Recycling Company Aids Businesses In The Grand Strand,’ WMBFNews.com, 4 March 2010.
Mervyn Warren, ‘Chamber Of Commerce Sets Toner Cartridge Recycling Example,’ Internet-Ink.co.uk, 2 March 2010.

Rusty Ray, ‘Grand Strand Businesses May Find It Easier To Recycle,’ Scnow.com, 4 March 2010.

Hewlett Packard Top Corporate Responsibility List

By Peter Lavelle
Wednesday 3 March 17:06 GMT

Hewlett Packard have topped Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens list for 2010.

This marks an increase of five places since last year for the computer and printer manufacturer, and an absolute turnaround since 2008. Then HP was excluded from the rankings, after ethics chief Kevin Hunsaker confirmed that covert software was included in an email to a journalist. HP aimed to discover his sources.

Commenting on Hewlett Packard’s top ranking, Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer at HP Michael Mendenhall said: “At HP we strive to harmonize our business goals with our impact on society and the world around us, working with multiple stakeholders including customers and suppliers.”

The Corporate Responsibility rankings use seven criteria: Climate Change, Environment, Human Rights, Employee Relations, Philanthropy, Financial and Corporate Governance. Each criteria is weighted depending on developments during the year. For example, the weighting of Environment increased three points in 2009 to 19.5%. This reflects the high importance of environmental policies to shareholders.

Corporate Responsibility Magazine does not post online the methodology by which they quantify corporate practices. However, they do emphasise the seriousness with which they compile their rankings – and its subsequent authority.

For example, the methodology for the 2009 list was debated by 27 members of the CRO Association prior to compilation. The magazine takes only publicly available information into account – that taken from non-secure websites, government and regulatory sources. Once compiled, the corporations are consulted for anything that was missed. Then the rankings are revised, and released.

In 2009, 28.3% of Corporate Responsibility’s figures were changed following corporate input. According to CR Magazine’s Editor Jay Whitehead, this reflects the increasing value of a responsible image in a corporation’s financial performance.

He said: “Company stakeholders from investors to customers to employees to regulators watch the 100 Best Corporate Citizens List closely, and are using it now more than ever to make important decisions. As a result, making the List is worth millions or even billions in increased shareholder and brand value.”

Sources

Burke Jensen et al., ‘CR Announces 100 Best Corporate Citizens List,’ TheCRO.com.
Pamela Bonney, ‘HP Named No. 1 In Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens List,’ HP.com, 2 March 2010.
Tash Shifrin, ‘Web Bug Technology Used By HP Is In Widespread Use,’ ComputerWeekly.com, 10 October 2006.

Canon and Brother Contribute To Chile Relief

By Peter Lavelle
Tuesday 2 March 15:12 GMT

Printing brands Canon and Brother have made 6 figure contributions to the Japanese Red Cross, following the earthquake in Chile which has killed 700 people.

Canon has donated 15 million yen (£112,500) to aid the reconstruction, while Brother has contribution 5 million yen (£37,000). The Canon press release states: “We at Canon would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by the disaster.”

The 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit the South American country on 27 February. Chile’s President Michelle Bachelet called the quake ‘an emergency without parallel in Chile’s history.’

Yet non-profit groups are concerned that ‘donation fatigue’ may restrict pledges. The Chile disaster after all closely follows the Haiti quake last December – which killed more than 220,000 people.

However, the devastation in Chile is allegedly less widespread. The key infrastructure – including hospitals and government buildings – are more intact, according to Sandra Schimmelpfennig of the charity Roster.

Looting may be the bigger problem for Chile. In Concepcion and port city Talcahauno, looters have emptied out supermarkets of clothes, food and appliances. Police – including naval officers - are patrolling the streets to prevent further pillaging.

To make your donation to Chile relief, Mashable has the details.

Sources

Anonymous, ‘Canon Supports Relief Efforts Following Earthquake in Chile,’ Canon.com 2 March 2010.
Anonymous, ‘Brother Donates Approximately 5 Million JPY To Earthquake Relief In Chile,’ Brother.com, 2 March 2010.
Rohan Mascarenhas, ‘Chile Relief Groups Concerned With Donor Fatigue Soon After Haiti Earthquake,’ NJ.com, 2 March 2010.
Sebastian Boyd and Michael Smith, ‘Chile Asks For International Aid As Looting Spreads After Quake,’ BusinessWeek.com, 2 March 2010.

Xerox Sues Google and Yahoo Over Alleged Patent Infringements

By Peter Lavelle
Monday 1 March 2010 16:50 GMT

Xerox – the brand still most famous for its copiers, in spite of recent acquisition of business outsourcing company ACS – have filed a lawsuit against Google and Yahoo, alleging that the search engine firms have infringed its patents.

Xerox claim that Google and Yahoo applications are powered by 2 Xerox patents in particular. The first – No. 6236994, filed in 2001 – concerns a method of integrating information. According to Xerox, Google violate this through YouTube, Google Maps and Google Video, while Yahoo’s Shopping Service finds them in violation.

The second patent – No. 6778979, filed six years ago – concerns a system for generating queries. Google’s profitable AdWords and AdSense tools apparently violate this patent, while Yahoo’s Y! Q Contextual Search, Search Marketing and Publishers Networks constitute alleged infringements.

Both Yahoo and Google deny the allegations. Speaking to eWeek, Yahoo spokesperson Dana Lengkeek said: "Yahoo does not believe we infringe and plans to fight this case."

The lawsuits have received a negative reaction from business commentators, several of whom question why Xerox is filing lawsuits over applications in which it has no obvious stake. Mike Masnick of TechDirt.com calls the lawsuits: “a blatant attempt to squeeze money out of companies who actually implemented a product where Xerox failed.”

Meanwhile, according to MobileComputingNews.com, Xerox may be seeking licensing agreements from the defendants.

Sources

Dean, ‘Xerox Sues Google And Yahoo,’ Mobile-Computing-News.co.uk, 26 February 2010.
Mike Masnick, ‘No, You Don’t Have To File Patent Lawsuits,’ Techdirt.com 26 February 2010.
Shane McGlaun, ‘Xerox Sues Yahoo, Google For Patent Infringement,’ DailyTech.com, 25 February 2010.
Steve, ‘Xerox Accuses Google, Yahoo Of Patent Infringement,’ HardOCP.com, 25 February 2010.
Steve Ragan, ‘Xerox Hits Google and Yahoo With Patent Suit,’ TheTechHerald.com, 25 February 2010.

Brother LED Printers Win International Design Awards

By Peter Lavelle
Monday 1 March 15:35 GMT

Two Brother printers using new LED technology have been recognised at the prestigious iF (International Forum) Design Awards.

The Brother HL-3070CW and MFC-9320CW printers paint onto paper using LEDS instead of lasers, making the printers smaller and quieter than traditional laser models. The innovation has won Brother two ‘Product Design’ awards from the globally recognised International Forum.

Two thousand or more products from 37 nations enter the iF Design Awards annually. Selections are made by an international panel of experts. iF also publishes rankings of the most creative companies – in 2009 Samsung headed the table, followed by Apple.

Sources

Anonymous, ‘We’re International Design Award Winners,’ Brother.co.uk, 25 February 2010.