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The companies that bring all the devices, software, products, and services we have come to rely on never stop thinking about ways to make these products better or outdo the competition. Their engineers are always thinking of new ways of doing just about everything. There is an overlap of companies and the technologies they bring forward. Sometimes these are joined at the hip because a product itself is the technology a company focuses on, making them all but indistinguishable. You have to do the research to determine which makes sense for your business. By the way, forgive the three-letter acronyms: It’s just how some tech companies talk. We try to define them as we go. Like PCRCIA: People Can’t Remember Computer Industry Acronyms.
While there may not be a compelling reason to acquire the latest and greatest of anything, most equipment does change significantly every two or three years. This makes a closer look at the version of equipment or software you are using worthwhile if it’s more than a couple years old. For example, faster print speed may not be a deciding factor but being able to send printed or scanned documents securely or store them automatically in two places may be attractive reasons for investing in a newer model.
Meanwhile, one customer may be worried about cybersecurity. Or maybe it’s much simpler: a customer may find they don’t really use all the capabilities of their A3 printers but like the print speed. This might make them candidates for the latest A4 devices. They may have already asked about this. Does your company have practical answers or do you just tell them about the latest and greatest devices you offer? Can you counsel them on how a mix of devices might be a viable solution?
ACDI, Scanshare and ETHERFAX
Access Control Devices Inc (ACDI) is a service and solutions provider now extending its partnership with ETHERFAX through a Scanshare integration. Here’s what you need to know:
- ETHERFAX is a secure data transmission solution that leverages hybrid cloud fax services for fast, reliable, and cost-effective fax communications.
- Scanshare is an intelligent integration platform that enhances digitalization capabilities for document-driven processes.
As the first fax connector for Scanshare, this expansion will allow ACDI’s Scanshare users to utilize the ETHERFAX Secure Exchange Network to securely send business-critical documents and high-resolution digital content. As the exclusive distributor of Scanshare in North and South America, ACDI is committed to providing industry-leading scan, capture, and workflow solutions to streamline business processes across all industries. ACDI and Scanshare fax server integration with ETHERFAX offers users a secure, traceable, and intelligent way to fax directly from a multifunction printer with full workflow automation. Can any of your customers use this? Some may, and you only find out by learning about their needs.
ACDI and KATUN
Many devices are tools customers rely on every day. And, they expect reliable connections between them. For example, ACDI (Access Control Devices, Inc.) and Katun have confirmed the compatibility of Katun’s Arivia MFPs, as do KPAX and Scanshare, two widely used printing and document management platforms distributed by ACDI. This confirmed compatibility enables clients and users to streamline document workflows while supporting overall business efficiency and shows both ACDI’s and Katun’s respective commitments to helping dealers simplify and optimize business operations.
Canon
Canon’s latest additions to its imageFORCE product line features six new series of office printers. These additions are designed to help organizations meet hybrid work environments with scalability, enhanced security features, and improved user experiences. The launch defines imageFORCE as a unified platform that consolidates the strengths of Canon’s imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX and imageCLASS X families into a cohesive and scalable product line. The line includes color and monochrome, multifunction and single-function devices, with a user experience that is consistent for busy departments and smaller workgroups. The suite of devices is designed to help organizations of all sizes drive workflow productivity and operational efficiency.
Announced in November (2025), these devices extend the capacities of Canon imageFORCE printers announced in mid-year. These include the imageFORCE C5100 Series and imageFORCE 6100 Series A3 multifunction printers. Both series are built to help businesses adapt to the evolving workplace. When paired with Canon’s optional uniFLOW Online and other advanced solutions, these devices can be used by organizations to help enhance document security efforts and efficiency, delivering a compelling solution for enterprise-level workflow optimization.
ConnectWise
ConnectWise has launched product advancements across its Asio platform. These products span Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM), Professional Service Automation (PSA) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA), with a goal of strengthening security, streamlining operations, and harnessing the power of automation.
For example, companies using project management software often face technician shortages, rising service needs, and increasing security threats. ConnectWise is addressing these mounting pressures with products you can put to work immediately. This includes third-party software patching, improved user experiences, and advanced RPA capabilities that help enable workflows spanning the MSP (Managed Service Provider) stack.
ConnectWise’s Asio platform provides the clean, governed data architecture and workflows needed for AI-driven service delivery. Unlike fragmented toolsets, Asio integrates RMM, PSA, quoting, automation, security, and other products and services into a single platform with consistent data and user experience, enabling customers to quickly and confidently adopt autonomous service delivery.
Distribution Management
When it comes to forward-thinking companies in the office technology space, look no further than Distribution Management. In 2025 alone the company added Brother’s portfolio of thermal and label printers, expanding its partnership with Brother while reinforcing the company’s commitment to the thermal market. Meanwhile, the company also received two HP Partner of the Year awards for printer hardware and supplies at HP’s AMPLIFY Partner Conference. The Partner of the Year awards recognize top-performing HP partners for collaborative efforts and strategic growth throughout the previous year. Distribution Management was honored as the U.S. Supplies Distributor of the Year and the U.S. Print Hardware Distributor of the Year.
Distribution Management specializes in getting the stock and trade of dealerships to customers. It’s what they do. Give them a call to find out how you can retain control and benefit from their expertise.
Although DM Founder Tom Fleming passed away earlier in 2025, his legacy continues with Sean Fleming as CEO; Greg Welchans as president and CMO; and Monte White as president of the Wholesale Division. The company remains in strong hands while Fleming’s legacy remains a cornerstone of DM as it continues to move forward, just as he would have it.
DocuWare
DocuWare has opened AI Hub, a dedicated research and development center the company says will serve as a cornerstone for innovation. At DocuWare, a provider of document management and workflow automation, executives say the new center will play an important role in developing AI solutions for intelligent document processing and enterprise content management. This is a service you can offer customers—and charge for.
The company sees the AI Hub as a means of maintaining its position as an AI leader, uniting AI knowledge and allowing the Ricoh subsidiary to use innovative technologies to build products and solutions faster. A team of experts in the AI Hub will drive innovation to deliver product updates faster while creating a unified and coherent product experience across DocuWare’s AI solutions.
This year, DocuWare won the Frank Award for Best ECM/Document Management Software Provider for the sixth time, demonstrating the firm’s leadership in this crucial area. The days of casually storing a file on one’s computer desktop are a distant memory. Now files have to be available from anywhere, 24/7, to a host of colleagues. The best software makes this easy so managing files is one less thing to worry about.
SEE OUR ADDITIONAL 2026 WATCHLIST COVERAGE ON:
Epson
Makers looking to become moguls often need tools and software for scaling their creativity into a thriving business. A business segment that will provide tremendous opportunity in the near future is textile printing, and The Cannata Report will continue to monitor its development.
In the textile printing segment, Epson has unveiled a complete entry-level garment printing system designed for creators ready to launch or grow an apparel business. For example, consider a designer who wants to sell limited quantities of various shirts in a busy vacation area. Large volumes mean investing an inventory but limited quantities do not. But how to print them?
The SureColor F1070 Business Edition provides an all-in-one solution that includes everything needed to start printing high-quality merchandise without outsourcing or additional guesswork. The new system includes the SureColor F1070 direct-to-film (DTFilm) and direct-to-garment (DTG) printer in a compact size intended for maker spaces and home studios. The device arrives with inks and maintenance supplies to help creators bring their designs to life on a wide range of fabrics.
Features include transparent viewing panels to display the printing process, automatic adjustment for printing on fabric up to 1-inch thick, and an automated maintenance system that includes a cassette for fabric wiping.
GreatAmerica
For the tenth year in a decade, The Cannata Report’s Annual Dealer Survey’s participants recognized GreatAmerica Financial Services as the Best Leasing Company. The award highlights GreatAmerica’s leadership in delivering customized, flexible, innovative, and customer-centric financing solutions that empower dealers and their clients to thrive while reflecting the company’s commitment to innovation, excellence and partnership in office technology.
HP
The way work is done is changing, as are employees’ expectations. In fact, only 25% of knowledge workers feel confident their company will choose the right technology to implement to support hybrid work. This frightening statistic came out of HP’s latest Work Relationship Index which spanned a employees across a broad range of firms. Such concerns have added more stress to IT teams already under pressure to deliver solutions and support the employees their companies need to thrive. So what’s an employer or dealer to do?
To help address these challenges, HP has expanded a portfolio of services and solutions designed for the company’s network of channel partners. The new offerings are said to help increase revenue streams by enabling partners to deliver transformative business and IT outcomes for customers. These announcements include:
- Managed device services
- Managed collaboration services
- Support services for print
- Consulting service for security
- Carbon neutral computing services
- Managed print services subscriptions
These and other tools come alongside the rapid rise of AI, new innovations, and businesses moving at light-speed in search of growth. With the increasing complexity around IT management, IT leaders are looking for a trusted partner who can help them prepare for the Future of Work. No matter the size of your dealership, says HP, the future will be a different place. Be ready for it.
Impact Networking
Responding to the region’s rapid growth and demand for future-forward business solutions, Chicago-based Impact Networking has opened an office in Phoenix, Arizona, marking the dealership’s expansion into a seventh state. With the addition of the Phoenix Office, and one in Cleveland opened in January, local businesses can expect hands-on support—reinforced by a network of more than 20 offices and over 900 specialists across the country.
Impression Solutions
Impression Solutions (ISI) has announced a new partnership with Epson America. Now an authorized distributor for Epson’s Workforce Enterprise product line, ISI’s distribution offerings now include high-performance, eco-efficient business inkjet printers with products ranging up to 100 pages per minute (ppm). The WorkForce Enterprise series is noted for combining powerful performance with ultra-low energy consumption and minimal maintenance. The partnership of Impression Solutions and Epson looks like a step forward in delivering sustainable, high-speed, and cost-effective print solutions to all sizes businesses.
Intermedia Cloud Communications
One way of diversifying your dealership is with cloud communications. Vantage Research tells us the UCaaS (Unified Communications-as-a-Service) market is growing at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of about 14% and expects this market to grow to $240 billion in 2028. This makes UCaaS a sizable opportunity for office technology dealers.
There’s more to corporate communications than the free or low-cost options available through the cloud. For customers seeking more, Intermedia’s Service Provider Migration Program offers automated tools, resources, and technical expertise designed to help service providers migrate business customers from aging server-based platforms to modern, AI-powered communications solutions. These are available at no cost to Intermedia’s service provider partners. Yet as a dealer you can charge for them, as part of you managed IT program. Intermedia’s offering includes:
- Stronger competitive advantage
- Go-to-market support
- Operational efficiency
- Automated software tools
- Dedicated intermedia expertise
- Customer retention and growth
Katun
Katun, provider of Arivia multifunction printers (MFPs) announced in 2024, has launched the the Katalyst Rewards Program, a new sales incentive initiative designed to reward authorized Arivia MFP dealers for continued commitment and sales success. Open to all authorized Arivia MFP dealers in the U.S., it provides sales teams and dealer managers cash rewards for every qualifying Arivia MFP sale. Katun says all Arivia MFP models are eligible under the program, making it easy for participating dealers to benefit from their existing sales pipeline and new sales opportunities.
Konica Minolta
The past few years have shown a growing preference for A4 devices due to budget constraints, changes in workspaces and organizational requirements as well as advancements in A4 technology and newly available solutions. Addressing this market is the new Konica Minolta bizhub One i-Series portfolio of A4 multifunction color printers (MFPs). delivers color printing, scanning, and cloud workflow capabilities. The new devices feature team-based collaboration tools for businesses of all sizes, with the bizhub C4751i offering equivalent performance to Konica Minolta’s A3 engine and A4 productivity at 50 ppm. A shared user interface across A3 and A4 models provides a consistent, intuitive experience, making it easy for teams to switch between devices.
Sometimes color must be just right. Konica Minolta is now a certified reseller of Color-Logic Solutions, enabling it to offer industry-leading Color-Logic solutions across several digital printers. The compatibility of more devices with Color-Logic opens new avenues for high-value printing. Some key benefits include expanded creative offerings such as consistent color accuracy to ensure reliable production of complex metallic and specialty effects, increased revenue and market differentiation for premium prints, and access enhanced workflow efficiency for streamlining workflows, and quick turnaround times without sacrificing quality. If there are advertising or marketing firms among your customers they may need color to be highly accurate. This solution may be able to help.
The label market is changing fast and Konica Minolta sees opportunity. Its AccurioLabel printer, a smaller version of a larger device, retains robust production capabilities and offers low power consumption while using Konica Minolta’s advanced HDE toner. This toner uses lower fusing temperatures helping decrease energy costs.
Kyocera
This year, Kyocera won the Frank Award as the Best A4 Manufacture for the 7th time. With A4 growing rapidly, being rated “Best” speaks to both the company and the device. Dealers voted Kyocera as the best A4 manufacturer because the company’s range of A4 devices stands out for high durability and reliability, user-friendly designs, and sustainable features. This latest recognition affirms the company’s standing as a leader in efficient, sustainable, and secure A4 technology. Together, these make the company one to watch as A4 printing continues increasing in importance.
Another award finding its way to Kyocera showed off an unwavering philosophy that prioritizes its people at the core of everything it does. For the fifth time, eight of ten Kyocera employees said Kyocera was a Great Place to Work. This accolade came from workplace culture authority Great Places to Work, which asked some 20 million people in more than 180 countries about their workplace. Eight to nine of ten Kyocera employees said they can be themselves at work; can take time off when necessary; that the company makes people feel welcome; and that management is honest and ethical. Kyocera is an example of how companies can be.
Pacific Office Automation
Underscoring Pacific Office Automation’s (POA) impressive growth and commitment to increasing its footprint across the southwest, POA has pre-leased some 75,000 square feet of a new six-acre industrial development in Tempe, Arizona. Destined to be the mega-dealer’s new southwestern U.S. headquarters, completion is expected in late 2026.
PaperCut
PaperCut Software’s Pinnacle Awards recognize partners that have shown outstanding commitment to its values, growth initiatives, and customer-first philosophy. The awards, which began in 2016, celebrate partners whose dedication and innovation help drive the PaperCut ecosystem forward and embody the company’s core values of caring, honesty, intelligence, and being nimble. This year, for the first time in the award’s history, the Pinnacle Award was presented to two co-winners: Bluemega and ecoprintQ. The award recognizes a partner’s commitment to PaperCut’s vision, values, philosophies, and business results. PaperCut itself, along with distribution partner ACDI, was recognized once again at the 2025 Frank Awards. For the 10th consecutive year, PaperCut and ACDI won the Frank Award for “Best Print Management Software Provider,” underscoring its leadership in the space.
Pulse Technology
Garages are the genesis of many successful businesses. In 1955, Vincent Miceli was selling typewriters, calculators, and other business machines from his garage in a Chicago suburb. The business grew into Des Plaines Office Equipment, known today as Pulse Technology, among the largest office technology dealers in America. Chip, one of Vince’s sons and now CEO, still adheres to his father’s motto of “Go sell stuff.” While selling, Chip found that customers would ask for products and services that the company didn’t offer. This turned out to be the basis for how the company has grown—adding products and services based on what customers asked for. “It helped us expand our offerings,” notes Chip, and keeping a finger on the “pulse” of the market helped the company grow by filling real needs of its customers.
Ricoh
“We think it’s a time to grow,” said Jim Coriddi, chief dealer officer, at the Ricoh Advantage Dealer Summit where some 100 Ricoh dealers were present. Coriddi pointed out how the changes facing customers, print and dealers present opportunity. Ricoh USA President/CEO Carsten Bruhn noted that a time of change (especially technological) is when dealers should remain calm while focusing on what they can control. As we all know, the world is less predictable than ever and may be becoming more so. This makes agility a requirement in one’s operating plan: if you can’t do B, do C. For dealers of all sizes, agility is a key to success and survival. What are you doing to make your business as responsive—and as agile—as possible?
Part of that growth at Ricoh may be through its new collaboration with Brother in the U.S., which may shape the market for A4 devices for home, remote, and business users. Combining Ricoh’s reach and service with Brother’s reliable and efficient print technology creates new opportunities for serving business customers with increased choice, performance, and flexibility. Pay attention to this alliance because it is likely to be followed by other firms. What can this alliance mean for your dealership?
Ricoh has also been doing well in the Frank Awards. For the second consecutive year, Ricoh has won three Frank Awards, taking home Best Production Print Manufacturer, Best Marketing Strategy, and Excellence in Innovation in 2025.
RISO
Sometimes a customer feels the need for speed or just needs about 837 more pages in far less time than a gang of the fastest MFPs can provide. Or, maybe they don’t want to wrestle with the delays associated with of outsourcing to a local printer. In talking with them you find they have this same need a couple times a month.
RISO, long the home of small inkjet printers, rolled out its Valezus mid-range devices that can run up to 320 impressions per minute. As you tread on the lower boundaries of production printing you may be intimidated by some of the big machines. Then you look at RISO’s Valezus T1200 and T2200 devices. These are fast and compact inkjet devices that may be worth a look if you have customers with some high-volume needs in what is called “light production.” Toner may not be the right answer.
Sharp
Sharp recieved three Frank Awards in the categories of Best Manufacturer (seventh win, Best- in-Class (sixth win), and Best Technical Service Provider. Although unstated by Sharp, this may reflect what we’ve heard from dealers and users— that Sharp products are easy to understand and use.
Perhaps encouraged by these accolades, Sharp introduced a new tagline, “In Step with your Future,” aimed at both customers and employees. The slogan was created to represent Sharp’s values for communication to stakeholders around the world. Further, it encapsulates Sharp’s mission: “With sincerity, we observe people’s daily lives. With creativity, we shape new experiences.”
TD SYNNEX
TD SYNNEX is enhancing AI as part of its go-to-market approach. Using Destination AI and AI Pioneers, TD SYNNEX is working to address the AI skills gap by fostering merging AI and ML (Machine Learning) talent and connecting partners with practical AI use cases that empower scaling of solutions. This is just one way in which AI can be made effective, profitable and practical.
This early group included students specializing in AI/ML, computer and data science. TD SYNNEX worked closely with AI Pioneers, pre-sales engineers, business mentors, and NVIDIA technical experts to develop repeatable AI use cases leveraging NVIDIA AI Enterprise software including NVIDIA NIM (NVIDIA Inference Microservices) plus use-case aligned NVIDIA Blueprints. The use cases illustrate tangible examples of how partners can implement AI and make it easier for them to develop their own proven, scalable AI solutions. It shows how going to market successfully with AI requires strong partnerships spanning multiple technologies.
The Consortium
Sharing knowledge and experiences can be powerful. That’s a driving force at The Consortium, founded by industry veteran Mike Stramaglio. The organization is comprised of imaging industry leaders focused on open collaboration in our age of digital transformation. Such collaboration is destined to be increasingly important. Some new members of The Consortium include:
- Crickets Continuum, a firm connecting the copier and office equipment channels with robotics and automation manufacturers. Its mission is helping office technology dealers transition from print-based business models to next-generation opportunities in office-ready robotics, automation, and AI-driven services.
- P3iD Technologies, a software and solutions firm focused on secure digital transformation technologies.
- Time Tek, providing end-to-end software services, specializes in long-term partnership engagements in both public and private sectors. These are areas office-tech dealers need to be integrating as they expand what they offer customers. Think hard about how your dealership can collaborate with OEMs and your customers to transition from print-centric operations.
Stramaglio, along with input and participation from members of The Consortium, also continues to evolve ECS (the Executive Connection Summit), the most significant vendor-agnostic event of the year (along with niche events like the PRINTING United Expo). See the WatchList “Events” section for information about the Executive Connection Summit and visit: www.executiveconnectionsummit.com.
Toshiba
The players, coaches, administrators and broadcasters of the Rochester Americans ice hockey team are amplifying gameday for the Amerks, as the team is called. The team relies on Toshiba to produce essential content for daily operations. As part of the multi-year agreement, Toshiba’s eSTUDIO multifunction printers will enable the Amerks to produce vibrant red, white, and blue materials for their fans and community, meeting their content needs both on gameday and throughout the year.
Toshiba has expanded its industrial barcode labeling lineup with the BX420 Series and the ultra-high-resolution BX430. These deliver native PDF direct printing, legacy upgrades, and cloud-powered intelligence for transportation, warehouse, manufacturing, and retail professionals. Barcode labels, previously thought of as add-ons, have increasingly become key parts of packaging. Applications include everyday shipping, inventory control, and compliance in transportation and retail environments. Devices that can print them fast and reliably are essential.
Woodhull
Woodhull, a leading provider of business technology in Ohio has transitioned to an employee-owned company, making its employees beneficial owners of the firm. Forming an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) is a strategic move that underscores Woodhull’s long-standing commitment to its team and community by creating a structure that rewards employee contributions and ensures long-term stability and independence. Under the ESOP the company’s stock is held in trust for the benefit of its employees, allowing them to directly share in the company’s success and future growth.
Woodhull has been built on the strength of our people and values,” said Robert Woodhull, president of Woodhull LLC. He notes that becoming an employee-owned company reinforces the belief that those who help build its success should also have the opportunity to benefit from it. This secures the firm’s legacy, enhances its culture, and positions it for sustainable growth.
The company’s transition to an ESOP not only strengthens its internal culture of accountability, ownership, and excellence. It also sends a strong signal to customers, partners, and the community that the company remains committed to delivering exceptional service through empowered and invested employees.
Xerox
Among the top company news of 2025 was Xerox acquiring Lexmark. Valued at $1.5 billion inclusive of net debt and assumed liabilities, the transaction marks a significant milestone in the Xerox’s strategic transformation while reinforcing its commitment to delivering innovative workplace solutions in an evolving hybrid environment. The acquisition may be of particular benefit to Lexmark because its brand is not as well-known in Europe as it is in North America. The distribution, sales, and service muscle of Xerox may substantially increase awareness and sales of Lexmark where Xerox does business.
The two companies have built a collaborative partnership and expect to provide greater success for clients and partners through a broader portfolio of print and managed print solutions. This furthers Xerox’s reinvention and solidifies its long-term profitable growth. A deep bench of software and hardware talent at both companies aids this growth moving forward.
Making this combination remarkable is that Xerox now ranks among the top five companies in every major print segment and places it as market leader in managed print services. This strengthens the core business by adding exposure to manufacturing capacity, growing parts of the Print market, and expansion of distribution.
