Cybersecurity and managed IT services remain channel buzzwords among dealers concerned about improving profitability. An interesting side effect is that leading with digital often can boost print hardware sales. A digital-first mindset should prioritize cybersecurity, writes Ed Finkel, adding that the best way to defend against AI threats to clients may be with AI itself. Noel Ward addresses whether dealerships can make money by reselling managed IT services. For the latest CR CONNECT-DEALER TOUR, Filomena Tamburri highlights new-wave dealer Woodburn Company, in the Pacific Northwest, which is intently focused on enterprise IT.
In our second AI-dedicated column, “Office Tech & AI,” Greg Walters presents guidelines and tips for dealers who want to explore artificial intelligence—but aren’t sure how to get started. The technology is also the topic of Petra Deiner’s latest “Outside the Box” column, where she explains how to turn AI anxiety into momentum.
Content beyond AI & cybersecurity:
- In “Japanese Headlines,” Tetsuo Kubo examines the mid-term 2026 strategy of Ricoh, which views itself as a “workplace integrator,” dual- focused on software and services as well as on print hardware.
- The first of our new human-interest series: Editor-in-Chief Mark Vruno interviewed Tom McMahon, president of Milner, Inc., about his mother, his mentors, and his mantras.
- In a new “Veterans Way” Q&A, Frank Cannata met U.S. veteran David Ramirez, who went from being an equipment records and parts specialist stationed in Germany to a Toshiba tech support expert in Southern California.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at cjcannata@cannatareport.com with any questions, issues, or comments. We welcome your feedback as we strive to provide the best reporting and analysis of the industry.
CJ Cannata
President & CEO
