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IDC: Smart MFPs must offer secure printing from mobile devices
February 2016 by IDC & OKI
Businesses in Europe have a critical need for ‘anytime and anywhere’ secure access to information to maintain and boost workplace productivity, a new IDC whitepaper sponsored by OKI Europe Ltd has revealed.
Faced with access to greater volumes of digitised information, the research warns that companies need to pay close attention to data access and security. However, according to its latest findings, a massive 75% of European SMBs have no document security system in place such as user ID, potentially leaving them exposed to security threats.
The research, which is entitled ‘Are your business processes stifling your market opportunity? Cost-efficient print and document management through smart MFPs’, written by Jacqui Hendriks, IDC’s Head of European Managed Print Services and Document Solutions research and consulting practice, confirms that a growing mobile workforce and shifting employee work patterns are having a transformational impact on print and document management. By 2018, it predicts that 75% of the workforce will be working from mobile devices away from the office.
Looking at the role of smart MFPs in the changing modern workplace, it points to the fact that the flexible devices can be programmed to provide customised tools for employees and departments which can be accessed using a secure ID card, secure PIN code and mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. If a print task is sent to a smart MFP with a ‘pull printing’ feature, it can be programmed only to release the document when the user is physically at the device and has swiped a security card or entered a PIN code.
“The growing mobile workforce and demand for ‘anytime, anywhere’ working is having a profound impact on today’s businesses,” says Tetsuya Kuri, vice president marketing, EMEA, OKI Europe Ltd.
“In response, businesses need to keep employees productive by introducing more effective digitised workflows, as well as putting the necessary controls in place to protect sensitive customer and business data. As this IDC whitepaper highlights, there is a clear and pressing requirement for smart MFPs that help guard against threats or viruses with secure printing from mobile devices.”
OKI Europe’s portfolio of smart, mobile print-ready MFPs feature a range of advanced security controls. These include authentication tools to control access to sensitive information and permission-based access to protect business, employee and customer or patient data and help ensure document confidentiality.
