Ricoh Adds VAR and OEM Partners under New Business Group

As part of its push for segments of the high-end printing/product markets, Ricoh unveiled a Production Printing Business Group, along with a channel program and Alliance program of partner vendors.

“Were trying to build solutions for the in-plant/CRD) and data center and graphic arts segments,” said John Fulena, director of product marketing in Ricohs Production Printing Business Group, which is putting together a portfolio of solution partners. “We announced PPGB, and were forming relationships with folks like GMC Software Technology and Rochester Software Associates.”

These solutions, according to Ricoh officials, work with PPBG products that are designed to streamline document workflow in the data center, in-plant and graphic arts environments.

New business group products include the EMP 156 Enhanced Monochrome Publisher, which can product 4.5 million simplex or duplex images per month at up to 156 images per minute; the DDP 184 Digital Document Publisher, a 184 image per minute dual-engine duplexing cut-sheet printer; the Aficio MP1350 high-speed scanner/copier; and the Priport DX 4640PD, which is the worlds first duplex digital express printer.

Ricohs Alliance Program is managed by the companys Digital Document Solutions & Services Division and includes solutions from partner hardware and software companies, content management systems integrators and consulting companies. The goal of the Alliance Program, according to Ricoh officials, is “to work together with Ricoh to provide innovative and effective digital imaging and content/document management solutions for the business community.”

Ricohs PPGB also established a channel program, which will focus on vertical-market VAR and OEM relationships.

Daniel P. Dern is an independent technology writer. He can be reached at dern@pair.com.