ConnectKey signifies Xerox's shift away from hardware offerings towards an integrated software platform model across most of its multifunction printers
Frost & Sullivan is proud to award Xerox the 2013 Global Frost & Sullivan Award for Excellence in Technology Innovation for its ConnectKey Technology platform. ConnectKey signifies Xerox's shift away from hardware offerings towards an integrated software platform model across most of its multifunction printers (MFPs) product line. ConnectKey technology delivers greater convenience, productivity, security and cost control to customers' business by responding to an increasingly mobile workforce and the need for more advanced IT security across devices.
ConnectKey improves workflows via tools such as ConnectKey for SharePoint(R) and Business Process Outsourcing Integration through Xerox Services and enables users to tailor the user interface by inserting customized workflow icons right on the home screen. Further, by offering wireless connections, ConnectKey technology enables endpoint clients to access the software on the go, without incurring extra network infrastructure costs. Xerox also supports protocols such as the Apple Air Print(TM) standard, so users can easily connect and print from their iOS smartphone or tablets.
ConnectKey technology empowers Xerox devices to function as platforms that enable third-party app developers to write software to it. In addition, it provides extra layers of security software as well as greater visibility to the client's IT staff. For larger enterprises, Xerox has made ConnectKey compatible with Cisco TrustSec for easy integration with more robust security environments.
"Xerox ConnectKey provides immediate out-of-the-box value for small-to-medium sized businesses and larger enterprises alike," said Frost & Sullivan Director Ronald Gruia. "The value becomes more evident when one considers the other feature benefits of robust systems integration and fleet management."
ConnectKey aims to optimize document flow and simultaneously increase the overall revenue for clients by offering mobile printing and scanning solutions that integrate fully with cloud-based technologies and mobile devices. Enterprise customers are already appreciative of Xerox's common-look-and-feel across different platforms. Many ConnectKey features have been achieved through process innovation, with Xerox testing the software across five different MFP environments.
Xerox maintains monthly targets for invention disclosure submissions and several of them eventually become patents. Xerox is one of the world's top innovators with 1,215 U.S. patents received in 2012
"ConnectKey is 80 percent customer driven, with the rest being led by the innovations from the Xerox engineering team," noted Gruia. "The company is already reaping rewards in a short period, with ConnectKey technology enabled MFP's garnering significant incremental installations in 2013 over 2012."
Each year Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated excellence in new products and technologies within its industry. The recipient company has shown innovation by launching a broad line of emerging products and technologies.
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.
