You may have recently seen the announcement that Microsoft and Dropbox are joining forces.
This is a major shift in online storage and file syncing as the two notable software giants struggle to compete with companies like Box and smaller companies like Evernote and FileBound. There is a growing investment in fully integrated document management solutions like Xerox’s Docushare, Hyland’s OnBase and IBM’s FileNet. Overall, the field is a myriad of providers and the leaders are the ones that own the business relationship and not the ones that cater to consumers.
[Tweet “Going Beyond File Storage with FileAssist”]
Gartner reviewed its Magic Quadrant recently for the enterprise file synchronization and sharing (EFSS) market. The analyst house predicted that less than 10 percent of today’s vendors would still have standalone offerings in 2017. What it also predicted is the move toward a more business-process-automation (BPA) approach in offerings that capitalize on integrated workflows and collaboration. The growth is beyond simply offering storage and file syncing services.
Recently, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, U.S.A., Inc. entered this space in full force with FileAssist. We have a distinct advantage over our direct competitors as well as the likes of Microsoft, Dropbox and Box. We deliver a fully integrated workflow-focused solution that leverages all types of Business Process Automation. We extended the file share and sync user experience through Konica Minolta multifunction printers via the bizhub Marketplace App, Android and iOS right into the Web Based Client. We offer exceptional user experience while delivering extensibility via connectors to collaboration tools like MS Outlook and fax services through OpenText. FileAssist gives instant access, security and control to small- and medium-size companies.
The partnership announcement of Dropbox and Microsoft helps shift two companies toward a solutions approach for the enterprise space. But, we’re already there, giving us first-to-market status. Our complete suite of services includes integration with Dispatcher Phoenix for workflow and PageScope Mobile for mobility, making FileAssist a complete offering fully integrated to take on any company’s most-challenging document management needs.
Vice President
Solutions and Product Planning
Gavin Jordan-Smith is responsible for developing the strategic direction to grow Konica Minolta’s solutions business in graphic communications, general office and vertical markets, including oversight of software planning, vertical market strategy, engineering and production print business planning and software development. In his spare time, he enjoys many activities, from hurling tennis rackets with deadly accuracy at small moving objects or jumping off a bridge with a thick elastic rubber band tied to his ankles.
