Ricoh and University of Kentucky Announce New Managed Document Services Relationship

WEST CALDWELL, N.J., April 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh Americas Corporation, a leading provider of digital office equipment and advanced document management solutions, today announced that the University of Kentucky (UK) has selected IKON, a Ricoh Company, to provide a managed print services solution for the University, Hospital, and outlying campuses and extensions through Ricoh's Managed Document Services (MDS).

Ricoh's MDS approach is designed to manage and optimize an organization's information. It is unique in that it goes beyond traditional managed print services as it improves the way companies manage and share information. Ricoh aligns and manages all aspects of a company's document-related tasks while also concentrating on the needs and abilities of the people that interface with these processes every day.

UK is incorporating portions of Ricoh's MDS solution into its Managed Print Services Program. Ricoh will conduct an assessment of each university area and make recommendations on the number and type of printers, fax machines, scanners, copiers and other output devices based on the departments' needs, in an effort to reduce document production expenses and increase productivity. In addition, through Ricoh MDS, Ricoh will help UK meet their managed print services goals, including:

• Lowering the total cost of ownership of output devices;
• Reducing the environmental impact of output devices and support sustainability;
• Reducing energy consumption;
• Reducing space needs; and streamlining operations, standardizing equipment and increasing efficiencies.

Ricoh's full-time, on-campus staff will quickly respond to service inquiries, manage supplies and track equipment activity using Ricoh's TRAC solution, which captures customer needs and centralizes and automates the tracking, monitoring and management of assets and processes.

"With this program, everyone in the UK community can play a part in reducing costs and ensuring sustainability," said Bill Harris, purchasing director for UK. "We can make a big impact by analyzing and managing the way we print."

"IKON Office Solutions, a Ricoh Company, has had a strong relationship with the University of Kentucky for more than 20 years, and we're pleased that UK has selected us to meet its managed document services needs," says Terrie Campbell, Vice President, Managed Document Services, Ricoh U.S. "We are a leader in this field, and through Ricoh's comprehensive MDS approach, we will help UK manage documents more effectively as well as drive improvements in productivity, collaboration and performance. We look forward to continuing our successful relationship with the University of Kentucky."

For more information on Ricoh Managed Document Services, please visit www.ricoh.com/mds/.

About University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky is a public, research-extensive, land grant university dedicated to improving people's lives through excellence in teaching, research, health care, cultural enrichment, and economic development.

The University of Kentucky facilitates learning, informed by scholarship and research; expands knowledge through research, scholarship and creative activity; and serves a global community by disseminating, sharing and applying knowledge. The University, as the flagship institution, plays a critical leadership role for the Commonwealth by contributing to the economic development and quality of life within Kentucky's borders and beyond. The University nurtures a diverse community characterized by fairness and equal opportunity. Considering that residents of all Kentucky counties benefit from the University's medical care, community service, innovative research and creative teaching and instruction, there's no question UK is The University of Kentucky.

The University of Kentucky continues its mission of excellence as it pursues its plan to become a Top 20 public research university.

About Ricoh Americas Corporation

Ricoh Americas Corporation, headquartered in West Caldwell, N.J., is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company, Ltd., the 74-year-old leading provider of advanced office technology and innovative document imaging products, services and software, with fiscal year 2009 sales in excess of $21 billion.

Ricoh's fully integrated hardware and customizable services and software help businesses share information efficiently and effectively by enabling customers to control the input, management and output of documents.

Ricoh Americas Corporation, directly or through its network of authorized dealers, markets and distributes products in North, Central and South America.

Information about Ricoh's complete range of offerings can be found at www.ricoh-usa.com.

© 2011 Ricoh Americas Corporation.  All rights reserved.  All other company or product names, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Ricoh Web Site: www.ricoh-usa.com

SOURCE Ricoh Americas Corporation