Toshiba Shows It's Moving Fast Forward at 2011 National Dealer Meeting and End-User Conference

A record-breaking 650 professionals attended Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc.’s (TABS) 2011 National Dealer Meeting and End-User Conference themed “Fast Forward” at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas late last month. During the conference, Toshiba unveiled twenty new solutions-ready color and monochrome products with groundbreaking security and green features, as well as several new cloud printing, mobility and service solutions. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage in informative breakout sessions with practical information targeted specifically to either dealers or end-users, covering managed document services (MDS), mobility, cloud computing and security.

Toshiba dealers and end-users also enjoyed a moving keynote presentation delivered by Frank W. Abagnale, best known as the person whose life story inspired the film “Catch Me If You Can.” Mr. Abagnale is currently one of the world's most respected authorities on forgery, embezzlement and document security, and has been working with the FBI for more than 35 years. The event concluded with a private party featuring live entertainment by legendary rock band Cheap Trick.

Toshiba Success and Growth

Chief Executive Officer Masahiro “Matt” Yamada opened the general session with an overall business update. He noted that profits have returned to pre-recession levels, Toshiba remains the No. 1 selling manufacturer in China for the eleventh consecutive year, and is now selling directly in 23 countries. In addition, Toshiba’s MDS business has experienced 78 percent year-over-year growth, accounting for approximately twelve percent of the company’s total revenue.

“We are continuing to invest heavily in our MDS programs, cloud printing and security software and products, with a services-led strategy focused on selling business outcomes, capturing pages and emphasizing color sales,” said Mark Mathews, president and COO, TABS, who followed Mr. Yamada’s presentation. “The first quarter of fiscal year 2011 has delivered 15 percent year-over-year unit growth and 6.9 percent year-over-year revenue growth. In fact, March was our best sales month in over four years. With the new products, solutions and service offerings we have launching this year, I’m confident our dealers will continue to succeed and prosper.”

Next-Generation Encompass Application

Bill Melo, vice president, Marketing, Services and Solutions, TABS, touted the revolutionary next-generation Encompass software that is scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter. This new version will include an Encompass mobile application, so dealers are able to access the total customer lifecycle management tool from their smartphone, tablet or other web-enabled mobile device. The tool will help dealers meet and exceed customer expectations on-demand, anytime, and from anywhere.

Service eXCHANGE

This year, Toshiba introduced Service eXCHANGE as part of the award-winning Toshiba social business network called eXCHANGE.  Service eXCHANGE is a mobile application providing access to a critical information portal that technicians can access on-demand, anytime, and from any location, using a Toshiba MFP control panel, smartphone, tablet or other web-enabled mobile device. This extension of eXCHANGE provides technical and troubleshooting information and documentation, and also allows service technicians to communicate with one another to share tips and best practices.

Working and Printing from the Cloud