Integrating Control Of Printing And Scanning

Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA showcased the potential of the company's new Bizhub OpenAPI capability at the On Demand show.

The OpenAPI is claimed to allow control of print and scan functions from external and third-party software applications.

Bizhub OpenAPI was demonstrated working with Hyland Software's Onbase Online.

It is a key component of Konica Minolta's Bizhub OP (Open Platform), the heart of a new line of Bizhub multi-functional products (MFP).

Konica Minolta said that Bizhub OP consolidates the functions that move information and manages them in a consistent, compatible approach and common interface that simplifies operation.

Bizhub OpenAPI is said to allow control of print and scan functions from external and third-party software applications.

It uses common tools to allow custom integration with software applications that meet specialised requirements, including cost recovery, account tracking, device security, document privacy, job history, user activity monitoring and custom scanning applications.

And according to Konica Minolta, software developers will be able to create those applications with confidence that their systems will have universal functionality in Bizhub OP devices.

Kevin Kern, vice president of product planning and development at Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA, commented: "Our MFP devices have become the hub of document-based information traffic throughout enterprises.

As a result, our customers require that our Bizhub devices work with their applications as an 'on ramp' to scan documents to mission critical applications and as an 'off ramp' to retrieve and print documents as required." He added: "Bizhub OpenAPI now gives third party providers and our customers an easy way to integrate their software applications with Bizhub MFPs.

Bizhub OpenAPI will open new opportunities for us to work with software developers, value added resellers and integrators seeking ways to add value for their customers." Documents can be scanned from a Konica Minolta MFP control panel on a Bizhub C352 colour printer, copier and scanner unit, for example, to Onbase Online by pressing a function key on the scan menu.

Onbase Online is claimed to allow organisations to implement Onbase ECM systems without the need to expand or build an in-house network.

With Onbase Online, customers gain the functionality and benefits of Onbase within a completely outsourced data centre that is redundant and secure, added the company.

As a result, organisations can combine the strength of a central content repository with the flexibility of an on-demand web application, eliminating the project-prohibitive investment required to create a sound technological infrastructure.

John Opdycke, vice president of marketing for Hyland Software, said: "MFP devices are increasingly deployed as a gateway to our ECM systems.

We see more of our clients using the scan function on MFPs as a means to capture and store images and critical document-based information.

It's fast, convenient and easy to use." He continued: "It is important for Hyland Software to partner with industry leaders, such as Konica Minolta, as a way to link Onbase to MFPs.

Our customers demand this capability and I think it is a great opportunity for both companies to provide a service that enhances the performance of our respective products.".

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