Ricoh switches to Gen-i to stay connected

Media Release

Ricoh switches to Gen-i to stay connected

Significant testing of speed and reliability found there was no comparison

Auckland – 15 January 2013 – Ricoh New Zealand has chosen to transfer its mobile connections from Vodafone to Telecom’s ICT services division Gen-i, as it consolidates its telecommunications services to a single provider.

At the same time, Ricoh has extended its relationship with Gen-i by renewing its voice, internet and mobile data services for another two years and has selected Gen-i for the provision of data centre hosting services.

According to Ricoh New Zealand national IT manager Paul Thomas, the company decided to consolidate its telecommunications services with Gen-i based on past performance and as part of a move to reduce its number of suppliers.

“As Ricoh New Zealand grows we need the support of our suppliers, and having an end-to-end solution with a single provider is certainly beneficial – there’s less infrastructure, more flexibility and better support,” says Thomas.

“We also conducted significant testing of the speed and reliability of the Telecom Smartphone Network against Vodafone across the country and found there was no comparison. Our people travel across the country and they need to stay connected, and the Telecom network has always delivered.”

Gen-i GM Corporate Clients Steve Mills says mobility is playing an increasingly important role in the success of businesses like Ricoh, where a mobile work force is out in the field, engaging directly with the customer.

“Now more than ever before, businesses are seeking to increase the mobility of their work force to improve efficiency, productivity and customer engagement. We’re pleased that Ricoh have chosen to move to our Smartphone Network, and that we’ll continue to support their success through the delivery of innovative ICT services,” says Mills.

Ricoh recently deployed 100 iPads, which have greatly improved the productivity of their technicians in the field. They are now rolling out another 50 iPads to enable their sales people to have all the information they need at their fingertips, while in front of the customer.

“At Ricoh, mobility is about empowering our staff to be more responsive, provide better solutions, and improve the overall customer experience,” says Thomas. “Being in a commoditised market, it’s all about great customer service, strong business relationships and providing better solutions.”

Gen-i is also supporting Ricoh in testing a solution that will increase their ability to manage customer equipment remotely. Ricoh is looking to connect directly to photocopiers located on customer premises via the Telecom Smartphone Network, leveraging Gen-i’s Private APN offering.

“We have some photocopier machines which are not connected to a customer’s network or to the internet. Gen-i’s Private APN enables us to connect to a photocopier that is not connected to a customer’s network and still proactively monitor it, or deploy firmware updates. When fully implemented, this will improve our ability to proactively manage our customers’ equipment.”

ENDS

About Ricoh

Ricoh is a global technology company specialising in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group, operates in more than 200 countries and regions. In the financial year ending March 2012, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 1,903 billion yen (approx. 23 billion USD).

The majority of the company's revenue comes from products, solutions and services that improve the interaction between people and information. Ricoh also produces award-winning digital cameras and specialised industrial products. It is known for the quality of its technology, the exceptional standard of its customer service and sustainability initiatives.

Under its corporate tagline, imagine. change. Ricoh helps companies transform the way they work and harness the collective imagination of their employees.

Ricoh New Zealand Limited is the local subsidiary of Ricoh Co. Ltd., Japan. Head office is located in Auckland, with a comprehensive network providing sales, service and support in all areas of the country. Ricoh New Zealand's clients range from the largest corporations and government departments, to universities, local councils and businesses of all sizes.

About Gen-i

Gen-i is at the forefront of helping businesses take advantage of the convergence of technology and telecommunications, and the new opportunities this makes possible. Gen-i works alongside its 2,700 corporate, government and business clients to deliver seamless hosted and integrated ICT solutions. A member of the Telecom New Zealand Group, Gen-i achieves this with the support of 2,500 highly skilled people in 19 locations across New Zealand and Australia. For more information on Gen-i, visit www.gen-i.co.nz

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