Canon adds to accreditation tally
Vendor adds new managed print services badge to its scheme which is set for Q4 rollout
Imaging specialist Canon has unveiled a new managed print services (MPS) badge as it continues to build on its channel programme.
The MPS accreditation, which adds to the vendor's channel programme launched last year, will be rolled out across Europe in Q4.
The vendor claims it has been launched to help identify and develop Canon's leading partners and demonstrate the high standards they have achieved in MPS delivery.
VARs must go through a rigorous audit process to achieve the certification, managed independently by imaging, research and consulting firm Photizo, and accreditation lasts for 12 months.
Benefits of accreditation include the development of a joint business plan to agree shared targets for the year, access to Canon's PartnerNet communications portal for marketing and sales support, and eligibility for the Canon Premier Partner Club.
Criteria for the accreditation cover three key areas including service delivery and people, infrastructure and technology, and business model and customer experience.
Marc Bory, director of MPS and solutions sales at Canon Europe, said: “The accreditation scheme provides our partners with the opportunity to gain a competitive edge based on a significant and credible independent audit process. The strength of Canon’s product portfolio and service delivery also provides assurance that our partners can deliver managed services in what continues to be a challenging economic climate. The new scheme illustrates Canon’s ongoing commitment and support to its partners via its partner programme.”
Ed Crowley, chief executive of Photizo Group, added: “Since its foundation, Photizo has been dedicated to providing high-level, unbiased assessments for the MPS industry and developing a road map to success for our partners.
"We are excited to be chosen by Canon to provide the independent assessment of partner capability as part of the Canon Partner Accreditation programme.”