Bangalore: Ingram Micro Inc. has announced a new recurring revenue stream and subscription service bundle for SMB-focused channel partners to meet the growing demand for “as-a-service” offerings.
The Managed Print Complete (MPC) program allows channel partners to offer single or multi-function printers, toner and an extended warranty for a fixed monthly subscription.
The as-a-service subscription offer sells as a flexible program whereby the customer can refresh and renew the service at any time, or purchase the printer at the end of the subscription term.
A recent survey by Ingram Micro says that 65 percent of SMB channel partners polled are in favour of “print-as-a-service.”
The top three reasons why a subscription model is preferred are that it reduces time spent ordering supplies; Provides fixed and predictable printing costs while establishing a recurring revenue stream and keeps the latest printer technology in play which helps reduce support costs.
The survey also indicates “print-as-a-service” is more popular among those channel partners who service clients that print 3,000 to 8,000 pages a month. Ingram Micro estimates channel partners’ margins for the new MPC to be in the double-digits.
“There is a growing demand from SMB-focused channel partners and their customers for subscription-based services,” said Ryan Grant, senior director, Document Imaging, Ingram Micro. “We developed MPC to speed the sales cycle and combat the sales pressure MSPs and VARs are feeling from agents and copier dealers. MPC also encourages greater adoption of subscription-selling and technology lifecycle management, which lead to better service and support, and promote a healthier business model for channel partners.”
Ingram Micro claims that MPC program has attracted the attention of many print and toner manufacturers. Within the first 90-days of launch, channel partners can choose from a variety of single and multi-function print and consumables companies including Brother, HP, Lexmark and Xerox.