Staples Advantage Launches Managed Print Services, Helps Businesses Find Savings

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. --(Business Wire)--

Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc. today announced the launch of Staples Technology Solutions (News - Alert) Managed Print Services (MPS), a comprehensive solution that will help businesses control their print network, achieve up to 15 and 30 percent cost savings and improve IT staff productivity.

"We've found that the majority of businesses don't know how much they spend on office printing each year," said Ed Ludwigson, vice president and general manager for Staples (News - Alert) Technology Solutions. "Our MPS experts work with customers to understand their printing costs and needs in order to create more efficient, customized and sustainable printing networks. Staples experts can implement an MPS solution that effectively manages print devices, enabling IT teams to focus on more strategic IT initiatives."

Staples Technology Solutions can conduct a comprehensive assessment to help businesses understand their total cost of printing. The process analyzes hardware, maintenance, staff resources and consumables such as ink, toner and paper. Staples can also evaluate printing habits to pinpoint how the printing devices are used. The information is used to optimize the fleet based on the customer's unique goals and organizational requirements.

In addition to cost savings, customers will also experience benefits such as:

A brand-neutral solution that works with a company's existing fleet
Assistance reaching sustainability goals through office printing guidelines
Reduced time spent on print fleet maintenance and support
Automated supply replenishment
A single, predctable monthly bill
Ongoing account management of a company's print strategy

"With organizations spending nearly 10 percent of their annual budgets on printed materials and services and the growing priority to improve all facets of modern print management, it is critical for companies to enhance processes and drive visibility into their spending within this category," said Christopher Dwyer, senior analyst for Aberdeen (News - Alert) Group. "MPS offerings, like Staples Managed Print Services solution, have helped organizations improve their cost savings on printed materials and services as well as drive a higher level of accuracy to custom print specifications."

Through relationships with multiple manufacturers and its best-in-class supply chain, Staples Technology Solutions is able to offer customers the advantages of brand-neutral recommendations for a complete MPS solution. With its years of experience serving customers' office printing needs in businesses of all sizes and across industries, Staples is a natural fit for customers seeking a comprehensive MPS solution.

A Second Start: PrintStart

Staples Technology Solutions is also kicking off a new initiative to give small businesses and start-ups a boost with PrintStart. Working with Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) offices across the country, participating MPS customers can donate their gently used office technology to local small businesses or start-ups in need.

Under PrintStart, local SBDC offices will help Staples Technology Solutions identify deserving start-ups and small businesses to receive working printers, print supplies and other materials no longer needed by participating MPS customers. PrintStart allows big business to help small business at the local level and offers a unique way to reuse machines and supplies.

About Staples Advantage

Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLS), serves organizations of 20 or more employees up to the Fortune 1000, including global businesses, local, state and federal government, healthcare organizations and educational institutions. The Staples Advantage one source solution includes comprehensive products and services from office supplies, technology and printing to promotional products, furniture and facility supplies. Dedicated to providing organizations with greater cost savings and improved ordering efficiencies, Staples Advantage provides a customized level of account support and best-in-class customer service. More information is available at www.staplesadvantage.com.

About Staples

Staples is the world's largest office products company and a trusted source for office solutions. The company provides products, services and expertise in office supplies, copy & print, technology, facilities and breakroom, and furniture. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and now has annual sales of $25 billion, ranking second in the world in eCommerce sales. With 88,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 26 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia, making it easy for businesses of all sizes, and consumers. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com/media.

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