The Datamax Thinking Blog

Educating, collaborating, and sparking ideas for maximizing the technology that matters.


McAfee Embedded Control Enhances Endpoint Security on Canon MFPs

McAfee Embedded Control blocks the execution of unauthorized applications like malware through intelligent whitelisting.

In an attempt to fully secure your home, imagine creating a list of every potential intruder that exists in your neighborhood, in your city, and beyond. Now – imagine creating a list of every APPROVED individual into your home.

Topics: Printer Management Multifunction Copier Office Equipment Canon USA Secure Printing

Pressed for Time? 4 Reasons to Pursue Print Workflow Automation

By taking measures now to streamline and, where possible, automate your workflow processes, your commercial printer, quick copy shop or In-Plant Center has the potential to lower costs, accelerate production time and eliminate processing errors.

Growing up, I distinctly remember the sound of my father’s brass wind up clock, ringing every morning from across the house.

Today, of course, I have an iPhone with an automated function to set my alarm for the same time every day. It does the work for me — I don’t have to remember to wind it up daily.

Topics: Automation Production Print Workflow

10 Tiresome Copier Service Clichés That May Be Ringing In Your Ears

When your office equipment service provider isn't well-configured with necessary resources and tools, and individual technicians are not consistently spending time in online training sessions, these clichés can fall like rain.

"We deliver world-class service." Heard that before? 

The phrase is an all-too-commonly heard pitch in an advertising campaign or during the sales process. It’s a bold claim, one that’s impossible to measure or define, and a phrase that falls flat the first time an unresolved issue surfaces.

Topics: Business Problems Office Equipment Service Training Copier Repair

Canon's Unified Firmware Platform: Keeping Pace With Security Updates

Canon’s Unified Firmware Platform (UFP) allows Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE models to be updated with cutting-edge features, new functionality, and enhanced security measures on an ongoing basis.

For a runner, the challenge of keeping a steady, fast pace only grows stronger the longer the race goes on.

Hackers and cyberattacks are evolving faster than ever before. In response, necessary security updates often move at a sprinter’s pace, with no finish line to speak of. Meanwhile, your documents, your networks, and your devices need to stay "fresh" to protect against security threats … and obsolescence.

Topics: Office Equipment Document Security Canon USA Cybersecurity Secure Printing

Ransomware Attack Report: Equipping Front Lines of Defense - Employees

While attacks declined slightly this year, phishing attacks remained the most successful attack vector, followed by a number of other employee errors that could be mitigated with better security training.

The front line, in military terminology, is the position(s) closest to the area of conflict of an armed force's personnel and equipment. It's a vulnerable position on the battlefield, but also in the office.

Employee cyber security education is an essential piece of any effective ransomware protection strategy. But as SMBs keep taking the phishing bait, their front lines — their own employees — are exposed as a weak link in their defense plan. 

Topics: Network Management Network Security Ransomware

Covering COVID-19: Our 10 Most-Read Blogs of 2020

Over the last 9 months, we’ve worked hard to answer COVID-19-related questions, to provide resources, to deliver the content that mattered most to our customers, in an unprecedented time for businesses everywhere.

We'd love to shake your hand, but an elbow bump will do for now. Either way, we sincerely appreciate you reading in 2020! 

Our year at the Datamax Thinking Blog kicked off with a New Year's-themed article, “6 Resolutions Your Business Technology Partner Must Truly Value in 2020.” It detailed characteristics that businesses should seek in any technology vendor relationship they engage with: Traits like “the ability to respond – and resolve,” “the creativity to dig deeper,” and “the worthiness of your trust.” 

Topics: Partnering Cybersecurity Unified Communications Coronavirus Remote Workforce Planning Work From Home

Section 179 Deduction Presents Office Technology Opportunity for SMBs

Essentially, Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed during the tax year. That means that if you buy (or lease) a piece of qualifying equipment, you can deduct the FULL PURCHASE PRICE from your gross income.

As organizations continue to wrestle with workflow challenges and seek ways to expedite routine business processes through technology, Section 179 presents a unique procurement opportunity.

Topics: Multifunction Copier Digital Copiers Productivity Tips and Tools Technology Procurement

5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Managed IT Services Provider

From offering timely onsite and remote support, to the ability to avoid buzzwords and communicate clearly to your end users, you should expect more for your organization.

With overall small to medium-sized business spending on managed services growing at 15% per year (According to Datto’s 2020 State of the MSP Report), it’s no surprise that most Managed Service Providers are growing.

Topics: Network Management Microsoft Gold Partner Network Security

The CARES Act & Technology: How Relief Fund Can Help City Governments

What is the CARES Act and how can it help you respond more timely to resident needs? And what technology tools are available for helping your employees work securely and succinctly in a remote environment?

Among the countless entities that COVID-19 afflicted, local governments were certainly a key victim to the pandemic. Local city employees were among the most needed to respond to the public health crisis and provide necessary resources for residents within a municipality.

Topics: Unified Communications Coronavirus Remote Work Work From Home

5 Reasons Your Business Should Consider a Temperature Screening Kiosk

Body temperature screening kiosks truly automate the process. These devices can read temperature in 1 second, and are ultimately designed to provide a safe environment for your employees, customers and visitors.

If you’ve made your way back to the office, you’re likely getting your temperature taken upon arrival.

Topics: Office Equipment Coronavirus Temperature Screening Kiosk