The Datamax Thinking Blog

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


4 Key Questions Before Dialing In on Your Cloud-based Phone System

Not all UcaaS providers are created equal. Whether you're speaking with a local provider, or simply searching for online vendors at large, it's important to dig in a little deeper to ensure that you're not ultimately disappointed with your solution.

Due diligence is a natural part of any purchasing decision. But where to start? 

The advantages associated with Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) are becoming increasingly clear for organizations today. Seamless collaboration under a single platform. A solution that goes where you go (especially beneficial in a hybrid/remote work environment). Potential cost savings, easy scalability, and centralized management, to name a few.

Topics: Productivity Tips and Tools Unified Communications VoIP Phone System Remote Workforce Planning Remote Work

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

Section 179 Deduction Provides Big Incentive for Small to Medium-Sized Businesses

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.

It’s the end of the year. Businesses are busily reviewing their bottom line and – perhaps – scanning every corner of their organization for any sort of competitive boost as 2020 looms around the corner.

Small business owners or managers may not be aware of an incentive that could forge a huge technology and productivity boost in their immediate future: Section 179 Deduction of the IRS Tax Code.

Topics: Multifunction Copier Digital Copiers Productivity Tips and Tools Financing

Get Employees On Board with Copier Fleet or IT Onboarding Process

In working with your partner, how successful is implementation of new technology? Is there a Change Management Methodology that gets every employee on board safely? Or just a train wreck? 

Woodrow Wilson once famously said, “if you want to make enemies, try to change something.”

Funny, but for IT managers or business owners implementing an MFP fleet or IT-related onboarding process, perhaps a little too close for comfort.

Topics: Business Problems Productivity Tips and Tools Network Management Partnering Print Management

Cloud of Suspicion: Ease Security Concerns with Full Control over Cloud-based Content

Cloud-based content management systems like Box unify all people, information and applications together in the cloud to transform the way they work, giving IT departments the tools they need to match the tightness of security with the speed of collaboration.

As humans, we are suspicious by nature.

Anything that’s not visually identifiable – or right in front of our eyes - can often be difficult to trust. We trust the local Italian restaurant because we know the owners. We trust local government because we’re neighbors with an elected official, and we see direct results from his or her public service in our own city. Excruciatingly cliché TV ad campaigns mention ad nauseam being “locally trusted.”

Topics: Security Productivity Tips and Tools Cloud Content Management

5 Expert Skills for Production Print Runs: Conquering the Double Black Diamond

In-course obstacles exist daily. The right skills, training and the right gear are paramount for a more streamlined and capable production process for the entire run — from pre-flight all the way to fulfillment.

When it comes to Double Black Diamond runs, experts only dare exit the ski lift.

These heart-racing, often terrifying runs are characterized by exceptionally steep slopes, and other hazards such as narrow trails, high winds, and obstacles like steep drop-offs, rocks, moguls or trees. You may contemplate such slopes with hope, but you'll likely retreat with "nope."

Topics: Productivity Tips and Tools Office Equipment Production Print

Productivity That Soars: Collaborate, Connect and Control with Cloud-based Content Management

Cloud-based content management solutions like Box bridge the gap between a scattered, yet somehow still collaborative, workforce. 

The Wright Brothers are the quintessential example of old-school collaboration. Collectively, Wilbur and Orville accomplished something on Dec. 17, 1903 that no individual engineer or inventor could on his or her own: Achieve manned and controlled flight.

Topics: Productivity Tips and Tools Cloud Content Management

Section 179 Deduction: Christmas Comes Early for Businesses Looking to Purchase Technology

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 the clock winds down in 2018, businesses are scanning the field for ways to close out the year on a winning note.

Small business owners or managers may not be aware of an incentive that could forge a huge technology and productivity boost in their immediate future: Section 179 Deduction of the IRS Tax Code.

Topics: Productivity Tips and Tools Office Equipment

Print Pacesetter: In-House Production Offers You Control at Every Turn

With capable production print systems and the right technology partner, in-house production offers you complete control over your price, your processes and your final product.

In the Indy Car racing circuit, road courses require superior braking systems that are able to handle intense, repetitive braking as cars approach sharp, hairpin turns.

Often times, outsourcing your production print is a lot like racing behind the wheel of a 700-horse power,  2.2-liter twin turbo Indy Car with inferior brakes: It runs like clockwork until the unexpected happens (deadline change, color issue, mark-up fee) and you completely lose control.

Topics: Color Printing Productivity Tips and Tools Production Print Print Management

Achieve Office Equipment Enlightenment by Mastering the Art of Asking Questions

Is your potential copier provider capable of going deeper with relevant questions? Will their level of service handle the technology burden for you, and enable you to focus on your forte?

Martial Arts expert and movie star Bruce Lee is an unequivocal legend for his physical feats on the big screen. But he also possessed a few philosophical nuggets that packed a real punch.

One example from the former philosophy major turned Hollywood icon? “A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer.”

Topics: Multifunction Copier Digital Copiers Productivity Tips and Tools Office Equipment Technology Pain