Ricoh's Embedded Intelligence System works with IBM's Tivoli Monitoring Networked Multifunction Products- And Why is This Important?

Ricoh announced new, embedded intelligence technology with IBM's Tivoli Monitoring and Asset Management for IT.

This solution monitors MFP energy consumption and automates settings based on a corporation's environmental management objectives.

For instance, if all users in a particular workgroup are not using their computers, the system will recognize this inactivity and automatically shut down the workgroup's MFP to a sleep mode.

This is a pretty big step and one that illustrates the significant meshing of IT and MFPs.

The complete Press Release:

LAS VEGAS, Feb 09, 2009 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

Company: International Business Machines Corp. (IBM)

New Solution Works Seamlessly with IBM's Tivoli Software to Manage Energy Consumption and Lower Total Cost of Ownership

Ricoh Americas Corporation, a leading provider of digital office equipment, today announced the preliminary showing of its new embedded intelligence technology with IBM's Tivoli Monitoring and Asset Management for IT at the IBM Pulse conference in Las Vegas.

The solution monitors and reports on Ricoh multifunction product (MFP) energy consumption and automates settings based on a corporation's environmental management objectives. The solution will be on display for demonstration February 8-11, 2009, at booth #70 in the IBM Industry Zone at Pulse Solutions Center.

Ricoh's solution tracks the activity of all Ricoh MFPs connected to a network in order to gauge real-time metrics of power usage through IBM's Tivoli system management software. An IT administrator can define customized metrics by defining parameters on an individual company's cost reduction and sustainability goals. The Ricoh system is able to identify when established thresholds have been reached and will automatically adjust the network's settings. For instance, if all users in a particular workgroup are not using their computers, the system will recognize this inactivity and automatically shut down the workgroup's MFP to a sleep mode, greatly reducing power consumption and costs.

Ricoh's solution can also enable a company to apply print rules that push settings onto workgroups. Therefore, if a particular group is consistently failing to meet the company's sustainability goals, the settings can force users to duplex or limit prints in order to better manage and improve the company's carbon footprint.

"Environmental issues and sustainable practices are at the forefront of business now more than ever. Therefore, Ricoh and IBM are demonstrating an innovative solution for managing MFP power consumption," said Mark Minshull, vice president and chief technologist, Ricoh Americas Corporation. "Ricoh and IBM are leaders in promoting sustainability both internally and to our customers, and this solution, which integrates our leading technologies, is another example of how we can help customers 'green' their operations while also improving their bottom line."

Previously, adjustments for power management had to be made manually, often for each individual product. With the new Ricoh solution with Tivoli, all adjustments are made automatically based on an enterprise's environmental policies. Additionally, Tivoli can change the energy settings for all IT assets connected to the network simultaneously from the desktop of the administrator.

Minshull will also be leading a breakout session at the conference for attendees titled "Leveraging IBM Service Management and Ricoh Embedded MFP Intelligence to Deliver a Total Green Office Solution." The session will focus on the implementation of IBMs through IBM's Tivoli Monitoring and Asset Management for IT software with Ricoh's embedded solution. Minshull will give insight into trends in green management and industry standards, as well as ways to consolidate and improve office equipment utilization with asset optimization. The session will be held at 10:30 am (PST) on February 10 in room 106 at the Conference Center of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Click to email me.