Konica Minolta Extends Content Management Capabilities With FileAssist

by Robert Palmer | 9/26/14

On September 23, Konica Minolta introduced a new cloud-based content management system called FileAssist. Developed exclusively for Konica Minolta and hosted by All Covered, the firm’s managed IT services business acquired in 2011, FileAssist is a managed file storage and content management system designed for businesses of all sizes. The solution provides a turnkey approach for organizations looking to collaborate and share information in a secure environment, while also improving workflow efficiency.

According to Konica Minolta, FileAssist can help businesses reduce the costs and risks associated with organizing content under a single cloud-based document management system. The firm says that FileAssist is scalable to support growing businesses and provides seamless access between mobile devices, MFPs, and the web client.

Features of the new solution include:

·       Online file sharing and collaboration

·       Security and compliance

·       Intrusion protection and prevention

·       Automated file backup, data restore, and synchronization

·       Administrative console

·       Hosted data center

·       Tracking and audit features

·       Business mobility and continuity

·       Direct MFP integration via Konica Minolta’s bizhub connector

Our take

The introduction of FileAssist is part of Konica Minolta’s ongoing strategy to reposition its brand — moving away from a traditional hardware manufacturer to a company that is customer-centric and organized around three major components: information management, IT services, and technology. Like many hard copy OEMs, Konica Minolta has been in the document management business for quite some time, but its historical focus as been on the printed document. Moving forward, the firm aims to focus more on workflow and the entire document lifecycle — from creation to collaboration, sharing, and distribution.

The acquisition of All Covered has helped Konica Minolta and its dealers expand beyond print/MPS into managed IT services. Indeed, when you look closely at Konica Minolta’s strong performance in recent quarters, it is easy to see how bundling services has played a key role in driving profitability and gross margins. Meanwhile, the firm is developing core solutions and resources aimed at specific vertical markets, part of its overall strategy to align its solutions and vertical expertise to various customer segments.

Konica Minolta’s first homegrown, cloud-based information management solution would seem to be an integral part of this ongoing strategy. Businesses of all sizes need help with organizing and managing massive amounts of information. FileAssist provides an integrated solution to address key problem areas for many organizations, including file sharing and workflow optimization, integration with existing content management solutions, mobile platform support, and content security. 

Robert Palmer is chief analyst and a managing partner for BPO Media, which publishes The Imaging Channel and Workflow magazines. He is an independent market analyst and industry consultant with more than 25 years experience in the printing industry covering technology and business sectors for prominent market research firms such as Lyra Research and InfoTrends. In December 2012 he formed Palmer Consulting as an independent consultancy focused on transformation, mobility, MPS, and the entire imaging market. Palmer is a popular speaker and presents regularly at industry conferences and trade events in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. He is also active in a variety of imaging industry forums and currently serves on the board of directors for the Managed Print Services Association (MPSA). Contact him at robert@bpomedia.com.