Modern office, hybrid & remote working
FROM PRINT TO PLATFORM
Print is no longer a standalone function but a strategic platform underpinning secure, flexible and compliant hybrid work. Here, Stuart Miller, Partner Channel Director at Canon UK & Ireland, explains why channel partners have a pivotal role in safeguarding workflows, tightening data protection and enabling a more resilient workplace.
T
he modern office is no longer defined by a single location. Instead, it is shaped by a distributed workforce, with around 28% of UK employees continuing to operate in remote or hybrid
arrangements. Tis shiſt is not just changing where work happens, but how organisations manage the technology that supports it. Print infrastructure is a clear example of this shiſt. Devices are
no longer centralised, but deployed across multiple offices, home environments and shared workspaces. As a result, IT teams are oſten leſt without full visibility of device performance or potential risks. When issues arise, they can disrupt workflows and require time-consuming intervention that could have been avoided with earlier insight.
The hidden security risks At the same time, the security landscape is becoming more complex, driven by both the rapid expansion of connected technologies and clear data protection regulations. Printers sit at the heart of the digital workspace, processing sensitive documents and connecting to wider networks. Tis makes them an increasingly attractive target for attackers, with over half of organisations reporting at least one data loss incident through print in recent years. Despite this, print infrastructure is still frequently overlooked in broader security strategies. As these environments become more connected, the security
implications also evolve. Security remains a critical consideration throughout this transition. As more devices become connected, the number of potential entry points for attackers increases. Many threats continue to exploit basic vulnerabilities, making cyber hygiene an essential starting point. To address this, organisations are rethinking both the technology
and the services that support their print environments. Managed print services (MPS) is playing a central role here, combining hardware, soſtware and ongoing support into a more cohesive, end-to-end solution. Rather than treating devices as standalone assets, MPS enables consistent governance, visibility and control across the entire fleet. Measures such as device hardening, controlled access, encryption and network monitoring all play a key role in reducing risk. Crucially, this shiſt is not just happening at the service level, but
within the devices themselves. Innovation at the device level is helping to embed security and intelligence directly into the hardware. Artificial intelligence (AI) is also influencing both the threat landscape and the response to it. While it enables attackers to operate
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at a greater scale, it also provides organisations with new tools to defend themselves. AI-driven capabilities can support proactive vulnerability detection, flag unusual behaviour and help isolate compromised devices more quickly.
The rise of smart services in the hybrid era Even with more intelligent devices in place, the way services are delivered is also evolving. In hybrid environments, where devices are distributed across multiple locations, visibility is oſten limited, and traditional models built around reactive maintenance are increasingly out of step with organisational needs. Waiting for a device to fail before taking action not only introduces unnecessary disruption but can also introduce security risk and prolong exposure to potential vulnerabilities, particularly when teams are spread across multiple locations. Instead, there is a growing shiſt towards smart services that use
continuous monitoring and predictive insights to identify issues before they impact users. By enabling real-time visibility across the print estate, these services allow organisations to detect performance issues and potential security risks earlier. Trough remote diagnostics and condition monitoring, service teams can assess device health in real time and resolve many issues without the need for an on-site visit, regardless of where devices are located. Tis improves first- time fix rates, reduces downtime and allows engineers to focus on more complex, high-value tasks, while supporting a more secure and resilient print environment. Ultimately, the modern office requires a more integrated approach
to technology, where hardware, security and services work together seamlessly. Print is no longer a standalone function, but part of a wider, connected ecosystem that must be managed holistically. For channel partners, this represents a fundamental change
in how value is delivered. Te focus moves away from simply maintaining hardware to providing ongoing performance, security and optimisation. It also strengthens relationships with customers, as support becomes more proactive, data-driven and aligned with business outcomes. Te opportunity lies in helping customers navigate this complexity.
By combining intelligent devices, secure infrastructure and proactive services, they can support organisations in building more resilient, efficient and flexible workplaces.
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