OREANDA-NEWS. July 04, 2016. With MFPs now acting as the hub for an organization’s document workflows, customers need devices that are more feature-rich and extensible than ever. In that vein, Xerox has two recent offerings worthy of BLI’s Outstanding Achievement in Innovation honors: the 2016 Xerox ConnectKey Technology platform and the related Xerox Easy Translator Service app.

Since its debut in 2013, Xerox ConnectKey Technology has served as the basis for the company’s interconnected MFPs, combining embedded controller hardware, the Xerox EIP embedded software platform, an open Application Programming Interface (API) for the development of custom MFP apps, and related software and services offerings and services. The latest iteration brings the promise of the platform to full fruition. For example, MFPs equipped with 2016 Xerox ConnectKey Technology include ready-to-use apps to support printing from mobile devices via QR code or email. This functionality is included out of the box—an industry first—and does not require dedicated server software. Another impressive development is the associated Xerox App Gallery, an online portal where customers can select and download MFP-resident “apps” that add functionality, enhance convenience and increase productivity.

“MFPs are growing more intelligent, flexible and customizable with each successive generation. With its 2016 Xerox ConnectKey Technology, Xerox has proven that to be true yet again,” said Jamie Bsales, Director, Office Workflow Solutions Analysis at BLI. “The platform’s combination of onboard intelligence and online extensibility put it a step ahead.”

In an increasingly globalized world, there is considerable need for translation services. But getting printed documents translated can be a hassle. The Xerox Easy Translator Service removes any barriers by allowing users to scan documents at the MFP and receive a printout of the translated document—in any one of 38 languages—within minutes. Users can also opt for a professional-quality translation performed by translation specialists, typically returned within a few business days.

“Imagine walking up to an MFP with a document written in a foreign language, scanning it, and getting a printout of the document that has been translated into your native tongue. Or imagine needing a quick translation of a document for a colleague that speaks a foreign language. That’s the magic the Xerox Easy Translator Service app enables,” explained Bsales.

About Buyers Laboratory LLC
Buyers Laboratory LLC (BLI) is the world's leading independent provider of analytical information and services to the digital imaging and document management industry. For over 50 years, buyers have relied on BLI to help them differentiate products’ strengths and weaknesses  and make the best purchasing decisions, while industry sales, marketing and product professionals have turned to BLI for insightful competitive intelligence and valued guidance on product development, competitive positioning and sales channel and marketing support. Using BLI’s web-based bliQ and Solutions Center services, 40,000 professionals worldwide create extensive side-by-side comparisons of hardware and software solutions for over 15,000 products globally, including comprehensive specifications and the performance results and ratings from BLI’s unparalleled Lab, Solutions and Environmental Test Reports, the result of months of hands-on evaluation in its US and UK labs. The services, also available via mobile devices, include a comprehensive library of BLI’s test reports, an image gallery, hard to find manufacturers’ literature and valuable tools for configuring products, calculating total cost of ownership (TCO) and annual power usage. BLI also offers consulting and private, for-hire testing services that help manufacturers develop and market better products and consumables.