Workflow
Konica Minolta Launches bEST Program to Foster Software Development of Innovative Solutions for Customer Convenience and Workflow Efficiency
Tuesday 13. January 2009 - Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), a leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop, today launched the bizhub Extended Solution Technology (bEST) Developer Support Program designed to provide customers with integrated, innovative solutions, enable members to become leaders in software development, and accelerate the time to the marketplace.
The bEST Developer Support Program enables developers to adapt existing applications to Konica Minolta devices or use successful Konica Minolta technologies, such as bizhub Open API, to create innovative solutions to previously unresolved challenges.
Membership in the bEST Developer Support Program is open to software vendors, integrators, resellers, Konica Minolta dealers, as well as end customers who qualify for membership in the program. Membership at the Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels includes access to the latest documentation and communications specifications, and at the Gold and Platinum membership levels, members will receive all of the tools needed to get software solutions up and running where customers’ benefit most, on the control panel of the Konica Minolta MFP. Tools include an Integrated Web Browser, an Application Testing Simulator and a comprehensive Software Development Kit (SDK). For more information, the bEST Developer Support Program can be found at www.kmbs.konicaminolta.us/bEST.
“Our bEST Program is the gateway to opportunity for differentiation and leadership in software development,” said Kevin Kern, vice president, marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. “Members in the bEST Program can offer a seamless interface between our line of award-winning bizhub MFPs and software applications residing on PCs or servers. Becoming a bEST member is a great way to broaden the software solutions an organization can offer to its customers.”
Prism Software, a Konica Minolta solution partner and early adopter to the bEST Program, has developed bEST connectors for its DocRecord (document management) and DocSystem (document workflow) software applications. The bEST connectors allow end users to scan documents directly from the bizhub front panel into either DocRecord?s archiving folders or into DocSystem?s workflow processes.
“The bEST technology provides a substantial boost to end-user productivity and software ease-of-use by allowing access directly from the bizhub panel,” said David Ayres, CEO of Prism Software. “bEST is the perfect combination of great engineering with user-friendly design.”
Developing customized software using bEST technology allows users to join leading software solution providers of print management, cost control, document management, “pull” printing and other applications that enhance workflow productivity. Once certification has been granted by Konica Minolta, members can display the bEST Certified* logo to assure customers of superior performance and seamless integration with bizhub products and will be listed on Konica Minolta?s bEST Certified solution website.