Sharp Electronics acquires IOT Holdings...launch TDM interface

Sharp Electronics has announced that it has acquired IOT (Holdings), which will operate as a subsidiary of Sharp Electronics UK with immediate effect. The acquisition will significantly increase the size of Sharp's copier business, as well as offering an opportunity to increase market share through upgrading current competing MIF to Sharp's award-winning multifunction products.

Founded in 1964, IOT has grown into a highly successful company in its sector, with an excellent reputation for high quality service and a strong capability in managed print services and solutions-led business.

The company has developed a nationwide in-house servicing capability which, combined with Sharp's existing national service operation, will give Sharp greater scope to tender for public-sector contracts.

In addition to Sharp's range of colour and mono hardware, awarded BLI Line of the Year twice in the last four years, the breadth of the company's portfolio will also allow opportunities for cross-selling of other products, including EPoS systems and digital signage solutions throughout IOT's sales network.

IOT will continue to trade under its current name, and remain under the current management team, headquartered in Wakefield.

Paul Molyneux, Sharp UK managing director, commented: "We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of IOT, which signals the beginning of a period of exciting growth for both businesses going forward.

"IOT's position as a very stable, profit-focused business with a strong service-based culture is the result of an approach Sharp are keen to learn from and pursue aggressively. We bring the strength of a global brand and an ongoing commitment to product development that will deliver future market opportunities."

Martin McCarney, IOT chief executive, said: "I am delighted that IOT will now be part of the internationally recognised and trusted Sharp brand. Clients will benefit from the best of both worlds; IOT's outstanding service-led expertise supplemented with the resources and backing of a major global manufacturer."

Sharp Electronics has also introduced a dazzling new touch document management (TDM) interface that lets users manage scanned documents as though it were on an iPhone or iPad, changing the way people interact with multi-function printers. The new interface is displayed on a large, bright 10.1-inch color LCD touchscreen and allows users to interact directly with the documents in a way that's just not possible with a conventional keyboard/mouse driven approach.

After scanning a document, users can interact with the touch screen to manipulate the documents with a flick of the finger, a tap, a slide and so forth. Sharp is justifiably proud of this approach. Ed McLaughlin, president, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America calls the new interface a game changer. "Our new user interface is perhaps the most significant leap we have made as a company in more than a decade," he said.This intuitive approach should reduce the learning curve for users and make it easier to interact with and find more advanced functions. The new approach also includes a personalization module that enables users to customize the product with personal shortcuts, workflow and language.