Staples Launches Staples Technology Solutions to Expand Business-to-Business Services
Staples, the well-known office supply company, is making a bold move into the business-to-business services market. The company has recently unveiled Staples Technology Solutions, a comprehensive portfolio of data center, print, and managed services aimed at small businesses and enterprises. Joe Kalinoski, the vice president of finance for Staples Technology Solutions, expressed confidence in the new initiative, stating that it will offer competitive pricing and a great services story for customers.
Staples Technology Solutions will provide access to certified specialists in various areas such as Cisco Systems, Citrix, and Linux. The services offered include onsite and remote server and desktop support for Apple Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms, printer fleet management, data center assessments, and other services like sub-floor cleaning and 24×7 data center emergency supplies.
Operating under Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Staples Technology Solutions is the result of the company’s acquisitions of Corporate Express and Thrive Networks. By combining these entities, Staples now offers a one-stop solution for office products, print solutions, and managed print IT services. According to Kalinoski, it was a natural progression for Staples to enter the technology space as they responded to customer demands for technology products alongside office supplies. He also emphasized that Staples aims to be one of the lowest-cost providers in the market.
While Staples Technology Solutions will have operations in Massachusetts and Florida, it will have associates in Staples Advantage offices throughout the country. Although the company does not carry enterprise-class servers or storage products, it can provide the necessary infrastructure to run a data center, including racks, cooling, heating, and power.
Staples Technology Solutions caters to all clients with its data center and printer management solutions. However, for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with 10 to 250 employees, Staples offers a fully managed, outsourced IT department. Jim Lippie, the vice president of Staples Network Services, highlighted that SMBs can choose to work with Staples to provide a complete solution that includes managed IT services and onsite support.
To support its services, Staples plans to leverage N-able Technologies’ managed services platform for servers and Kaseya’s platform for desktops. While Staples Technology Solutions will compete with solution providers for customers, it also intends to collaborate with solution providers for service implementations. The company has a strong relationship with OnForce for partner services engagements.
Staples acknowledges the challenge of winning services from small, local providers but believes its brand reputation will attract customers it already serves in other capacities. Bob Laliberte, a senior analyst at Enterprise Strategy Group, believes that Staples has a significant opportunity in the market and emphasizes the importance of execution. He also suggests that smaller solution providers may consider partnering with Staples to leverage the company’s brand and gain instant credibility.
Staples Technology Solutions aims to provide a local touch with national reach to its clients. With its extensive experience as a small business itself, Staples understands the needs and psychology of small businesses. The company is confident that its expansion into business-to-business services will be well-received and successful.