OVERVIEW

Multifunction devices (MFDs) (a.k.a multifunction peripherals (MFPs)) play an important role in the business landscape. As such, organizations in virtually every industry are increasingly deploying MFDs to replace traditional printing, copying, scanning, and faxing functionality in a single peripheral. This solution brief focuses specifically on the integration of Sagemcom’s XMediusFAX IP fax server software solution and OpenLine fax appliance product lines with Ricoh - a leading MFD manufacturer. Through the use of Sagemcom developed connectors, the functionality within Ricoh MFDs is extended to include value added fax features inherently found within XMediusFAX and OpenLine product lines.

XMEDIUSFAX & OPENLINE CONNECTORS FOR RICOH

Sagemcom integrates its XMediusFAX and OpenLine product lines with Ricoh MFDs via various technologies. Two specific connectors developed by Sagemcom are available based on Ricoh’s GlobalScan™ NX technology and Embedded Software Architecture™.

Globalscan NX is Ricoh’s scanning integration software and is designed to offer unique features via a plug-in architecture, as well as scale according to each customer’s needs. Offered in server based and serverless architectures, the former is used to integrate with XMediusFAX and OpenLine products.

Embedded Software Architecture is Ricoh’s JAVA ME compliant open platform incorporated within practically all Ricoh MFDs. Sagemcom has made use of the available Software Development Kit (SDK-J) within the architecture to integrate and combine its own XMediusFAX and OpenLine solutions with Ricoh’s hardware to extend its capabilities and offer best-in-class features associated to faxing and document management solutions.

Figure 1 below illustrates a Ricoh MFD, while Figures 2 and 3 show sample screens on the MFD user interface panel for Fax Addressing and Billing Codes Access made available via the XMediusFAX and OpenLine connector/plug-ins.

CONNECTOR BENEFITS

Table 1 highlights some of the key benefits of integrating XMediusFAX and OpenLine solutions with Ricoh MFDs via Sagemcom connectors.

 

Cost Reduction	Through consolidation of phone lines and modems, as well as, their associated support contracts and supplies, cost reductions are achieved. By effectively migrating from a TDM based faxing environment to an IP based fax server solution a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) is achieved as well as rapid ROI. Significant cost advantages of using a feature rich fax server solutions versus fax kits for MFDs.
Security & Compliance	Sensitive documents are protected by delivery directly to authenticated recipient e-mail inbox. All inbound and outbound faxes can be tracked, logged and archived in the SQL database or integrated with document management solutions (i.e. OpenLine). Advanced user/admin control, management, and encryption features enable document privacy and facilitate regulatory compliance (i.e., HIPAA, Sarbanes-Oxley).
Productivity	Seamless interoperability via a uniform interface (i.e., MFD panel) providing a simplified and intuitive user experience. Extends more advanced capabilities found within the fax server solution onto the MFD device, including functionality as: phonebook, cover sheet selection, user preference, billing codes, etc. Efficiency is increased as employees no longer wait by the MFD for fax transmission confirmations.

 

Table 1: Integration Benefits of Sagemcom Solutions with Ricoh MFDs

SUPPORTED VERSIONS

To integrate XMediusFAX and OpenLine product lines with Ricoh MFDs via the Globalscan NX and Embedded Software Architecture technologies, one must adhere to the following requirements, respectively:

• Globalscan NX (server-based) version 1.3.5 or above
• Embedded Software Architecture (ESA) 4.1 or above
  

Any MFD compatible with the Globalscan NX Server is supported by the Globalscan NX fax connector while any MFDs on which the Ricoh ESA fax connector is deployed must have a panel screen with a resolution of WVGA, HVGA or XVGA.