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 Xerox^® - a leading MFD manufacturer. Through the use of a Sagemcom connector¹ developed on the Xerox Extensible Interface Platform^TM (EIP) , the functionality within EIP enabled Xerox MFDs is extended to include value added fax features inherently found within XMediusFAX and OpenLine product lines.

XMEDIUSFAX & OPENLINE CONNECTORS FOR XEROX MFDS

Sagemcom integrates its XMediusFAX and OpenLine product lines with Xerox MFDs via a connector based on the Xerox EIP; a Web services application development environment that enables software developers /independent software vendors (ISVs) such as Sagemcom to create server based applications that seamlessly integrate with Xerox MFDs via the touch screen control panel on the MFD. Sagemcom uses the Software Development Kit (SDK) offered as part of the EIP to integrate its own XMediusFAX and OpenLine solutions with Xerox’s hardware, thereby extending its capabilities and offering best-in-class features associated to faxing and document management solutions.

Figure 1 below illustrates an example of a supported Xerox MFD model, while Figures 2,3, and 4 show sample screens on the MFD user interface panel for fax server selection, service selection, and fax addressing, respectively. Depending on which fax server solution is configured (XMediusFAX or OpenLine) during the installation process, the icon for that service will be displayed in the service selection screen. Users can make selections regarding cover pages, fax sending and receiving, as well as, the monitoring of received/sent and in-progress faxes. Via the connector, authenticated users are allowed to print a received fax. Differentiated functionality within the connector allows users to personalize a simple PIN number to authenticate themselves and print selected faxes. As well, sign-in capabilities allow the connector to accept security credentials from a device authenticated via other means (i.e., third party software, swipe card). Once authenticated, users can view their contact list via the web phone book integration and select multiple entries to be added to a broadcast list for multi destination sending. In addition, enhanced administration capabilities allow for the visibility of registered EIP devices.

¹ Based on the Xerox EIP, the Sagemcom connector is developed in partnership with Solutions LNB Inc.

CONNECTOR BENEFITS

Table 1 highlights some of the key benefits of integrating XMediusFAX and OpenLine solutions with Xerox MFDs via the EIP connector.

 

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: cover sheet selection, speed dial preferences, fax monitoring, client matter codes (i.e., billing codes) etc. Efficiency is increased as employees no longer wait by the MFD for fax transmission confirmations. Administrators have full visibility via a configuration tool to view their entire fleet of registered devices.

 

Table 1: Integration Benefits of Sagemcom Solutions with Xerox MFDs

SUPPORTED MFD DEVICES, OPERATING SYSTEMS & REQUIREMENTS

Sagemcom’s fax server connector requires Xerox MFDs to be compliant with:

• EIP version 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0
• A minimum user interface resolution of 800 x 480 pixels
  

Note: For information regarding specific Xerox MFD models supported, please contact Sagemcom.

The EIP based connector can be installed on the following operating systems:

• Windows Server 2003 / 2003 R2 / 2008 / 2008 R2 (32 or 64 bit) and can be virtualized.

The following system requirements must also be adhered to with regards to Sagemcom’s EIP connector deployment:

• Internet Information Services (IIS6) or greater. IIS6 Management Compatibility (when using IIS7)
• .NET Framework 3.5 or higher

One of the following platform requirements must also be adhered to with regards to Sagemcom’s EIP connector deployment:

• Sagemcom XMediusFAX 6.5 or higher with WebServices API enabled
• Sagemcom OpenLine PR server appliance