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Sharp is Oracle Cerner Millennium Certified

Sharp is pleased to announce that their newest MFPs have been certified for use with Cerner Millennium. As a leader in Electronic Health Record (EHR) technology, Cerner Millennium solution enables healthcare organizations to leverage a single repository for information access and reporting purposes. Sharps BP-Series MFPs completed a stringent validation process that provides a level of assurance that Sharps MFPs will work seamlessly with Cerner Millennium.

Oracle Cerner Millennium, one of the top three EHR solution world-wide, validation is usually a requirement taken into account for healthcare bids.

For more information outlining the current Sharp MFPs for certified use with Cerner, please click here.

Contact Smile for more information and Premier Contract pricing.

Increase Student Collaboration in the Classroom

Increase Student Collaboration in the Classroom

For many of us growing up we learned on a chalkboard or dry erase board.  Students today are learning in a way that is very different from how our educational system was originally designed. Teachers have transformed classrooms into interactive hubs where students, who are digital natives, can flourish in an environment that is familiar to them.

Strategy to Keep Students Engaged

Think about it.  Students today live in a digital world where they have personal devices at their fingertips whether it’s an iPad, phone, laptop or chromebook.  For teachers, using interactive learning has moved from being an innovative strategy to a necessity to keeps students engaged in the classroom.  Research shows that a teacher who effectively implements educational technology such as interactive displays will see an increase in student engagement; this in turn leads to learning improvement. Some examples are:

  1. No matter the age of the student, clear bright images keep the student focused and engaged.
  2. Collaboration between students help active learning and participation.
  3. Increases student interest by adding a video link or additional documents to launch during lesson plan.
  4. Participation is familiar to students because of the touch capabilities available on an interactive whiteboard.
  5. Mirroring or screen sharing (casting images) from student’s devices encourages students to participate and share information.
  6. Students, if needed, can join from home and participate.
  7. Overall, more enjoyable for students to thrive.

Share and Distribute Lessons

For years, teachers were spending their time creating packets for students to hand out in class. But now, teachers can use interactive whiteboards to take screenshots of their lessons, save them and distribute to students electronically via PowerSchool, Blackboard or some other school related software.  The content options are limitless: Teachers can save their own notes so they can pick right up where they left off, or they can create review materials for students to study with at home. Another significant benefit is for students who are falling behind or having a hard time taking notes in real time. If they miss something, they can easily refer back to the lesson on their own time. No more struggling to keep up with the lesson.

Reduces Classroom Costs

The costs for classroom supplies are significantly reduced, as students do not need to rely on materials to experience the lesson.  For example, if we revert back to traditional dry erase boards and chalkboards, they do require other tools like dry markers, erasers, chalk and other accessories to use them.

Another example of reducing cost is not having the expense of printing lesson plans, or packets to send home. All materials for the lesson plan are online and readily available for students in the classroom and at home.

Helping Students Succeed

A teacher is a person who helps students acquire knowledge, competence and virtue, via the practice teaching. Although the overall method of teaching has not changed, but the vehicle in which students learn has changed.  Interactive whiteboards are now the vehicle, or hub for students to learn and thrive in the classroom.  Teachers, themselves continue to learn how to interact with students in this new environment and latest technology.

 

If you are interested in learning more about the technology Smile has to offer as well as a demonstration on the latest Interactive Whiteboards, please contact us. 

Sharp Announces New Models

Last week Sharp announced a new A3 Color Workgroup Product Line and new monochrome A4 desktop MFPs. The seven new models range in speed from 26 to 45 ppm and are available immediately.

With the new release, Sharp included the latest smart features to enhance productive no matter where your staff is working. Sharp’s enhancement of cloud services such as Microsoft Teams, and the new Universal Print capabilities, makes it easy to integrated with O365 environment. Oh, and let’s not forget about the enhanced security, plus so much more!

The new A4 models feature the new WPA3 wireless encryption delivers strong Wi-Fi security for optimal protection against malicious intruders. As for the new A3 lineup those models offer 300 sheet duplexing single pass feeder, new inner folding unit for Z-fold, tri-fold and much more.

We have a great program for new customers.  Reach out for details and information about the latest new additions to the Sharp Product Line….they’re pretty cool.

Sharp toner recycling

Environmental Initiatives from Sharp

Sharps commitment to environmental sustainability includes planning, design, manufacturing, distribution and end of life management. As a multi-year winner of Energy Star Partner of the Year award sponsored by the EPA and DOE, Sharp continues to strive to create both energy-saving and energy-creating products.  A very popular program by Sharp, Toner Recycling Program: Stop, Drop, Recycle offers customers an easy way to recycle their used Sharp toner cartridges in bulk by providing a pre-paid Recycling Kit.

For more information on this program and to order your recycle boxes, please contact Smile or read here.

Sharp Remote Device Manager V2.11 – New & Improved

On-Premises Device Management Tool to manage Sharp Devices

Sharp Remote Device Manager (SRDM), installed at the customer’s location, allows IT Administrators and servicing dealers to efficiently manager both Sharp MFPs | Printers and displays.  All data remains at the customers site, customer retains control at all times, and communication stays within the firewall.

Features include: Monitoring the device for consumables, device configuration and cloning, centralized security control, and assisting with remote front panel access and web page set up for faster assistance.  Create weekly or monthly reports to allow IT administrator to be better informed with device management. With the rollout of the new version, SRDM now supports printer servers such as PaperCut, Kayleigh, Synappx Go and more.

Interested in a demonstration? Plan for 20 minutes, quick and to the point!  Give us a call.

 

Compact MFP for Your Home Office or Workplace

Sharp, C357F, Copier, Printer, ScannerThe Sharp MX-C357F desktop color copier, printer and scanner is designed with robust technology and has features typically found on more expensive MFPs. This devices delivers the performance and reliability customers want in their workspace. Great addition to the Work from Anywhere Bundles from Sharp. 

All this and more available at Smile! Give us a call.

Cerner Millennium Certification for Sharp MFPs!

Cerner – Connecting People and Systems Worldwide

 

Smile Business Products, in conjunction with Sharp, continue to support the healthcare industry whether it’s at the clinical, hospital, financial or operational level.  Cerner Electronic Health Record (EHR) solutions connect people and systems at more than 27,500 facilities worldwide.

Cerner, as well as other EHR providers have their own set of requirements for any device to be utilized on their system. With any new technology comes risks, and this is why Sharp offers a comprehensive document and device security that is critical to today’s healthcare environments.

Sharp MFPs are put through hours of rigorous testing to earn certifications to meet requirements to be compatible with Cerner product offerings. Smile is pleased to announce the newest MFP’s that are certified with Cerner Millennium including the Sharp Monochrome Essential and Advanced Series Document Systems.  Sharp continues the certification process by adding more models to the list of Cerner validated and compatible devices; more to come later this Spring and early Fall.

For more information regarding Sharp Cerner certification updates, model validation and additional models to be added, please contact Smile.

CARES Act – Funding for Education

 

CARES Act Funding for Education – Technology for the New Normal

While many school districts are returning to the classroom this spring, it’s important to make the most out of your CARES Act funds. Smile is proud to offer solutions from Sharp that can support teachers, students and staff.

 

 

 

Make the most out of your CARES Act funds with technology from Sharp!

  • Microsoft Certified Windows Collaboration Board
  • Interactive White Boards
  • Laptop, Accessories and Desktop Monitors
  • Touch Free Copiers with Alexa
  • Remote Concierge
  • Thermal Screening
  • Digital Files and Workflow
  • Communication platform from Microsoft O365 tools
  • IT Services & Support

Check out the flyer for more information.

Most products are available for purchase through our Sourcewell Catalog.

Give us a call for more information 800-790-7701.

sharp, sharp bundles

Work Securely from Anywhere with Sharp!

sharp, sharp bundles

As more and more businesses transition to a hybrid environment that combines working from home and working in the office, it’s never been more critical to put secure hardware and network solutions in place. Sharp has designed three office technology bundles that make it easy for IT professionals and office managers to equip hybrid workers with everything they need to be effective.  Bundles packages start at $64.99. Smile will be introducing additional a la carte add-ons to enhance security and data backup…stay tuned!

Meeting, WCD, Sharp Windows Collaboration Display

Etiquette Tips to Make your Meeting More Enjoyable

For the last eight months, all we hear about is Zoom Zoom Zoom. The world has transformed from in-person to virtual meetings. We’ve all had to adapt yet some people still inadvertently distract others’, so a little etiquette reminder is in order when attending an online meeting or webinar.  Whether you’re the presenter or the attendee, it’s all about a positive experience for all participants.

To make a meeting and webinar more enjoyable, here are some suggestions:

What type of event are you attending?

Know what type of event you are attending. Are you attending a meeting or a webinar? A meeting is designed for more of collaborative event to share ideas, review projects, weekly updates, screen sharing and more.  Webinars are designed for a host to share a video, audio and screen with view-only attendees. Attendees have the ability to interact via chat, polling questions and a Question & Answer platform.

If the meeting is not virtual and you need to organize the meeting make sure that you get the help from event planning services in DC they will help you to succeed in the event.

Make Sure You’re Secure

If you are the presenter, make sure you manage your screen sharing abilities on a per meeting basis.  Usually, only the hosts and co-host have the ability to share their screens, but it’s still important for the host to enable the security icon on the meeting toolbar and make sure the latest version is being used. With all the heightened security due to online events, many of the meeting tools such as Zoom, Teams, Go-To-Meeting, etc. have numerous updates. By using a secure automated user management software provided by a cloud-based platform like Tools4Ever, an organization can make provisioning rapid, and secure, and can streamline their business. It’s just as important to make your meeting private. With so many social outlets, ensuring a password will eliminate unwanted people engaging with inappropriate sharing or zoombombing!

 

Etiquette Tips

In preparation for the event, here are some etiquette tips to consider:

  • Please mute your microphone if it’s not already auto muted. Background noise is such an annoyance for the presenter and attendees. Here are a few common background noises: a barking dog, a crying baby, children talking to their parents, shuffling papers, car alarm, Amazon or UPS at the door, coworkers talking amongst each other, lawnmower, and construction. Can you add to this list?
  • If possible, make sure you have a natural light source in front of you. Everyone looks best in natural light, if necessary, add a lamp for more light.
  • Frame yourself on your screen and be front and center and engaged.
  • Elevate your laptop so you are looking into the camera head-on and at eye level. Try not to look up at the camera.
  • Make sure you look presentable and professional from the waist up! Unless you’re a promoter for AC/DC, probably not a good idea to wear a concert t-shirt, know your audience!
  • Limit your distractions by turning off your phone notifications, close any apps, or merely mute your phone.
  • Although your children and pets are adorable, it might be best to refrain from having them sit on your lap or hold them during the meeting.
  • Avoid snacking while attending a meeting.
  • Be prepared!

 

Be Prepared

Sharp’s Window Collaboration Display (WCD) is a simple solution to an event. Whether you’re an attendee or the presenter, it’s as straightforward as plugging in your laptop! Be on time and be prepared; technology can be challenging although with the WCD, Sharp makes it so easy.  With a built-in microphone, high quality camera and IoT sensor hub with Azure, the WCD it works seamlessly. As a certified Microsoft partner, using Office 365 and Teams is the best solution. If using other platforms such as Zoom, Go-To-Meeting, etc., no problem, a simple configuration will allow for ease of use.

 

Everyone has their own meeting pet peeves. Think about your last few meetings and the distraction that everyone encountered.  As world adapts to the new normal with more virtual meetings, let’s try and Zoom through our meetings with better etiquette, less distractions and consideration for others.

 

To learn more about the Sharp Windows Collaboration Display, contact Smile today!  We can easily provide a virtual demo to show you how the WCD can become a powerful tool within your company.

 

*The Windows Collaboration Display has already won an award for Best New Collaboration Board in the 2019 Best of ISE Awards, and for 2019 Top New Technology Award for displays*

 

 

 

 

Print Release, Sharp, Job release

Touchless Job Release from Sharp

Print Release, Sharp, Job releaseSmile and Sharp remain committed to keeping your work environment safe and sanitary by supporting features to help employees safely and hygienically operate shared devices. With that in mind, Sharp has enhanced the Print Hold feature on select A3 and A4 workgroup models, enabling users to release their jobs automatically by simply swiping their ID card when authentication is used. With this workflow, users do not need to physically touch the MFP, allowing for a true contactless experience.

Contact us today for this simple firmware upgrade to your MFP.

For more comprehensive touchless solutions, Sharp offers MFP Voice with Amazon Alexa and Synappx Go. With MFP Voice, users can perform basic copy and scan operations with the power of voice. With Synappx Go, users can easily perform copy, scan and print operations using mobile devices. Take advantage of Sharp’s on-going “Hands Free for Free” promotion, which offers these technologies at no cost with the purchase of a Sharp A3
Advanced Series MFP. For more information, please give us a call.

Sharp, Cannata Report, Awards

Sharp Scores Three Awards from the Cannata Report

Congratulations to Sharp for taking home three Frank Awards at the Cannata Reports 35th Annual Awards & Charities Virtual Gala.

Sharp received the Best-in-Class for the third consecutive year, Best Manufacturer and the Best Male Executive Award for President & CEO Mike Marusic for the second consecutive year.

Smile has been a Sharp dealer for the past 23 years and Sharp’s commitment to their dealer community is unparalleled.

Congratulations on your continued success.

Sharp, 8k, 120 inch

When Bigger is Better with Sharp’s 120 inch 8K Display

Sharp, 8k, 120 inchEarly this month, Sharp released their new 120 inch Class 8K Ultra HD Professional LCD Display delivering brilliant clarity and 4 times the resolution of a 4K and 16 times that of a full HD display.  This monstrosity of a display is ideal for museums, showrooms, video production, arenas and lobbies. For more information, please contact Smile or visit our website to learn about all of Sharp’s Professional displays.

When Bigger is Better! Check out this blog post from Sharp.

 

 

 

 

Hands-Free for FREE with Sharp!

Now through November 30th, Sharp is offering customers touchless technology with the purchase or lease of a Sharp Advanced Series MFP. Customer will receive a FREE Amazon Echo Dot and Holder as well as a one-year Synappx Go subscription for up to 10 users. Return to the office with confidence.

Contact Smile or your Account Manager today to learn more about this FREE touchless technology.

Sharp, Hyakuman Kai Elite

Smile is Recognized as a Hyakuman Kai Elite Dealer by Sharp Electronics

Hyakuman Kai Elite, SharpSmile Business Products has be recognized by Sharp Electronics Corporation as a Hyakuman Kai Elite dealer for 2019.

Smile is among a select group of dealers recognized by Sharp across the country. “We are proud to be a Sharp dealer, said Joe Reeves President & CEO of Smile. “Our ongoing goal is to provide Northern and Central California, and Western Nevada businesses with world-class products and support, helping encourage business growth within the community. Sharp helps us meet this goal by supplying the latest technology and document solutions for our customers.”

Once again, Thank You to Sharp for this prestigious award.

Sharp Sends Smile 2,000 Face Masks for our Employees

A HUGE shout-out to Sharp for sending us 2,000 face masks to help keep our employees safe while continuing to service our customers. Thank you for your continued support, and going above and beyond to help your dealers! #proudpartner #sharp

Sharp Electronics – Common Criteria Certified Meeting the Latest Security Guidelines

Everyday all businesses face vulnerabilities. Whether its email phishing, ransomware attacks or social engineering campaigns, it’s just a matter of time before a business incurs a security breach.

Most people think of a security breach as an open network port or missing patch updates, but there is also risks with MFPs and printers. Check out what Sharp Electronics has been doing since 2001.

Common Criteria Certification

Sharp was the first document systems manufacturer to obtain Common Criteria Certification on a hardcopy device. Since then, Sharp has continued to be a leader in document systems security by meeting the latest security guidelines by the U.S. Government. Common Criteria is an international standard that defines a set of high-level security guidelines for information technology products. Products that become Common Criteria certified have been rigorously tested over several months and validated by independent third-party laboratories, providing the most up to date security validation for businesses, government and military offices.

Hardcopy Device Protection Profile

In September of 2019, Sharp’s newest line of color workgroups and color desktop MFPs became Common Criteria Certified based on the Hardcopy Device Protection Profile (HCD-PP) V1.0 security target. Hardcopy Device Protection Profile (HCD-PP) is a specific security profile for multifunction printers (MFPs) and is based on requirements specific through the industry collaboration with the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) and the Information Technology Promotion Agency, Japan (IPA). The profile aims to protect information processed by an MFP from security threats.

Multi-layer Approach

In addition, Sharp takes a multi-layer security approach including the following features that are native to their hardware:

  • HDD Data Overwrite
  • Firmware Attack Prevention and Recovery
  • Application Whitelisting
  • IP/MAC Filtering/Port Control
  • 256-bit Data Encryption
  • User Authentication (Local/LDAP and Active Directory)
  • Audit Log (standard Syslog protocol)
  • End-of-Lease (overwrite and trade-in)
  • Optional Data Security Kit – Trusted Platform Module, Firmware Digital signature, advanced features for highly secure environments

As an MNS provider, Smile Business Products stresses additional ways to minimize risk with your Sharp MFP by:

  • Change the Admin passwords regularly or when an employee leaves the company
  • Take steps to destroy the existing data on a hard disk when trading in the copier (End-of-Lease)
  • Removing the hard-drive completely when retiring a MFP
  • Closing unused network ports on the MFP
  • Protect wireless LAN’s

Don’t be a statistic, protect your company and avoid a breach.  Did you know that 60% of all businesses lose their data through printer security breaches*? Here is a Checklist to Mitigate Threats at the MFP

Contact Smile Business Products for more information to ensure that your MFP is secure.

*Global Print Security Landscape 2019 by Quocira

 

 

 

Microsoft Renames Office 365 & the Microsoft Certified Windows Collaboration Display from Sharp

Microsoft Announcement – Today, Microsoft announced that Office 365 SMB will be renamed to Microsoft 365. Why? The new name indicates that Office is more than Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; including apps like Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and SharpPoint. The new Microsoft 365 is designed to help customers achieve more with apps, intelligent cloud service, AI and enhanced security.

If you are a Microsoft users  it would benefit you to take some time to learn about the new Microsoft Certified Windows Collaboration Display (WCD) from Sharp Electronics – It’s definitely a game changer! For teamwork to be truly effective, people need to easily connect and share ideas. The WCD is a 70 inch 4K Ultra HD interactive display that works seamlessly with Microsoft 365 collaboration tools such as Teams.  The technology is astounding from plug and play, to built-in cameras, and multiple IoT sensors that connect to Microsoft Azure Digital Twins IoT platform.  The WCD technology not only enhances your productivity but also your workplace.

Data Information from Microsoft Azure

To learn more about the 4K camera, built-in microphone array, sensor hub, Synappx Meeting, and more, contact Smile Business Products. We can easily provide a virtual demo to show you how the Sharp Windows Collaboration Display can become a power tool within your company.

*The Windows Collaboration Display has already won an award for Best New Collaboration Board in the 2019 Best of ISE Awards, and for 2019 Top New Technology Award for displays*

laptops for business, Dynabook laptop, Dynabook

Expanding Your IT Opportunity with Dynabook

Award-winning laptops from Dynabook and Sharp Electronics!

Dynabook is the only “in-house and complete” PC manufacturer that designs, develops, tests, writes BIOS/uEFI (Basic Input Output Systems/Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) and manufacturer its own hardware. With over 30+ years’ experience, Dynabook provides built-in quality, reliability and durability.

Features include: ultra-lightweight, magnesium chassis, up to 17 hours battery life, webcam privacy shutter, Intel chips, Windows 10 Pro, pre-configured or built-to-order configurations, and more!

Contact us today to learn more about expanding your office technology with Dynabook.

Improve Workplace Collaboration and Productivity with Sharp Synappx

Better, smarter, faster – that’s the name of the game in the modern work environment. Workplace collaboration and enhanced productivity are hailed as features of the 21st-century company, goals to aspire to as companies push the boundaries of what’s possible – and for a good reason.

Research shows that collaboration helps foster collective goals and a sense of purpose. Likewise, collaborative workplaces are widely regarded as more meaningful, innovative, and successful. Learn how to set effective goals this summer to achieve personal growth.

To address this growing interest in workplace collaboration, many business technology leaders are rethinking the way their products support the modern office. Here’s how Sharp promotes collaboration in the office with its new tool, the Synappx platform.

Transform Meetings Into Productivity Sessions

Scheduling meetings represent one of the most dreaded office tasks. Getting everyone together at once can prove challenging, especially when they’re all professionals on the go who don’t see the point of meetings at all. According to Sharp, employees may attend up to 60 meetings monthly, and the majority of them don’t start on time due to misunderstandings with schedules and issues with technology.

Synappx Meeting helps prevent this. The app empowers employees to digitally attend a meeting from any device on which it’s installed. Additionally, the app comes loaded with numerous tools to help staff get the most out of their meetings. With Synappx Meeting, it’s easy to:

  • Track and manage meeting times
  • Access attachments or files necessary for the discussions
  • Implement hands-free voice control while working with Microsoft Office, Sharp Pen Software, or other display controls
  • Automatically update calendars
  • Create plans and notes for follow up meetings
  • Auto-connect to web conferences such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams

Access Content and Data on the Go

Mobile devices are becoming a reality in the workplace. Fast and convenient, they help professionals get the information and maintain the connectivity they need to keep pace with every change during the day.

While mobile device support has been rapidly becoming more common in many workplaces, Sharp takes it a step further with Synappx Go. This convenient app allows users to set up personalized scan and print settings from their mobile device. That represents a tremendous timesaver for companies with extensive print fleets. Synappx Go standardizes the interface and allows printouts to be released at the MFP from the mobile device. Learn one device – the one the employee already knows – and get back to work.

Finally, Synappx-enabled displays make it easy to display materials on screens. Regarding the workspace, here are the findings. Simply tap the NFC tag with the mobile device, and team members can turn any space into a collaborative workspace by displaying materials stored on the cloud.

Accelerate Team Performance With Total Integration

Integrating devices across an environment is well-known for its ability to enhance productivity. Getting your employees to wear office uniforms can also enhance productivity and promote unity within the organization.

In addition to bringing employee devices into the fold of office productivity, the Synappx platform supports workplace collaboration with total integration between its many product lines. Enjoy features that amplify mobility, the ability to make data-driven decisions, and collaboration across Sharp’s interactive displays, multifunction printers, and more.

Leverage the Internet of Things – In The Future

Released in late 2019, Synappx is still a work in progress. However, Sharp has shared some of the most exciting features that are in the works for this innovative platform.

With Synappx WorkSpaces, users will soon be able to leverage the Internet of Things to track workspace utilization and environmental factors. Using sensor data and technology developed through a collaboration with Microsoft, office technology is about to get smarter, more comfortable, and more effective at helping employees do their jobs.

Remain Secure at All Times

To support the level of connectivity that Synappx offers workplaces, Sharp has loaded it with the best-in-class security features. Synappx leverages many of the same security features like Microsoft Azure, which powers the cloud storage of the platform. According to the Synappx white paper, users will enjoy:

  • Enhanced data encryption
  • Total network security
  • Role-based access permissions
  • Biometric authentication
  • Unique identifiers for devices
  • Advanced system logs

Get the Latest in Workplace Collaboration with a Smile

Looking for new ways to inspire workplace collaboration and innovation? Give Sharp’s new Synappx platform a try. This state-of-the-art software transforms an environment into a connected ecosystem that keeps employees in the loop and communicating no matter their physical environment. With Synappx, everything a team needs remains at their fingertips yet securely stored.

Smile Business Products is a proud partner of Sharp and thrilled to help companies take advantage of this unique technology. With the Synappx platform, collaboration has never been simpler or easier.

Smile excels in helping companies find the best technology solutions for their office. Contact us now to get started.