DALLAS ¨C FedEx Office has formed an alliance with Canon U.S.A., Inc. and Hewlett-Packard to create a network of printing and imaging capabilities, giving customers access to different technologies and machine fleets.

Beginning in May, FedEx Office (formerly FedEx Kinko¡¯s) will utilize Canon and HP as sole-source providers in their respective printing categories, and will deploy more than 12,000 new Canon and HP printing devices across more than 1,800 locations in the U.S. and Canada. The majority of the next-generation document imaging equipment will be installed over the next 12 months, laying the foundation for a range of new products and services.

The new network will provide:

• New technology: The new devices that will be deployed include Canon¡¯s imageRunner Advance multifunction products (MFP) and imagePress digital press systems, representing Canon's two largest investments in imaging device development over the past 10 years. In addition, HP offers online and cloud printing applications.
• Consistency: The devices will be the same across most locations, creating a uniform customer experience. Specifically, software tools from Canon will enable FedEx Office employees to monitor the installed device fleet to ensure optimum working status and reduce potential down-time delays.
• Capacity: The enhancements will provide greater capacity and improved speed across the network, giving customers better turnaround times and 24-7 access.
• Efficiency: The equipment, spanning an array of functionality (color, large format, multi-function) is fast and energy-efficient, saving time and resources. Designated ENERGY STAR models offer a range of energy-conscious features to minimize environmental impacts while delivering reliability.
• Usability: The devices in the self-serve area of FedEx Office locations will have more user-friendly interfaces, and offer a consistent user experience regardless of store location.
• Flexibility: FedEx Office will begin implementing creative HP publishing solutions such as Snapfish by HP to offer a superior printing and publishing resource that will broaden its reach to consumers.

The equipment will empower customers to capitalize on the significant advancements in print technology that allow for remote printing from wherever customers are located using USB drives or smartphones. Advanced technology also paves the way for ¡°cloud printing,¡± which allows customers to store documents in a virtual space that is accessible from anywhere that a network connection can be established.The alliance represents an important step in the evolution of FedEx Office from a corner copy shop to a large integrated printing network where work is transformed from digital files to Canon and HP quality printed images either in-store or via online tools such as FedEx Office Print Online. To further strengthen its network, FedEx Office also has recently implemented a new pick-up and delivery service for printing orders, building on the reliability of service for which FedEx is known. In addition, the company is continuing to invest in its infrastructure that connects its centers and closed door production facilities, allowing the company to move work around its network.