Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. Inc. (Konica Minolta) has announced the acquisition of Force Security Solutions, a managed security services provider and systems integrator. Founded in 2003, Force provides state-of-the-art security products and services, including risk assessments, the design and implementation of intrusion detection, access control and IP video surveillance technology.

With an increasingly critical need for more effective physical security measures at organizations across the United States, Konica Minolta is dedicated to developing and offering smart security solutions to protect assets, staff and operations, and to guard against potential threats and liabilities through its video security solutions (VSS) portfolio. By acquiring Force, an end-to-end managed security service provider, Konica Minolta rounds out its established VSS offering and strengthens its ability to provide managed services and work closer with end customers.

"Our customers have identified physical security as a top priority for them and the acquisition of Force is a continuation of our focus on helping our customers digitally transform their environments," said Sam Errigo, president and CEO, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. Inc. "With Force we will strengthen our vision for an AI-driven end-to-end secure service approach to the market."

With a shared approach to grow with the cloud/AI/managed services, Konica Minolta sees great synergies for long-term success with Force. The company has a full-service direct integration footprint in the Washington, D.C., area, building a high-value, solution-based business across both commercial and government customers. Konica Minolta will also continue to work with other integrators nationwide to provide managed security services.

"As a security system service provider, Force's strong customer focus in both commercial and government spaces will enable our VSS business unit to truly offer end-to-end solutions, using our award-winning AI software and solutions and Force's strong service-based approach," said Vijay Raghavan, senior vice president of digital transformation and emerging businesses, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. Inc. "Combined with our already successful VSS portfolio, we look to help our customers execute on the next generation of AI-driven IOT security services."

Through its consultative approach, Force performs thorough risk assessments and strives to educate its clients on the benefits of effective security processes, policies and supporting electric security technologies that ultimately mitigate risk and exposure for their clients.

"At Force, we are laser focused on providing our customers state-of-the-art, proactive security services and products so they won't be left vulnerable," said Ken Kocher, president, Force Security Solutions. "We could not be more excited to join Konica Minolta U.S.A. and be part of its growing video security solutions. This strategic move offers the opportunity to scale our business and meet the needs of the market in protecting the community at large."

In other news, Konica Minolta has announced Laura Blackmer, president of dealer sales, has been named to the Managed Print Services Association (MPSA) Board of Directors.

The MPSA is a not-for-profit, volunteer-led association to help further managed print, whose members include professionals from every aspect of the imaging industry. Its new executive committee and board of directors were elected in June and will serve two-year terms beginning Aug. 1, 2023. The incumbents have some of the most extensive experience in the imaging channel and represent a wide span of the industry ranging from independent dealers, financial services and OEMs.

Blackmer is responsible for the sales and management of Konica Minolta's considerable dealer network that represents and sells award-winning products and managed IT services. Her experience includes 19 years in management and executive positions with Hewlett Packard Company, Intermec Corp. and Sharp. She has ranked on Tigerpaw Software's Top 100 Influencers in the managed print industry list two years in a row. Blackmer has also been named to CRN's Women of the Channel list five times, is a three-time Channel Chief and was recently named to CRN's inaugural Inclusive Channel Leaders list.

"I am honored to have been chosen to serve in this key role and look forward to working with some of the most dynamic leaders in our industry," Blackmer said. "To collaborate in such a significant capacity, in an industry that I love, is an amazing opportunity."

"Laura will certainly serve as an important influence to our executive committee, board and members," said Eric Crump, president, MPSA and director of strategic alliances, RINGDALE. "With her passion, leadership ability and proven success throughout the longevity of her career, she will undoubtedly be a huge asset to our organization and members."