Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. Inc. has announced its new Managed Endpoint Detection and Response (MEDR) service, designed to protect supported endpoints against modern attacks and exploitation. The cloud-based service helps to secure endpoints on organizations' IT networks by detecting unusual or potentially malicious activity and responding to neutralize any possible threats before they can cause compromise. This is accomplished through the implementation, management and monitoring of next-generation endpoint protection powered by SentinelOne, enhancing Konica Minolta's already strong security portfolio even further.

Cybercrime and ransomware attacks continue to rise, making IT security a top concern for businesses of all sizes. Remote work has demonstrated just how critical endpoints are to an organization's overall security posture. More and more employees are working offsite, increasing the risk footprint of businesses and causing many of the on-premise-focused solutions to fall short. Modern cybersecurity threats are rendering traditional endpoint antivirus solutions ineffective, easily circumventing them by concealing themselves from detection.

MEDR is the most effective action a company can take against these threats, consistently monitoring and protecting organizations from known and unknown risks.

Konica Minolta's MEDR service will protect the endpoints regardless of where a company's workforce is, or even if it is connected to a network. Unlike other EDR solutions in the market that require connectivity to their cloud to process threat telemetry, the protection offered by Konica Minolta is not reliant on internet connectivity, making it highly effective even against offline attacks.

"Many businesses believe they are protected because they have implemented an EDR solution, but without a fully managed service that protects, detects and responds to threats, they are leaving themselves vulnerable to attacks," said Gene Abramov, vice president of security services, Konica Minolta. "Leveraging our extensive experience with both offensive and defensive cybersecurity, we invested in our MEDR service and partnered with a leading provider, giving us a competitive edge and helping to ensure we are providing our customers with the most effective protection against modern threats."

Konica Minolta's MEDR solution offers total visibility into activity on endpoints as well as proactive "threat hunting." The 24/7 service identifies, reviews and responds to security incidents, providing complete end-to-end protection and visibility across endpoints — wherever they are located — so administrators can keep their cyberborders secured at all times. Backed by its comprehensive team of global security experts, the service leverages the company's security resources within its managed IT organization who have a keen understanding of the ever-evolving cybersecurity industry. This expertise, combined with a best-in-class partner in SentinelOne, allows Konica Minolta to offer a solution unmatched in the market.

In other news, Konica Minolta has announced it has again been named as one of the world's premier managed service providers (MSP) in the 2022 Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings. This year's list once again attracted a record number of applicants, making it one of the most competitive in the survey's history and pointing to the value of being positioned as an MSP.

For the past 17 years, Channel Futures' editorial and research teams have analyzed and selected MSPs from around the globe that submitted confidential data with their application to be included on this definitive listing. The Channel Futures MSP 501 survey examines organizational performance based on annual sales, recurring revenue, profit margins, revenue mix, growth opportunities, innovation, technology solutions supported, and company and customer demographics.

"We are delighted to have once again earned a place on this prestigious list," said Todd Croteau, president of global information technology services, Konica Minolta. "As a leading MSP in North America, we continue to help our clients move forward with their digital transformations through our combination of IT services and solutions, despite the challenges of the last few years. I'm very proud of this commitment to our customers and pleased to see our work recognized."

MSPs that qualify for the list must pass a rigorous review conducted by the research team and editors of Channel Futures. It ranks applicants using a unique methodology that weighs financial performance according to long-term health and viability, commitment to recurring revenue and operational efficiency. The list is used by leading vendors and distributors to better understand this channel. Highlights from this year's list include:

• Winners that were minority-owned, women-owned, millennial-owned, etc. comprised 22% of the list.
• MSP 501 aggregate revenue totaled $21 billion.
• Total employment among these MSPs was 77,343, with a median of 32 employees per company — up 14%.
• The average revenue per MSP 501 was $42 million, with 17% year-over-year growth.
• Total recurring revenue was $11.6 billion; the median was $3.5 million.
• For the average MSP that made the list, recurring revenue grew 20%.
• This year's list included 364 repeat winners from 2021.

Since its inception, the MSP 501 has evolved from a competitive ranking into a vibrant group of innovators focused on high levels of customer satisfaction at small, medium and large organizations in public and private sectors. Today, many of their services and technology offerings focus on growing customer needs in the areas of cloud, security, collaboration and support of hybrid work forces.

"The 2022 Channel Futures MSP 501 winners are the highest-performing and most innovative IT providers in the industry today," said Allison Francis, senior news editor, Channel Futures. "The 501 has truly evolved with the MSP market, as showcased by this year's crop of winners. This is also the fifth consecutive year of application pool growth, making this year's list one of the best on record.”

"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2022 winners, and gratitude to the thousands of MSPs that have contributed to the continuing growth and success of the managed services sector,” said Kelly Danziger, general manager, Informa Tech Channels. "These providers are most certainly driving a new wave of innovation in the industry and are demonstrating a commitment to moving the MSP and entire channel forward.”

In other news, Konica Minolta has announced The Cannata Report has named Holly DeSantis, executive vice president and CFO, as one of its 2022 Women Influencers. The honor is showcased in the media brand's annual Women Influencers issue that demonstrates its dedication to acknowledging and promoting vital contributions made by women in the industry. This year's cover story, "A Delicate Balance," showcases three female CFOs making distinct impacts in their organizations.

DeSantis is responsible for the finances of Konica Minolta's North American operations. She oversees all aspects of corporate finance, credit and collections, accounting, financial planning, analysis and reporting, tax, procurement, payroll, commissions, real estate, compliance and M&A activities. DeSantis has held numerous executive management roles during her 26-year career at the company. Earlier this year, she was promoted to her current role, and is the first female at the company to hold the CFO position. DeSantis was also recently named to the 2022 NJBIZ Leaders in Finance list.

"It came as no surprise to us that Holly was chosen by The Cannata Report to be part of its Women Influencers program," said Sam Errigo, president and CEO, Konica Minolta. "She has played a key strategic role in many of our company's major milestones, including the acquisitions of Depth Security in 2020, All Covered in 2011 and the merger between Konica and Minolta in 2003. Holly continually demonstrates tremendous knowledge, entrepreneurialism and open mindedness, and has a natural talent for establishing rapport with new management. Congratulations to Holly on this well-deserved recognition!"

DeSantis is a highly regarded executive at Konica Minolta, with a long list of accomplishments that include securing tax credits, generating gains from successful property purchase, sales and leasebacks and otherwise eliminating expenses and liabilities. In regard to her tenure at Konica Minolta, she has always felt challenged, whether it was part of her career progression or her personal desire to seek out opportunities for employee engagement, policy and process improvements, profit recognition or expense savings.

"It is such an honor to be named a Women Influencer by The Cannata Report, and in the company of two other outstanding financial leaders from our industry," DeSantis said. "The theme of this year's program addresses such an important topic, which has been a particular challenge during the last two-and-a-half years. We are all trying to balance not only our responsibilities at home and work, but how to navigate the new hybrid work environment to ensure success while maintaining a healthy mindset. Thank you to the Cannatas for bringing this topic to the forefront."

Volunteering, donating and sponsoring are also an integral part of DeSantis' life. She has contributed her time, talent and treasure to Immaculate Conception Church, Immaculate Heart Academy, St. Paul Inter-parochial School, Habitat for Humanity and North Bergen Volunteer Center, among other organizations/events. She has donated to Unbound, supporting several underprivileged children as well as many other worthwhile charities. She is also a member of the Women's Golf Association of New Jersey.

"It's our honor to recognize Holly DeSantis as one of our 2022 Women Influencers," said CJ Cannata, president and CEO, The Cannata Report. "She is an innovator and forward-thinking leader heralded by her peers and colleagues for her wide-ranging talents and achievements. Her career path is empowering to all women in the industry and she serves as a role model for all."