Canon Partners with ASU

Canon U.S.A. has formed a unique partnership with Arizona State University that will not only support ASU’s office copier program and copy centers with the latest technology, but will advance the Tempe-based university’s digital infrastructure.

The goal is to build a “sustainable digital university” that is mindful of the needs of future generations and does not use resources faster than they can be replenished. With that in mind, Canon is replacing ASU’s existing copiers and multifunction devices with the latest digital equipment, and opening a Canon digital showroom on campus.

ASU will become a test laboratory for Canon digital technologies (even non-print technologies, like security cameras). Canon also plans to work with ASU research teams, identifying research projects where the two can cooperate.

Canon will assume responsibility for ASU’s two copy centers and its office copier program. Copy centers will be upgraded with Canon image­RUNNER devices. To drive more work to the copy centers, ASU plans to reduce the amount of quick copy work departments can send off-site.

Though this bears some resemblance to a facilities management arrangement, Bob Lane, associate director of Auxiliary Business Services, says it differs because Canon is sharing the revenues with ASU.

Lane spearheaded the Canon partnership, conceiving of the idea in the summer of 2005. A few months prior to that, he had transferred ASU’s in-plant to the academic department to ensure its survival. Now students use that offset and digital equipment for educational purposes, and print some university materials in the process.

Not part of the Canon deal, Kodak recently donated a Magnus 400 platesetter, a Prinergy workflow system, Thermal Direct printing plates and software to ASU’s academic in-plant operation.