Konica Minolta named Leader in IDC print security study

Konica Minolta has been positioned in the Leaders category in the IDC MarketScape assessment for Worldwide Print Security Solutions and Services Hardcopy.

The vendor assessment reviews providers of print security products and services. It focuses on how suppliers address security risks across printing and document environments, including device, software and service elements.

IDC said the report evaluates international providers on how they support organisations in protecting printing and document workflows. The assessment looked at approaches to security and how vendors manage requirements across different customer environments.

"Being recognised as a Leader in print security on a global scale reflects the strength of Konica Minolta's security innovation and the commitment of our teams worldwide. Here in Australia, our customers face rapidly evolving security expectations, and this acknowledgment reinforces that they can rely on us to protect their document environments consistently and confidently. We are proud to bring global expertise together with local support to help Australian organisations protect their document management today and in the future," said John Harding, General Manager - Managed Services, Konica Minolta Australia.

Security focus

IDC's assessment cited a "vertically integrated security-by-design architecture" as a differentiator for Konica Minolta. IDC also referenced a layered security model for print and document environments and said customer requirements vary by organisation and deployment.

The report noted: "Konica Minolta distinguishes itself from competitors through its vertically integrated security-by-design architecture."

Print devices have become a bigger focus for security teams as more workflows shift to digital document processing and cloud-connected services. Multifunction printers and related systems can process, store and transmit information across networks. That creates a need for controls around access, malware and data leakage.

Embedded protection

IDC highlighted the use of Bitdefender technology embedded within firmware on Konica Minolta's bizhub i-Series multifunction printers. The report described this as antimalware integrated at the device level, rather than installed separately on the network.

IDC said: "Konica Minolta incorporates Bitdefender antimalware technology directly within the firmware of its bizhub i-Series multifunction printers. The embedded solution provides real-time scanning and monitoring of files processed by the device, including documents transmitted through scanning, printing, or network transfers. The Bitdefender component operates as a low-cost, embedded license that requires minimal configuration. Once activated, it runs natively within the MFP's system software, enabling continuous threat detection without the need for separate installation or complex setup. Administrators can define automated response actions, such as logging, alerting, or quarantining, according to organisational security policies. Bitdefender's signature and heuristic updates are delivered frequently, helping ensure that the bizhub MFP remains protected against emerging malware variants. This integration enhances device-level security while maintaining low administrative overhead, aligning with enterprise efforts to extend endpoint protection to network-connected imaging devices."

The report also discussed the operational dimension of print security. Managed services and policy management often feature in how organisations implement controls across device fleets, user access, and document workflows. These efforts can involve balancing security configuration with day-to-day usability for staff who print, scan and share documents.

Customer tailoring

IDC's report said customer environments require different security approaches. It noted that organisations differ in device mix, document types and compliance requirements. It also pointed to the importance of services across analysis, implementation and ongoing operation.

The report stated: "Konica Minolta's layered security model for print and document security is designed to address the unique needs of each customer, recognising that a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective."

Managed print and document services continue to form part of broader IT and security programmes, particularly in organisations with distributed offices and shared device fleets. Security teams increasingly look for reporting, centralised policy enforcement and incident response integration alongside standard fleet management.

Wider services

IDC also referenced the company's consulting and managed services portfolio. It connected these services with Konica Minolta's print security offerings and noted coverage across document workflows.

IDC said: "Konica Minolta offers a comprehensive range of professional and managed consulting services to augment its core print security offerings. This includes an extensive set of managed print and document services, collaboration and cloud services, and workflow services."

The report recommended that buyers consider the level of control a supplier maintains across product design, development and security operations. It also referenced the scope of services beyond print.

Konica Minolta said its Australian operation would continue to position print and document security as part of managed services engagements with local organisations.