MELVILLE, N.Y. - Canon Solutions America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., today announced that its Enterprise Managed Services Division attended the 2016 RTM Higher Education Congress, an influential event designed to provide information and ideas for IT change management and intelligence sharing for higher education executives, held November 13-15 in Miami, Florida. Presenting to over 75 distinguished executives, the Enterprise Managed Services Division focused on the increased value of strategic alliances throughout the higher education industry and its commitment to leading the way towards enriching collaboration between Canon Solutions America and universities across the nation. 

The RTM Higher Education Congress is a premier gathering for CIOs, CTOs, Chief Innovation Officers and CISOs from institutions across the country who are looking to collaborate and understand the possibilities associated with recent trends in IT impacting higher education. Organizing events for IT leaders who are committed to transforming higher education, the RTM Higher Education Congress' unique blend of Strategy Sessions, Keynote Panels, Collaborative Roundtables and Private Business Meetings is conducive to addressing key technology challenges, with open debates on controversial issues that result in both strategies and tactics that can be put into action. Equally important to the IT organization is its relationship with solution providers whom they look to for support in their effort to make their vision a reality – one that is committed to enhancing student achievement. 

"To be a part of this event is to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to helping higher education executives and their universities maximize value realization through strategic alignments, in-depth research, and best-in-class programs," said Valerie Belli, vice president, Enterprise Managed Services Division, Canon Solutions America. "We understand full well the breadth of opportunity within this space, and will continue to work together with the RTM Higher Education Congress to develop strategies to ensure CIO technology goals are achieved in this challenging education higher market." 

Speaking to an engaged audience, Rick Ranft, senior director, Enterprise Managed Services Division, Canon Solutions America and the leader of the Higher Education Advisory Team, highlighted the seemingly expansive opportunities available between vendor and higher education institution alignments. Presenting on the rise of these strategic collaborations, Ranft shared with the audience how Canon Solutions America is leading the way towards more strategic, joint collaborations that go beyond the execution of print and document management programs to the alignment of broader Canon resources with a university's mission, vision, and values.

"Strategic alliances within the higher education space are poised to become the method for universities to develop forward-thinking strategies for delivering differentiated educational experiences, research opportunities, and innovative philanthropic programs that expand beyond what the university would be able to accomplish on its own," added Kristin Von Manowski, senior strategist and a key member of the Higher Education Advisory Team. "These alignments can impact contracting, resource engagement, governance, shared risk and reward financial models, among other elements, and are the way of the future in higher education." 

Combining the Enterprise Managed Services Division's extensive higher education experience with comprehensive industry research, the Higher Education Advisory Team is focused on offering dynamic and efficient output management strategies. As the industry shifts toward verticalized solutions, the higher education arena continues to present unique business challenges. Recognizing the need for a steady, reliable presence within the marketplace, the Advisory team has built robust sales and marketing strategies that are coupled with a keen understanding of new trends in the print landscape.