“In a widely diverse environment like we have at the WaterCooler—serving nine distinctly unique organizations—the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M521 gives us optimum flexibility and accessibility. We get more, without having to work harder.”
– Rick Ritter, CEO, Idaho TechConnect, Inc., Boise, Idaho
With six regional offices around the state, Idaho TechConnect’s mission is to help turn ideas into companies by bridging the gap between innovation and entrepreneurial assets. To do this effectively for the 90-120 companies it supports every month, it’s critical that technology advance TechConnect’s goals, without demanding additional resources. TechConnect had the opportunity to evaluate the new HP LaserJet Pro MFP M521 at its Boise WaterCooler location.
Case study | Idaho TechConnect, Inc.
TechConnect is the resident ‘house parent’ at the WaterCooler—downtown Boise’s home to emerging and innovative businesses. TechConnect and the facility provide nine businesses with a home that encourages collaboration and facilitates mentoring and community engagement. TechConnect offers advice and connections to early-stage start-ups, as well as access to services such as phone and data, post office, and printing. TechConnect CEO Rick Ritter explains, “We are in the business of helping to create new companies. We provide services so the businesses can focus on growing.”
“ The printer is no longer an anchor; anyone can print from virtually anywhere.”
– Rick Ritter, CEO, Idaho TechConnect, Inc.
Over the years, HP and TechConnect and WaterCooler have collaborated to support new businesses, so it was natural that HP work with TechConnect as an early user of the new HP LaserJet Pro MFP M521. While Rick says they are still enabling some advanced features on the printer, two key capabilities are creating smiles all over the WaterCooler.
All access, all the time
Before, anyone not hardwired to the VLAN network found it challenging to use the printer. Now, everyone can print quickly and easily from their email or with a USB flash drive. But what really got users’ attention is HP ePrint.1 Rick says that, “There was a lot of surprise when I explained that users could email documents from home or the coffee shop or the car and have them waiting when they get to the office. Everyone said, “You mean we can really do that?” Several have tried out printing from their phones, too.”
Similarly, the scan-to-send feature has had an impact. Prior to the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M521, residents had to print out a PDF, mark it up and fax it. Today, they simply make their changes, scan the document back into the printer and send it wherever it needs to go—to email, network folders, or a USB drive. And as Rick explains, “The scan feature is simple and intuitive. You just click on the icon and it’s done.”
The benefits are even being felt by those who meet in the facilities. For instance, meeting-goers in the Idea Studio, a multi-purpose conference room used to host several meetings a week for community groups and entrepreneurial organizations, used to have to ask for help from the receptionist or run to a copy shop if they needed copies during a meeting. With the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M521, it’s a simple matter for visitors to email the printer and grab their documents.
“ For us the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M521 is all about connectivity. From different locations and devices to a variety of output options. Our goal is to take the pain out of daily operations so ideas become companies.”
– Rick Ritter, CEO, Idaho TechConnect, Inc.