Cisco and Xerox to team up for cloud and printing initiatives

Cisco and Xerox have launched a joint initiative designed to improve the way enterprises manage networked printing.

The agreement will integrate Xerox's Managed Print Services and Mobile Print Solution platforms with Cisco's Borderless Networks platform and mobile device offerings.

Support for the Xerox Managed Print Services will be added to the Borderless Networks platform, allowing businesses to add print management to traditional network management tools such as security and WAN optimisation.

The deal will also add support for Xerox Mobile Print Solution software to the Cisco virtual desktop client and Cius tablet platforms, allowing devices to access networked printers.

"This relationship puts Xerox and Cisco at the centre of a simplified, connected infrastructure, bringing together networking, printing and cloud services," said Xerox chief executive Ursula Burns.

"Together we are helping businesses transition to the cloud in ways that best suit their operations, and add the services needed to enhance security and productivity for employees."

In addition to the printing integration, the companies will also partner on cloud computing efforts. Xerox will also integrate its ACS services with Cisco's UCS and Vblock platforms to create a line of public and private cloud services and consulting services.