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Xerox expanded its managed print services (MPS) capabilities this week with the acquisition of LaserNetworks, an Ontario-based provider of MPS solutions that include print device tracking, centralized service and supply management and document routing.

Xerox is already a formidable competitor in 160 countries. The acquisition of LaserNetworks comes with a customer base that includes support services for more than 40,000 print-related devices in businesses across Canada, according to the company.

Along with Oki Data, Xerox earned a “Ones to Watch” nod in the managed services category of Channelnomics’ 2011 Influencer Awards. In announcing the winners earlier this week, Channelnomics reiterated its position that managed print services has been “the technology of the future and always will be” – meaning that it has yet to see its breakout year.

The lackluster adoption of managed print in the channel is due to the repeated unsuccessful efforts of printer vendors to seed and cultivate a channel base for what should be an extremely lucrative service offering. And, while managed print continues to confound printer vendors, Xerox and Oki Data in particular are doubling their efforts and committing themselves to developing this service offering in the channel. Between the two vendors’ efforts, Channelnomics believes managed print may finally take off in 2012.

Mandy Shapansky, president and CEO of Xerox Canada, said the acquisition not only expands the company’s presence in Canada, it’s “further evidence of Xerox’s transformation into a services-led, technology-driven company.”

In December 2011, meanwhile, OKI Data and Agiliant signed a platform development agreement that will allow Business Technology Association (BTA) dealers to offer end-to-end, integrated managed network services (MNS) and MPS solutions to customers. The new solutions, according to company executives, give dealers the opportunity to sell additional office equipment, leases and services.

Hewlett-Packard also added to its MPS portfolio in 2011 with the acquisition of managed print specialist Printelligent. As noted here at the time, the acquisition added to HP’s well-established managed print program delivered through and supported by the channel.

LaserNetworks will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Xerox Canada with LaserNetworks founder and CEO Chris Stoate continuing to lead the company, reporting to Shapansky. The company employs 189 people in sales, services and business operations.

Some early press coverage cautions Xerox that it must balance its direct-to-market efforts with channel partner programs, including its eConcierge service. IDC, meanwhile, has singled out the eConcierge online portal service as making it easier for partners and customers to familiarize themselves with managed print and realize the benefits.

The observations, in its IDC MarketScape report for Worldwide Managed Print Services 2011, rank Xerox at the top with high scores for technology partnerships and consistent global delivery that includes successful focus building out the company’s infrastructure for global support, including support for indirect channel partners.