Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. (http://business.toshiba.com), a leading managed document services (MDS) provider and business printing solutions innovator, today was awarded a two-year managed print services (MPS) contract by the Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA).  Out of the six vendors selected to provide MPS for WSCA government agencies and departments, Toshiba received the highest rating based on WSCA's pricing and technical criteria. 

Under terms of the agreement, Toshiba will provide support for multifunction printers (MFPs) in use by government entities throughout the nation.  WSCA has the option to extend the agreement for an additional four years. 

"We are excited to partner with WSCA purchasing directors while providing them with a full gamut of MPS solutions to comprehensively support their fleet of multifunction printers," said Bill Melo, vice president, marketing, services and solutions, Toshiba America Business Solutions.  "As a result of our decade-long emphasis on providing organizations with an elite level of MPS support, we embrace the opportunity to optimize the print infrastructures of WSCA- affiliated government agencies and departments."

Toshiba's MPS solutions for WSCA will begin with a free assessment of their printing environment.  Toshiba MPS experts will use the company's proprietary and award-winning tool - Encompass, to develop a deep understanding of the current print environment as well as to design an optimized infrastructure.

The Encompass assessment will identify potential security risks and recommend methods for protecting valuable data in order to meet strict industry and governmental compliance standards.  Toshiba's Encompass program is also designed to fully support energy and environmental initiatives and will provide an Encompass Green Report that offers an in-depth understanding of the company's print-related eco footprint and provide solutions to help reduce environmental impact.

Ongoing support to WSCA MPS clients will include an online portal to more efficiently facilitate service requests and supply ordering.  Toshiba uniquely offers its clients one single source for break/fix services, supplies replenishment, Help Desk services and support for both Toshiba and non-Toshiba devices.

About Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc.

Irvine, Calif.-based Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc., (TABS) is an independent operating company of Toshiba Corporation, the world's eighth-largest electronics/electrical equipment company. TABS is a leading managed document services (MDS) provider with experts that help organizations take control of document security, workflow and print environments. With the award-winning Encompass^TM managed print services (MPS) program, e-STUDIO^TM line of multifunction printers (MFPs), toner products and retail information/thermal printing systems, TABS is leading the way for businesses to print smarter, work safer and conserve resources. For more information on Toshiba solutions and services available in the United States and Latin America, please visit www.business.toshiba.com.

About WSCA

The Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA) was formed in October 1993 by the state purchasing directors from fifteen NASPO western states. The primary purpose of creating WSCA was to establish the means by which participating states could join together in cooperative multi-state contracting. This approach has helped states achieve cost-effective and efficient acquisition of quality products and services. Cooperative purchases are developed by member states. A "lead-state" model is used in undertaking cooperative multi-state contracts. Membership consists of the central procurement official that heads the state central procurement organization, (or a designee for that state), from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

All governmental entities within WSCA states as well as authorized governmental entities in non-WSCA states are welcome to use the approved agreements. Cooperative purchasing benefits states as well as cities, counties, public schools and institutions of higher education.