bEST Technology Suite

Developer Program

The Konica Minolta bEST Membership Program is open to all qualified software vendors, integrators, resellers, Konica Minolta dealers and customers. This program offers a comprehensive support infrastructure designed to help streamline your development efforts. Members have access to the latest tools and documentation provided by Konica Minolta. Resources include an Integrated Web Browser, an Application Testing Simulator, and the OpenAPI SDK (Software Development Kit). Please continue reading for individual program descriptions to determine which membership level is right for your business needs.

Silver

This introductory level provides access to the latest specifications and documentation regarding the use of Konica Minolta MFPs and several standard communication protocols.

Technologies

Specifications and documentation regarding communicating with Konica Minolta MFPs using PostScript, PCL, PJL and/or SNMP.

Support

As a Silver-level member, you will have phone access to our knowledgeable support center to answer your development questions in the technology areas covered. A $150 fee is charged for each support call at this level.

Certification and MFP Purchase Program

The certification and MFP purchase programs are available at the Gold and Platinum membership levels.

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Gold

Besides the documentation access offered at the Silver level, the Gold membership incorporates additional key benefits and support resources.

Technologies

In addition to the basic communication documentation, Gold members have access to all specifications for the web browser integrated within many Konica Minolta MFPs. To assist you in your development efforts, we also provide a simulator, which allows you to test your application communication and browser behavior, before it is ever used with the MFP.

Support

The further you get into development and the new technologies involved, the more questions you may have. That is why Gold members are provided two (2) Incident Support Packs. Each Support Pack gives you developer-level support from our knowledge base, and the Incident Ticket created remains open until it is resolved. You can contact us at any time regarding the issue, and should it be determined that it was caused by a problem in our code, you will be credited for the incident (i.e. it does not count toward the two incidents allowed).

Certification

Once your application is complete, you will want to ensure that it works with the desired Konica Minolta MFPs. You will also want to be able to assure your customers/users that the application works with their MFPs. As a Gold member, you can accomplish this confidence in your application via certification.

Certification is performed by visiting our Konica Minolta facility, where you will demonstrate and test your application with Konica Minolta test personnel. This process will last for two (2) days, and will encompass as many MFP models as time allows. A certified application may display the "bEST Certified" logo. This program is not required, but is recommended, especially if you are planning to resell your application (additional fees apply).

MFP Purchase Program

Available exclusively to bEST members, the MFP Purchase Program provides developers the opportunity to purchase a limited quantity of “Not For Resale MFPs” at discounted pricing. In-house MFPs will facilitate your development efforts, and make it easier to deploy and support your solution.

Requirements

As the Gold level is concentrated on web browser development, applicants should be knowledgeable in web technologies, such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

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Platinum

The Platinum membership level includes all the access granted at the Silver and Gold levels, plus the maximum number of key benefits and resources.

Technologies

As a Platinum member, you may obtain the Konica Minolta OpenAPI/SDK (Software Development Kit). You will have access to all specifications/documentation for the SDK and for integration to Konica Minolta MFPs. A simulator for bizhub devices is also included, to allow you to test your application communication and behavior before it is used with any bizhub MFPs.

Support

Platinum members are given five (5) Incident Support Packs. As described for the Gold Level, an Incident Support Pack gives you developer-level support until the issue is resolved. Additionally, should the issue be caused by a problem with our code, you are credited back for the incident.

Certification

Once your application is complete, you want to ensure that it works with the desired Konica Minolta MFPs. You also want your users to know that it works with those MFPs. To accomplish this, as a Platinum member, you can certify your application. Certification is performed by visiting our facility at Konica Minolta where you will demonstrate and test your application with Konica Minolta test personnel. This process lasts for three (3) days — instead of the two days at Gold-level — and will encompass as many MFP models desired as time allows. A certified application may display the "bEST Certified" logo. If your application is for internal use only, you do not need to have it certified. However, if your application is for any purpose other than internal company use (ex. application distribution, reselling of the application, etc.), certification is required (additional fees apply).

MFP Purchase Program

Available exclusively to bEST members, the MFP Purchase Program provides developers the opportunity to purchase a limited quantity of “Not For Resale MFPs” at discounted pricing. In-house MFPs will facilitate your development efforts, and make it easier to deploy and support your solution.

Requirements

Your team should consist of members who are familiar with .net languages to be able to get the full benefit of the SDK.

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Program Comparison
Feature Silver Gold Platinum
Documents and Specifications
PostScript      
PCL      
PJL      
SNMP      
Vendor Interface      
Browser      
SDK      
bizhub OpenAPI      
AccurioPrint / AccurioPress OpenAPI      
Workplace Hub OpenAPI      
Development and Certification
bizhub OpenAPI Simulator      
SDK      
Certification 1   2 days (Optional) 3+ days
Incident Based Support   2 incidents 5 incidents
Marketing
MFP Purchase Program 4      
Joint Press Release 2, 4      
Listed on bEST Membership Site 2      
Certified Logo Usage 2      
Joint Marketing Program 2, 4      
Annual Cost (US $)
  $0.00 $1000.00 $4000.00
Application Fee (US $) 3
  $150.00 $150.00 $150.00

1 Requires scheduled visit and joint testing of application at Konica Minolta facility. Additional fees apply. Please refer to the above description of the program for certification requirements.

2 Upon bEST certification of application

3 The Membership Application Processing Fee is a one-time, non-refundable fee, and will be billed upon submission of the Membership Application.

4 Contingent upon a separate sales and distribution agreement being signed with Konica Minolta Business Solutions, U.S.A., Inc.