We manage our business based on the principal business segments described earlier. However, we have organized the marketing, selling and distribution of our products and solutions according to geography and channel type. We sell our products and solutions directly to customers through our worldwide sales force and through a network of independent agents, dealers, value-added resellers, systems integrators and the Web. In the U.S. GIS continues to expand its network of office technology suppliers to serve an ever-expanding base of small and mid-size businesses. We utilize our direct sales force to address our customers’ more advanced technology, solutions and services requirements, and use cost-effective indirect distribution channels for basic product offerings.
In large enterprises, we follow a services-led approach that enables us to address two basic challenges facing large enterprises:
- How to optimize infrastructure to be both cost effective and globally consistent.
- How to improve the value proposition and communication with their customers.
In response to these needs, we offer a go-to-market approach that leads with the largest direct sales and service delivery force in the industry available on a globally consistent manner. This can range from hardware, software or services in whatever combination is necessary to meet the needs of that customer.
We market our Phaser line of color and monochrome laser-class and solid ink printers primarily through office information technology resellers, who typically access our products through distributors. We continue to expand our distribution partnerships in North America through additional information technology resellers and by enhancing our network of independent agents. We also continued to increase product offerings available through a two-tiered distribution model in Europe and developing markets.
North American Operations
North American Operations includes the United States and Canada.
Xerox Europe
Xerox Europe covers 17 countries across Europe.
Developing Markets
Developing Markets supports more than 130 countries.
Fuji Xerox
Fuji Xerox, an unconsolidated entity of which we own 25%, develops,
manufactures and distributes document management systems, supplies
and services.
Our reselling relationship with key partners contributed to our market coverage expansion and new business penetration. Through our global reseller alliance with Fujifilm, we distribute our production products and solutions to graphic communications customers as well as photo specialty markets spanning Retail, Professional Lab and Processing Center businesses. In 2008, we signed additional country-level contracts with Fujifilm Graphics Systems in Europe and developing markets to extend Xerox digital production systems reach to new commercial print customers and prospects. We continue to use our alliances to integrate “best in class” information technologies and services to deliver improved workflow and document output management enabling our customers to accelerate profitable revenue growth in their businesses. Through the world-class Xerox Business Partner Program we are able to deliver an extensive portfolio of products which streamline our customers’ workflows enabling them to reduce costs, improve operational efficiencies and drive new business opportunities.
In Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India, and parts of Asia, we distribute our products through Xerox Limited, a company established under the laws of England, and related non-U.S. companies which we refer to collectively as Xerox Limited. Xerox Limited enters into distribution agreements with unaffiliated third parties to provide distribution of our products in many of the countries located in these regions, and previously entered into agreements with unaffiliated third parties providing distribution of our products in Iran, Sudan, and Syria. Iran, Sudan and Syria, among others, have been designated as state sponsors of terrorism by the U.S. Department of State and are subject to U.S. economic sanctions. We maintain an export and sanctions compliance program and believe that we have been and are in compliance with U.S. laws and government regulations for these countries. In addition, we have no assets, liabilities, or operations in these countries other than liabilities under the distribution agreements. After observing required prior notice periods, Xerox Limited terminated its distribution agreements with distributors servicing Sudan and Syria in August 2006 and terminated its distribution agreement with the distributor servicing Iran in December 2006. Now, Xerox only has legacy obligations to third parties such as providing spare parts and supplies to these third parties. In 2008, we had total revenues of $17.6 billion, of which approximately $7.4 million was attributable to Iran and less than $0.2 million in total was attributable to Sudan and Syria.
In January 2006, Xerox Limited entered into a five-year distribution agreement with an unaffiliated third party covering distribution of our products in Libya. Libya is also designated as a state sponsor of terrorism by the U.S. Department of State. The decision to enter into this distribution agreement was made in light of recent U.S. federal government actions that have lifted the countrywide embargo previously imposed on Libya. Our sales in Libya through this distribution agreement will be subject to our export and sanctions compliance program and will be conducted according to the U.S. laws and government regulations that relate to Libya.