Basic HTML Version
Print.IT Reseller
01732 759725
predictions
14
Print predictions
for 2013
Phil Jones
UK Country Head/Deputy Managing Director,
Brother UK
Overall output of print has been impacted by around five per cent
following the introduction of mobile devices and the cloud – this
is perhaps less than people think. Print still forms a big part of
business life: the big change is where and how people print.
Cost control and security remain high on the agenda while the wider
business environment remains unpredictable. We’re introducing a new
software product which will put cost transparency and print management
firmly in the hands of our customers without the need for a fully fledged
managed print environment. This product comes after extensive customer
feedback highlighted a middle ground between transactional print and
managed print.
Larger print outs remain popular, with our flagship A3 all-in-one
inkjet printers still showing strong year-on-year growth. We’ve introduced
an ‘occasional A3’ device into the range for home workers and small
businesses.
Finally, further industry rationalisation is taking place with two fewer
inkjet printer brands in the market and the big three laser brands – of which
Brother is one – driving the market volume and technological development.
Alan Ball
Chief Executive Officer,
Spicers
Challenges:
The biggest challenge in the EOS market will be
available volume. The market continues to shrink with fewer
products being used as less printing is done. The OEMs are still
demanding volumes to achieve targets, leading to an excess of
product in the market and therefore pricing pressure.
Opportunities:
People still talk MPS and for those who are
playing at it, the opportunity will be a challenge. However, for real
MPS providers the market is prime for an explosion in take up. EOS
resellers should gear up to invest in real MPS and reap the rewards.
Developments:
New players like Samsung will continue to make
inroads. HP has had its day and new entrants will continue to take
its market share, inflicting death by a thousand cuts rather than a
big bang. Tablets and advanced technology devices will continue
to be invested in. The market will continue to see new technology
developments under new brand entrants as market domination
disintegrates.
2013 should be a very interesting year. We asked a
selection of industry experts what to watch for in the
year ahead. From falling print volumes to managed print
services, here are their thoughts.
Print still forms
a big part of
business life: the
big change is
where and how
people print.
The market
continues to
shrink with fewer
products being
used as less
printing is done.
“
“
”
”