This study examines the Western European printer market, split by technology for color page, inkjet, monochrome page, dot matrix, line, color copier printer, high-end color, and highlight color. 2005 vendor shares are provided for units shipped with value for each of the 16 countries, along with a review of vendor activities. In addition, long-range forecasts provide expectations for units, value, and average selling price for the next five years in each market and category. Key forecast assumptions are identified with the factors accelerating and inhibiting the various technology segments.

Western Europe comprises Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and the Republic of Ireland.

According to Julio Vial, quarterly research manager with IDC's Printers Group, "The color page printer market remains the industry's bright spot for hardware shipments and revenue growth."