Western European MFP Forecast and Analysis, 2008-2012

Vendors and main channel players are continually looking at new ways to source additional revenue streams from their customers because hardware margins continue to diminish. "The reliance on consumables is forever increasing and as growth in some markets is small, one way sellers are trying to achieve additional monies is by encouraging users to print more. They hope to achieve this through the advent of document management or simply to extol the benefits of color in their daily work routines," said Phil Sargeant, research manager, Imaging Hardware and Document Solutions.

"However, in order to increase the output of the individual machines the models must be installed in the first place and as market buyers become more in tune with vendor thinking then a wide variety of pay-as-you-go and managed print service offerings are becoming available. But vendors need to be aware that one service offering does not fit all and certain clients will need tailored services and additional requirements to suit their individual needs."