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InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Study Indicates that Universal Copier/Printers (UCPs) Are Gaining Worldwide Momentum

(Weymouth, MA) June 02, 2004… InfoTrends/CAP Ventures' worldwide research confirms that Universal Copier/Printers (UCPs) are the fastest growing segment of the office equipment market. UCPs are expected to account for 25% of workgroup office equipment placements by 2008, and will significantly impact sales of conventional black & white devices. InfoTrends/CAP Ventures explores this dynamic market in a new worldwide research study entitled Universal Office Copiers & Printers: Worldwide Market Opportunities and Product Requirements.

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures defines Universal Copier/Printers as multifunctional devices that cost-effectively copy and print in monochrome and color with only marginal capital premium over comparable black & white devices.

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures projects that the worldwide revenue from workgroup UCP equipment, services, and supplies will approach $7 billion and experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 46.6% between 2003 and 2008.  Unit placements will also increase at an impressive 52.9% CAGR over the same time period. Lower equipment and operating costs, higher speeds, better paper handling, and the ability to print documents with color and black & white pages are several benefits driving the popularity of these devices. 

Key findings of the study include: 

• There is a strong demand for color capable (single drum engine) and color-centric (tandem drum engine) UCP devices.
• Customers are interested in purchasing UCPs, but are very sensitive to equipment and operating costs. Vendors need to provide pricing plans that stimulate adoption and usage of the equipment, but preserve the supplies and service revenue stream.
• Vendors should invest in sales training to ensure that these devices are being properly positioned. UCPs require a consultative sell, and sales representatives need to match the right products for the customers’ output requirements.
• Vendors are very active with product development and expect rapid price erosion over the next two years. All vendors agreed that Japan would be the initial market to adopt UCPs followed by Europe, North America, and ROW/emerging markets. 
• Customers believe that UCPs will replace several existing monochrome and color copiers and printers.

“UCPs are the most important new class of products for the office workgroup and are the final evolution of office output devices,” commented Jeff Hayes, a Director at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures.  “We have seen the industry make many significant technological transitions over the years. All that remains now is the transition to color from black & white, and UCPs are the path towards this final transition.”

The research for the study consisted of 978 interviews with office equipment decision-makers to determine market interest, product requirements, price sensitivity, applications, brand preferences, channel preferences, and other factors influencing the adoption of universal office equipment. The surveys were conducted in North America, Western Europe, and Japan, and the findings were reported by region, company size, vertical industry, and other factors.

In addition to the Web surveys, analysts also conducted 54 interviews with office equipment dealers and resellers to understand the perspectives of the dealer channel, as well as 10 interviews with leading equipment vendors.

“This comprehensive study provides companies with in-depth research and analysis to guide their product development, pricing, marketing, and sales training. It is a roadmap for entering and succeeding in the UCP market,” continued Mr. Hayes.

The complete study is available immediately for purchase. To learn more about the study or to place an order, contact Alison Hipp at , ext. 126 or via e-mail at .

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industry. InfoTrends/CAP Ventures provides research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Additional information about InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is available on the Web at www.infotrendsresearch.com.