In terms of competition, there is continual interest in MFPs and how they compete against single-function document scanners. In addition to offering other functionalities, these devices continue to improve their scanning features. As scanning becomes more distributed, MFPs will be in more direct competition with dedicated document scanners. Scanner manufacturers will need to continue introducing innovative products to remain competitive.

"There are many factors driving the market for scanning solutions, including compliance, a trend towards distributed scanning, and increasing demand from specific industries,” commented Jonathan Franke, a Consultant at InfoTrends. "The companies that develop the most innovative solutions at attractive price points will be the ones best positioned to excel in this market."

InfoTrends’ report entitled  North American Document Imaging Scanner Forecast: 2005-2010 is available for purchase immediately. The forecast examines the trends and issues that are impacting the document scanner market in North America. It provides a review of the market in terms of each scanner segment, including vendor profiles and their rankings in each category.

The report also contains detailed forecast information with breakouts for shipments, revenues, and features such as color, duplex, interface type, flatbed and sheetfed form factors, and A3 and A4 bed sizes. Vendors that are highlighted in this analysis include Avision, BancTec, Böwe Bell & Howell, Canon, Eastman Kodak, Epson, Fujitsu, HP, Microtek, IBML, Improvision, InoTec, Microform, Panasonic, Ricoh, Scan-Optics, Visioneer, Visionshape, and Xerox.