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New Report from InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Examines the Changing Role of the Document

(Luton, UK) August 31, 2004…To discuss the evolving role of the office document, InfoTrends/CAP Ventures has released a comprehensive new research report entitled The Future of the Document. This report explores the changing purpose of the office document and the impact on the related supplies and hardware markets.

The office market has undergone major changes in terms of technology, infrastructure, and communications, thereby altering the role of the office document. The increasing importance of colour, the introduction of Universal Copier/Printers (UCPs), and the increased use of e-services and electronic distribution have created a new and challenging dynamic for hardware and supplies vendors.

“As a result of this new dynamic, the industry must anticipate and address the issues that office workers face by offering appropriate solutions that include the right mix of technology, services, and support,” commented Catherine Charlery, European Group Director at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures. "The Future of the Document provides a roadmap to successfully navigate these challenges.”

Research for the report consisted of 301 surveys with IT and office managers, equipment purchasers, and users, including 71 commercial printers/in-plant facilities in France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The document takes a comprehensive look at the office and production printing environments, as well as the related supplies markets. Results show a small shift towards office printing and outsourced corporate printing and away from traditional print providers. In-house and quick printers are already seeing a higher share of jobs being printed in the office workgroup environment, and this trend is expected to continue for several years.

Key office-related findings of the study include:

• New capabilities for in-house colour printing due to UCPs will increase the demand for printing in the workgroup environment.
• Consumers are more likely to purchase supplies that are the same brand as their hardware products, particularly with colour applications and consumables like toner, ink, and paper.
• Over 50% of documents are expected to move to the network in 3 years’ time.

Key production printing-related findings of the study include:

• 56.9% of production printing respondents plan to purchase software tools, e-distribution, and e-services within the next 3 years.
• Investment interest in digital printing equipment remains high, with 55% of respondents expected to invest in high-speed digital production colour printer/copiers within the next 3 years.

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures’ research report is available immediately to European clients of the Digital Peripherals Solutions, Communication Supplies, and On Demand Consulting Services. For more information about the report or to make a purchase, please contact Jason Russell at +44 (0) 1582 698062 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. We provide 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.