Workgroup/Laser MFDs

Workgroup / Laser MFDs is a new category we are introducing this year. The idea is that over time, this category will replace the laser printer category.

In the inaugural year, HP is the winner followed by Canon and Ricoh at distant second and third places. HP enjoys a very high brand loyalty of 93%. Since this is a new category, it is too early to predict how the category will play out. But from the looks of it, it seems that this category will go the same way as the other printing categories, with HP dominating. 

A laser MFD is increasingly being positioned as one of the elements of a document management, content management or workflow management solution. Does that mean that like with storage, we will see a mix of hardware and software offerings from atleast some of the vendors? It is early days yet, but the first of those is already out — Docushare from Xerox.

One should not be too surprised, if an HP or a Canon were to come out with a document management solution or as is the norm these days, acquire a company that has one and integrate its offerings with theirs. 

If that happens, remember that you read about it first here.