HP today introduced 15 printing and imaging systems, and "refreshed" its monochrome printers, involving six new platforms and 27 models.
While many of the new products will be targeted at small to medium enterprises (SMEs), Robbie Johnson, commercial category manager of HP`s Imaging and Printing Group SA, says it is not the sole focus.
"The SME sector is the fastest growth area in SA, so part of this drive is aimed at increasing our presence there."
However, there are also products on offer that are ideal for the enterprise space, he says. "For example, we are introducing the industry`s first gigabit print server."
The SME printer market is lucrative, says Johnson, pointing out that, of the 40 000 units HP has sold in SA this year, around 80% have gone into this sector. "We have seen an overall year on year growth of 50% in monochrome sales."
Of the new products on offer, Johnson predicts that the lower-end 1320 laser jet monochrome printer and colour 3550 laser jet will be the most popular. "These are not bottom of the range, but will service the needs of SMEs."
The company has another launch planned for November that will showcase high-end products geared towards the enterprise market.
HP controls over 50% of the global monochrome market, while research firm BMI-TechKnowledge found that locally it controls 70%, according to second quarter figures for 2004.
Of the approximately 5 400 total colour laser printers shipped this year in SA, HP was responsible for nearly 3 000.
Johnson says the new products provide HP`s fastest colour and mono laser print speeds to date, added advanced security features for data transfer across a network, and connectivity options including mobile wireless printing that enable simple walk-up printing when on the go.
He says the monochrome launch is the largest in the company`s history. "It is the biggest ever roll-out by HP, and we own over 50% of the global monochrome printing market, so that pretty much speaks for itself."
All of the new products will conform to the new cartridge yield standards that were implemented to allow the consumer to determine the cost-per-print.
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