The Oki impact continues to change the status quo in the South African printer market with the brand growing from strength to strength, according to the latest BMI-TechKnowledge report on printer market share in SA.
For the first time in over a decade, the BMI 2002 Printer Market Tracker for Q4 indicates that Oki dot matrix printers have earned more revenue than its nearest competitor and the previous undisputed leader in this segment. The survey shows Oki earned R10.99 million in the fourth quarter, about 37% of the total market spend, as opposed to the second place rival`s R9.44 million, or about 31.8% of the spend. The third placed vendor is the nearest competitor to the two with 9.8%.
"These figures are an accurate reflection of Printacom`s market focus," says Neil Rom, MD of local Oki distributor, Printacom. "We have targeted the corporate market with a range of reliable, low cost-of-ownership printers that deliver reliable service over their lifespan. While we have sold fewer units, our target markets are above the consumer level and our revenues are higher."
The Q4 figures are in stark contrast to the Q1 figures showing Oki`s biggest rival as the leader with 33.9% of the market spend and OKI on 29.9%. Breaking the results down further shows the extent to which Oki is penetrating the market. In the 9-pin dot matrix segment, the lead changed dramatically, with Oki`s share increasing from 36.5% to 46% in Q4. The Q1 leader with 39.9% saw its share fall to 36.7%.
In the 250 characters per second (cps) to 349 cps segment, the Q1 figures of 38.1% giving Oki second place changed in Q4 to 61.7% for Oki and 23.3% to the second-place vendor. These figures are also reflected in the 350 cps to 499 cps market, with Oki taking a record-beating 73% of the value.
The growth in the dot matrix market reflects the overall growth Oki has experienced over the last few months in the corporate space. "We not only provide printers, our customers know that they receive premium support and spares services should they require it," adds Rom.
In the overall Q4 figures, Oki commands 8% of the combined local printer spend, signalling the market`s acceptance of the quality and reliability of the brand and its local representatives.
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As a division of the MB Technologies Group, Printacom is the sole importer and the leading value-added distributor of the OKI range of printers to the South African reseller channel.
With OKI ranked among the top three printer brands worldwide, Printacom focuses on offering high-end internationally recognised business printing solutions to corporate companies. It is this performance and reliability that attracts 60% of the market share in the high-end dot matrix market in SA.
OKI has achieved many local channel accolades over the past months, these include: - Channel Champion 2002, OKIpage 14ex Editors Choice award and the Lab`s Choice award for colour.
More information about Printacom is available at: http://www.printacom.co.za.
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