Small and medium businesses (SMBs) are demanding colour laser-quality printers that are small, fast, easy to use and economical as software enables them to create an ever-wider variety of documents, says Robbie Johnson, consumer unit manager at HP SA.
"SMBs are increasingly creating their own business cards, letterheads and marketing materials and consequently are demanding printers of producing good-quality colour documents at a price they can afford," he says.
According to Johnson, technology advancements in paper and components for ink-jet printers have made it possible to produce colour documents at the same quality and speed as laser printers, but at roughly 25% lower cost. He says higher-yield ink cartridges have enabled significant savings.
"There is a perception in the market that the running costs of ink-jet printers are higher than lasers, but that is no longer true. Now ink-jet printers are cheaper to acquire and run in terms of the usage models for most SMBs," says Johnson.
Another trend still gaining momentum in the SMB market is the demand for all-in-one machines that print, scan copy and fax, says Johnson. He says there has been a continual growth in the past four years as the need for a dedicated fax machine has levelled off.
In light of these emerging trends, printer manufactures are responding with a host of new products targeted at the SMB market. HP is no exception. This week the company unveiled seven new ink-jet printers, including three all-in-one machines.
The new products will be available in March at prices that range between R 1 500 and R 3 500.
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