Oki Printing Solutions forecasts desktop inkjet phaseout as MFP market posts explosive growth

The strong trend is reflected in market figures from technology market watcher IDC, the International Data Corporation.

"If you're looking at investing in a desktop inkjet printer today, then you have to have concerns about 'future proofing' your investment," said general manager of OKI Printing Solutons Middle East John Ross.

"The technology is showing every sign of entering its last useful phase. Market figures are dropping, the value of the machines on the market is dropping, manufacturers are consolidating their ranges. Even predictions for cartridge sales over the years to come are showing a fast drop-off in sales. This is the end for the inkjet."

According to IDC the inkjet printer market value in Saudi Arabia and the UAE has dropped from Q1 2006 to Q1 2007 by 24%. Figures also show that users are overwhelmingly opting for entry level inkjet machines, with over 80% of inkjets sold in Q1 2007 priced below $100, compared to 74% in Q1 2006. The decline in the inkjet market comes at a time when the total Middle East regional printer market is rapidly growing from $70.87 to $88.52 million.

"We urge all businesses to take the smart decision when it comes to their printing communications. Companies that are replacing their twenty something desktop inkjets with a couple of toner based network product are drastically cutting their bills while gaining more flexible in house printing that communicates their messages to their clients and suppliers in a fast efficient way," said Ross.

According to IDC figures, SMBs are driving the energetic growth of the MFP (Multi-Function Printer) market in a global toner based printer market worth $60bn. The growth of MFP units is particularly strong at the entry level, or Small Office/Home Office area of the market, where inkjet printers have traditionally dominated: Saudi Arabia and the UAE have seen a year on year increase in the value of the 11-20 page MFP market by 146%.

"We believe that there is a huge market opportunity being opened by the inability of inkjet technologies to remain competitive," Ross added. "Toner based MFP products are now more competitive, a stronger long term investment and remain a much less expensive technology to operate than inkjet machines. And we'll be delighted to show anyone thinking about an inkjet that Oki's alternative simply makes more sense!"