Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Wednesday, 14 May 2008 17:07
Opinion and Analysis
Page 2 of 3
Targeting the ‘top two brand’ position by the end of the year in the Asia Pacific Region, something which will more than double its revenue, and globally by 2010 which will increase its revenue even further, Samsung is focusing on mono and laser printing solutions only in its range, leaving aside inkjet printing, LED printing and solid-ink printing to others.
Mr. Sang-Jin Park, Regional CEO and President, Samsung Asia, said that: “Samsung understands the challenges that businesses face in an increasingly competitive environment, and have developed a range of intelligent total printing solutions to meet business users’ most pressing needs. With the global printer market expected to reach US$132.7 billion in 2008, Samsung will continue to focus on the printer category as a key growth driver, particularly mid to high range colour products.”
Samsung is already a major player in the memory, chip, hard drive, consumer electronics and whitegoods markets, amongst others, and with the printing business worth $300m annually in Australia alone, there’s clearly a rich opportunity to grab market share and make the printing business yet another license to print money for Samsung.
Already known for “firsts” such as the world’s smallest colour laser printer, Samsung has managed to shrink its latest colour printer again, and last year (2007), registered more than 80 per cent growth in 2007 as it successfully penetrated the corporate segment.
To achieve its targets, Samsung is focusing on expanding its market share in the corporate segment. It plans to increase its printer headcount with dedicated resources for B2B business, while strengthening corporate channel coverage by over 80 per cent.
Samsung are also moving full speed into the latest features, such as wireless connectivity, and direct USB connectivity that not only allows printing of JPEG and PDF documents from a USB stick, without the need for a computer, but also scanning of documents and images, on multi-function models, directly to any plugged-in standard USB memory stick.
Samsung’s new printer offerings merge cutting-edge design with connectivity capabilities. Selected models offer easy wireless connectivity, removing unsightly wires and increasing mobility for small home offices. Many models also feature direct USB connectivity that enable direct scanning and printing via a USB stick.
Samsung has also decided to partner with “industry leaders such as Microsoft, IBM and EMC”, to deliver document and device management solutions that “ensure enhanced streamlined workflow and efficient printer performance” – while also offering a Jscribe Java based ‘open architecture’ programming environment for companies to customise printers to their individual needs.
Of the 26 new models, four are mono laser printers, with the ML-1630W model only 12cm thick, in glossy black, incorporating ‘touch-screen’ buttons and a striking look to appeal to fashion conscious technology lovers.
There are 6 multifunction laser printers, offering a combination of printing, copying, scanning, and on some models, faxing, with a range of advanced features, with one model including automatic duplex printing.
Please read onto page 3.
