Technology advances at such a rapid pace that it can be easy to miss significant achievements if you don’t take the time to stop and reflect. The start of a new year is a good time to look back and highlight some of the noteworthy events, trends and changes that impacted the industry. This article gives the copier/printer its 15 minutes of fame by focusing on some of its noteworthy highlights in 2014.
Busy Days at HP
HP has had a very busy year. First, the company decided it was time to divide its assets and conquer the market with a two-pronged approach. The company’s print division broke away from PCs to form its own division within the brand. HP’s print division will continue with its primary focus of creating new hardware and software solutions, but with greater autonomy. The impact it has is yet to be seen, but it could prove more important internally than externally.
Second, HP introduced an all-new Officejet Enterprise Color series copier/printer for businesses. The new series of copier/printers will offer print speeds up to 70 ppm (pages per minute) and a black ink cartridge that reportedly has a print life of 10,000 pages. The new lineup consists of six new copier/printer devices in total, but the centerpiece is the Officejet Enterprise Color Flow X585z. This device offers advanced document scanning and distribution, full-size retractable keyboard and a scan-and-send to the cloud feature.
Big Trend: Applications
It is increasingly tough for the major players in the copier/printer field to differentiate themselves from one another based upon hardware alone. Businesses expect the same features and functions, so to remain relevant, suppliers have to develop similar hardware. However, many suppliers are recognizing that the success lies in the development of applications that the competition doesn’t have. In fact, the development of applications has gone from trend to industry standard, with everyone from Lexmark and Konica Minolta to Sharp, Canon and Ricoh rolling out proprietary business apps.
Gaining Momentum: Managed Services
Whether it’s called Managed IT, Managed Services or Managed Print, the service providers you turn to for advice and expertise with your copier/printer (and other office devices) are part of a movement that is transforming the way hardware acquisition and software adoption is handled. Managed services remove the traditional technology headaches for millions of employees, IT departments and organizations of all types.
3D Printing: The Future?
When 3D TVs were first developed, the discussion quickly focused on the future of television. Would we all be wearing glasses and watching 3D programming in two years, or would it become a niche in the industry that served a small market? The same discussion will continue through the upcoming years about 3D printing.
On the one hand, it is an exciting new technology that offers interesting potential. Recently, an American astronaut aboard the International Space Station used a 3D printer to print a new wrench in space. The design was developed on Earth and emailed to the astronaut, who used the 3D printer to crank out a new tool and get back to work. While amazing, this is the perfect example of a niche. Where 3D printing goes in the coming months is anyone’s guess.
Closer to Home: Marco Expands and Excels
Marco’s dedication to providing each of our customers with the best possible services has led to significant growth and expansion this past year. In October, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal named Marco one of the state’s fastest-growing private companies.
Also in October, Marco purchased Illinois Valley Business Equipment, which has locations in Peru, Bloomington and Peoria, Illinois. This acquisition enabled us to grow our regional footprint in the United States. This purchase follows Marco’s acquisition of Northeast Photocopy Company Inc. in September, which expanded our footprint across Wisconsin, with locations in Appleton and Green Bay.
Marco’s success in the field of Managed Services has resulted in honors for both its staff and the company as a whole. Back in March, Marco received a Pro-Tech Service Excellence Award from Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. Inc. The award is presented to Konica Minolta dealers that demonstrate the highest commitment to customer support and satisfaction. That same month, Ann McCann, our IT/Voice Sales Manager, was awarded the 2014 Outstanding Trailblazer in the Channel Award. The honor was bestowed upon Ann, by her peers, in recognition for her leadership and exemplary business results.
Growth and expansion at Marco would not be possible without all of its great employees. The company strives to maintain an internal atmosphere that encourages collaboration and rewards success. This was reflected in Marco’s selection as one of the 50 Best Small & Medium Workplaces in the nation by Fortune Magazine. The Top 50 list includes businesses from a variety of industries and locations, and recognizes the efforts at Marco to create an environment with positive challenges, rewards for success, pride in work and solid communication.
Cheers to a successful 2014, as we look to an even better 2015! Happy New Year.
