Photizo Reports Short-term Growth in Hardware Market

Photizo Group rolled out its Hardware Advisory Service Forecast Update for the second half of 2013. According to the Update, laser MFPs in the midrange have witnessed growth because of businesses replacing desktop printers and slower office MFPs with faster devices featuring lower operating costs. As replacements for older devices, desktop lasers were strong in emerging markets and in small-office/home-office (SOHO) environments.

Over the forecast period, global shipments of printers for home and business are expected to see a 6% decline from 2012 to 2013. Besides, hardware revenue is expected to decline 13% year-on-year.

According to Photizo, the long-term outlook for laser printer and MFP shipments will not remarkably change, despite the improvement seen in the second and third quarters of 2013. The firm noted the shift to mobile devices, digital workflow and greater emphasis on managed print services will lead to smarter use of printing for businesses and consumers. A much more competitive environment will thus be born.