Managed print services and the international market

As more businesses begin to realise the huge advantages that can be garnered from managed print services (MPS), the industry as a whole continues to grow across the world. In South Africa and Africa as a whole, the industry is still a fairly undeveloped one, but each year continuous growth offers good indication that these services will continue to grow as the demand increases. One of the fastest growing markets can be found in Asia Pacific, with recent statistics showing an 18% compound annual growth rate.

An overview of global managed print services growth can be broken down as follows:

• Asia Pacific – as one of the fastest growing markets on a global scale, countries within the Asia Pacific region include Japan. Commercial enterprises as a whole have grown within this region, in particular within the managed services and IT realm. With a huge number of emerging businesses, it is no wonder that countries such as Japan are relying on effective MPS solutions to help them managed a wide number of print demands, from audits to maintenance of print equipment.
• India – as MPS providers move into India, the demand for reliable and efficient services become even more apparent. The Indian business sector as a whole is growing at a rapid rate, especially within the IT sphere. Managed print services offer a way for Indian businesses to keep up amidst an emerging economy, with a wide range of solutions available across the country and on an internationally outsourced basis.
• Brazil – the next MPS powerhouse after India, there has been a huge growth in MPS demand within Brazil. This is not surprising, considering that Brazil is considered Latin America's economic hub, with a compound annual growth rate of 49% from 2009 to 2014. Brazil currently has a 41% managed print services revenue share, overshadowing Mexico, which is its nearest competitor in Latin America, by 13%. The 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil is set to boost this revenue even further, as investments pile in to expand IT infrastructure, services, telecommunications and transportation.
• North America – as the largest and most developed market, it is no wonder that MPS continues to grow across North America. This region is the most mature MPS market, with a history of 10 plus years of solutions, and 50% of the total global MPS market recorded in 2008. Since then, the market has grown rapidly, and is now worth well over $20 billion. As the world's most developed region, this growth is not surprising, with continual moves by global MPS leaders such as HP and Xerox consistently pioneering the way for future MPS trends.
• Europe – interestingly enough however, a recent Photizo study showed that Europe may just take over America for global MPS domination. "Ironically, the tough economic climate is one of the main drivers behind this impressive growth. Companies have been forced into more effective cost measures, while simultaneously increasing productivity and efficiency. Managed print services closes this value gap," said Photizo Group CEO Ed Crowley.

About the Author

Bob Jones offers advice for businesses seeking reliable <a href="http://www.paperserve.co.za/">managed print services</a>, telephone and printer audits or <a href="http://www.paperserve.co.za/">green printing</a> options.