What's New in the world of computer printing as it affects Portland, Oregon.
The What's New Page gives an overview of the events and changes that occur in the computer printer marketplace, with an emphasis on how those changes affect our clients in Portland, Oregon.

HP
It appears that HP has finally thrown in the towel when it comes to managing their large group of Authorized Service Providers.  As of November 1st, 2007, HP is now enforcing revised authorization guidelines that effectively remove approximately 2,000 authorized service providers around the US.

Perhaps it is an effort to control costs; perhaps it is an effort to improve the warranty choices for their end users.  In any case, as we look at the impact in our community, HP consumers have fewer choices for printer warranty service.  We are one of the dealers removed from their list of authorized warranty service providers.  The long term impact of this on the market and on HP remains to be seen.  At this point it seems there are no longer any authorized warranty providers on the East Side of Portland.

Oki
Okidata has launched its effort to enter into the market for “Managed Services”.  This is a great service for an organization that is trying to get its arms around the costs associated with office printing.  Oki has also launched a new series of thermal printers for label printing, and specialty projects.

Konica Minolta
KM has been making a major effort to insert itself into the reseller market.  Their products continue to show refinements in image quality, and good cost benefit numbers for their end user and dealer customers.

Lexmark
Lexmark continues to market its diverse and practical line of printers.  Their multifunction products continue to set the standard for ease of use and simple user interface, with all the necessary built-ins to enable an office staff to be significantly more productive.

Ricoh
Ricoh has recently concluded a deal to buy Associated Business Systems, a direct competitor. This pretty much spells the end of our offering Ricoh products.  This is the latest associated with their product line:
Ricoh has launched a new product, HOT SPOT printers.  There are two models, the SP 4100N-KP, and the SP C410DN-KP These devices are intended to provide printing services for locations where the general public has access to email and can use the “driverless” printing process to produce their documents.  Additionally, in an effort to compete with the major ink printer producers, they have launched their GelSprinter products.  The ink is retained as a sort of gel before it is ejected from the print head.

Tally/Genicom
This diverse manufacturer of printers has recently launched a new thermal printer line, as well as a new dot matrix printer line.

Output Technology Corporation or OTC
Rumor has it that this long standing printer manufacturer out of Spokane, Washington has finally succumbed to market forces.  OTC’s Trimatrix printers were a unique solution for businesses needing high throughput impact printing at a low cost.  How long the supplies continue to be available for the printers that are still in use in the marketplace is uncertain.  Start making plans today to prepare for replacement of these devices, as repair parts and supplies will almost certainly dry up.