Lyra Symposium - a Green Tipping Point?

One of the most entertaining sessions at the Lyra Imaging Syposium was the podium discussion regarding environmental issues. We have heard a lot over the years about the "year of . . . (whatever)," and certainly one or several of these recent placeholders have included green themes. But the issue will not go away, and judging by the knowledge and supreme confidence displayed by the panelists, they are on a roll. These companies represent viable (and profitable) alternatives to the captive razor-and-blades model.

The imaging industry has a lot going in its favor. Due to the annuity factor, fast-developing technology components and overall pervasiveness of printing, the business model works and will continue to deliver healthy profits. But this green trend is worth watching especially now, and especially for those companies who are in (too?) deep with hard copy to the detriment of other software/workflow/services balancing efforts.

Points to watch for:

- Generational attitude and behavior shifts regarding printing

- Meshing of cost-saving and environmental factors

- Increased capabilities to deliver cost transparency and control

- Improvements in performance, availability and awareness of third party supplies offerings

- And, most importantly, how the OEMs and their partners are re-shaping their business to address and leverage these shifts to their favor.

Current earnings announcements are indicating downturns in print output and usage. While blaming the economy, even those companies with exemplary field data (eg, Xerox) admit that they do not really know how much of the change is due to new usage patterns. We will be tracking these developments closely.