Office machines 'continue to evolve'
27/09/2007 17:09

The functionality of office machines is changing and expanding, an expert has claimed.

Writing on CRN, Sofia Dahlqvist said that the expansion of software for the multifunctional device (MFD) - which includes a scanner, printer and copier in one machine - could open up future possibilities for tailoring office equipment to specific businesses.

"End users are already developing their own software applications to fit their business needs. The way forward is for resellers to be educated about these advances and to be one step ahead of print technology," she wrote.

Bluetooth technology is one way in which consumers can utilise MFDs for their particular needs, as print jobs can be sent to office machines from mobile devices, Ms Dahlqvist explained.

Various privacy and data protection features are also available, such as data encryption of print jobs, authorisation technology and voice activation software, she said.

She added that printers and office equipment which is specifically tailored to a person's particular needs are being developed - one example includes large buttons for the visually impaired.

The article concludes that technology for printers "is evolving rapidly" and provides the chance for resellers "to help their customers create software specifically for their needs".

Research from Nomura Securities recently revealed that sales of laser printers rose by 8.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2007.

At Paperstone we can supply your firm with a wide selection of office machines.