HP aims bigger share of colour printer pie

Hewlett Packard, one of the better established players in the imaging and printing market, will be stepping up its presence in the colour business printing segment in the country.

Announcing its strategy for 2004-05, HP outlined plans to bring together its 20-years of imaging and printing experience to help break barriers that previously held customers back from bringing colour into all aspects of their business.

Said Vibhor Bansal, country category manager - Colour Laser and Business Inkjets, HP India: "IDC estimates the current colour Laser printing market at approximately Rs 50 crore which is expected to grow to Rs 100 crore by 2007. We are expanding the market by offering affordable solutions to reduce the gap between mono and colour printing."

He said that HP has introduced a colour Laser printer from Rs 34,999 onwards and is also bringing to the market a new range of printers "" Business Inkjets which are equipped with high capacity individual ink catridges, referred to as Modular Ink Delivery System which attempts to reduce the total cost of ownership.

Commenting on the market trends, Bansal said: "In-house colour printing is an easy, flexible and cost-effective solution for small print runs. Affordable colour and in-house colour printing are the key themes." Which we will be harping on as we try to bring a more holistic colour experience in the market. We will continue to harness these factors to make 2004 as the year when digital colour starts going mainstream."

In addition to these new offerings, HP has expanded its offerings with HP OfficeJet 9100 series all-in-one, a machine that allows digital sending and combines the functions of print, copy, scan, fax and photoprint.

The company has also introduced the 450cbi mobile printer to cater to the flexible work environment and the mobile lifestyle of customers. This printer is equipped with Bluetooth capabilities allowing wireless printing through a mobile phone or a PDA device.