Explosive Document Scanning Growth Reflects Transition beyond Imaging Niche into Corporate America, According to New Report by InfoTrends/CAP Ventures

Business Wire, August 24, 2005

WEYMOUTH, Mass. -- Shipments of document scanners in North America grew another 55% in 2004 to reach over 200,000 units. In its second consecutive year of growth over 50%, document scanning is finally showing signs of breaking out of its traditional imaging niche.

The market for document scanners is growing in response to evolving business requirements for managing paper documents. Companies must deal with new laws and learn to better manage documents while continually increasing productivity. Once scanned, paper documents are routed and managed much more easily, and are integrated into the electronic flow of information that is common in most companies. As a result, businesses are buying scanning devices to meet their needs, including digital copiers and MFPs with scanning capabilities, as well as single-function scanners for local and distributed scanning applications.

"This is a pivotal time in the evolution of document scanning," said Susan Moyse, an Industry Consultant at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures. "The need to integrate paper documents into digital processes is rising, which is forcing vendors to develop and deliver products that solve these paper problems. As a result, further transition is expected in the form of new competition, expanded product features, and evolving channels - all of which will drive the penetration of scanners within the mainstream business arena."

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures' new forecast report entitled 2005 Document Imaging Scanner Forecast and Analysis for North America is available immediately. This report provides a comprehensive analysis including market segmentation, industry trends, vendor performance, and strategies for success within each segment. Trends in compliance and distributed capture applications, target markets, network capabilities, and channel dynamics are also explored. Shipments, installed base, revenues, and averaging pricing are included in a five-year forecast for each category. The forecast is further segmented and analyzed by features such as color, duplex, interface type, flatbed and sheetfed form factors, and A3 and A4 bed sizes. Vendors that are highlighted in this analysis include Avision, BancTec, Bowe Bell & Howell, Canon, Eastman Kodak, Epson, Fujitsu, HP, Microtek, IBML, Improvision, InoTec, Microform, Panasonic, Ricoh, Scan-Optics, Visioneer, Visionshape, and Xerox.

About InfoTrends/CAP Ventures

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industries. InfoTrends/CAP Ventures provides research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Additional information about InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is available on the Web at www.infotrends-rgi.com.