International Data Corporation (IDC) has published a new vendor assessment and market analysis profiling vendors in the worldwide managed print and document services (MPDS) market.

According to IDC’s research, Hewlett-Packard, Lexmark, Ricoh, and Xerox/Fuji Xerox hold prominent positions within the “leaders” category for 2013, while several others, including Canon, Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Pitney Bowes, and Toshiba are categorized as “major players”.

“The MPDS market is at an inflection point, particularly in the developed, enterprise markets,” says Holly Muscolino, research director: Document Solutions. “In those markets, penetration is relatively high, and it’s increasingly difficult for vendors to differentiate their services and supporting technologies.

“Hardcopy vendors must strive to develop unique services portfolios that entice enterprise customers, drive adoption, and will ultimately result in increased revenues.”

There are several other firms, including Brother, Dell, Epson, OKI Data, Samsung, and Sharp, that are either in the planning stages of developing managed print and document service programs or have already initiated programs for their channel. These companies will intensify the competition for MPDS, especially through the indirect channel.

MPDS strategy success factors include:
• * A holistic and integrated approach to MPDS delivery;
• * The ability to leverage new technologies such as the cloud, mobility, big data, and social media;
• * Development of professional services capabilities around both horizontal and industry-specific document processes;
• * Extension of direct capabilities to the indirect channel, including training, business development, and marketing support;
• * Continued expansion into emerging markets; and
• * focus on operational excellence