Print in the Channel - issue #11

CLOUD PRINT

Small businesses, big opportunities

The cloud print market is expanding rapidly as more businesses seek to take advantage of the benefits of it, including SMEs, but what are the barriers to cloud printing for SMEs and how can resellers help them to overcome these?

The past few years have been tough for businesses of all sizes, but small- to medium- sized enterprises in particular have found it difficult as they don’t have the resources to fall back on that larger businesses often do. As a result, many have been striving to find efficiencies where they can to keep up with their rivals. One way to do that has been through adopting cloud printing solutions, especially in businesses where hybrid working has been established. “The demand for cloud-based printing has continued to accelerate following the adoption of hybrid working by SMEs across various industries,” says Richard Stewart, workspace portfolio marketing manager at Canon UK & Ireland. “For SMEs, cloud printing has unlocked the ability to print remotely and stay connected to their team, from any device or location.” Phillip John, category manager – office at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK), agrees that demand is growing among SMEs. “The feedback we have from our customers and partners reflects a growing interest from SME customers, with cloud print being

particularly useful for those looking to support hybrid working and/or to easily and cost- effectively expand their device fleet,” he says. “Looking at the trends we would expect this to continue growing as SMEs become more aware of the flexibility benefits. Arjan Paulussen, managing director, UK, Western Europe and English-speaking Africa at Lexmark, adds that SMEs are continually seeking innovative ways to enhance efficiency and adapt to the challenges and opportunities posed by hybrid working models. “This is where cloud printing steps in as a game- changer,” he says. “Cloud printing offers SMEs a lifeline to enhanced productivity and adaptability for the new way of work that empowers SMEs to thrive in the digital age. “SMEs are increasingly recognising the value of cloud printing and there has been a notable rise in demand for cloud printing solutions, driven by the need for flexibility, scalability and cost-effectiveness. The benefits of cloud printing have been clearly recognised over the past few years because of changing working conditions and are now an imperative for business of all sizes.” Cloud label printing Paul Vogt, Loftware VP Partner Strategies, says that demand for cloud printing in the label sector is growing among SMEs too. “It is the fastest growing segment of the label printing sector,” he says. “Businesses of all sizes, SMEs included, must optimise their supply chains. They must meet growing demand and mitigate against ongoing disruptions and economic headwinds. Cloud printing helps them to meet the demands to scale, and to add a high degree of flexibility too. Cloud technology also delivers agile and reliable supply chain operations to mission-critical label printing. “Labelling software providers are responding with out-of-the-box cloud label design print and manage functionality. Printer manufacturers

Richard Stewart workspace portfolio marketing manager

canon.co.uk

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