In case you hadn’t noticed, 2005 was a bumper year for inkjets and multifunction devices ruled the roost.

IDC Australia has finally released its final figures for the 2005 multifunction inkjet market revealing the local market hit crossed the million units milestone. The milestone signifies a healthy growth of 24% over 2004 off a robust base, says IDC.

The past two years have delivered strong growth for multifunction printer manufacturers says the researcher: “While the initial round of growth in sales was driven primarily by the novelty factor associated with multiple functions integrated into a single printing and imaging device, the latter part of the growth was catalysed largely by low prices, coupled with sustained vendor aggressiveness”, said Rishi Ghai, Peripherals Analyst for IDC Australia.

It could be time for them to tighten their belts though, IDC expects the growth to be relatively softer in 2006, as the market begins to stabilise.
Last year’s growth was particularly centred around low-cost multifunctions with sub-A$150 devices accounting for 42 per cent of shipments. This compared to the 2004 figures where sub-$150 devices represented only 11 per cent of sales.

“It is interesting to note that while in 2004 only one vendor had offerings in the sub-A$150 space, 2005 witnessed all multifunction inkjet vendors enter this segment as a key focus area. With price competition still possessing momentum, the entry-level level devices are expected to grow their share of shipments further during the course of 2006”, said Ghai.

IDC says there was also a couple of shifts in market shares as a result with Canon and Lexmark fighting over second spot behind HP which remained well in the lead.

Epson maintained its fourth rank, while Brother overtook Dell to claim the fifth position, says IDC.

IDC Multifunction Inkjet Vendor Rankings, 2005
(in unit shipment terms)

If you would like further information or to purchase IDC research, please contact Gary Clarke, IDC Associate VP of Sales via email gclarke@idc.com or phone 02 9925 2226.

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Don’t Miss Australia’s Most Important IT&T Event of the Year, Directions 2006 “Australia’s Role in a Shrinking Globe: Seizing Opportunities in a Connected World”

http://www.idc.com.au/events/directions

On April 27th 2006 IDC will be holding its annual “Directions” event. This year Directions brings together key players from the IT&T industry in an exciting one day format. At this event you will hear discussions from leading IDC analysts including: Vito Mabrucco, Country Manager for IDC Canada, Philippe de Marcillac, Senior VP for IDC International Business and a panel discussion of comprised of MDs from Australia’s top IT&T vendor companies facilitated by Emma Connors from the Australian Financial Review.

Throughout the day IDC analysts will apply IDC’s rigorous methodologies and analysis to discern future trends, top growth opportunities, hot vertical segments and success strategies to help you understand how to maximize your opportunities in today’s connected world. If you work in IT&T you can not afford to miss Directions 2006!

Date: Thursday, 27th April 2006
Time: 8.30am – 5.00pm
Venue: Star City Ballroom, 80 Pyrmont St, Sydney

For a detailed agenda go to http://www.idc.com.au/events/directions/agenda or to register go to http://www.idc.com.au/events/directions/register