LEXMARK SPENT $370M IN R &D IN 2006

[Anonymous]

$ 370 million lexmark total investment in research and development last year
While the last 50 years were all about enabling connectivity and communication, the next five will be about ensuring people can achieve these goals wherever they may be.  This is the conclusion of a new survey commissioned by Lexmark, and conducted by global pollster Ipsos, comprising 9000 respondents across Europe.

Europe gets flexible
The international survey, commissioned by Lexmark, shows European trends moving towards a strong wireless uptake and greater mobility both inside and outside the home. Where the Internet was hailed as the greatest productivity enhancer over the last 50 years, the near future is expected to be dominated by technical innovations which deliver greater degrees of flexibility – in particular wireless networks, smartcards and portable devices.Lexmark’s Productivity Trend Tracker, modelled from these results, shows a number of important shifts in consumer behaviour:

From connectivity to mobility
While the Internet is seen as a major boost to productivity, results show it is viewed increasingly as a utility within the home. 90% of those questioned have a broadband connection, and recognise the positive changes it has brought. They are now looking to build on this to deliver greater benefits and achieve more through greater flexibility.

The revolution is already underway
It appears, however, that these predictions are based on trends which are already happening. All countries surveyed showed extremely positive trends towards greater mobility:
• 41% of European respondents already have a wireless network at home
• 80% of these are already experiencing productivity benefits
• Nearly half (48%) of those who don’t yet have a wireless network plan to invest in one in the near future
It appears, therefore, that the connected home is a reality across all markets and will continue to grow between now and 2012.

Consumers set to spend on wireless devices
Consequently, sales of wireless equipment are set to boom across Europe to enable consumers to take advantage of the productivity benefits. The key areas for spending will be:
• Home entertainment equipment (18% plan to invest in the next 12 months)
• Laptops (17%)
• Printers (13%)
Lexmark commissioned the survey to celebrate their recent launch of inkjet single function printers and all-in-ones featuring wireless printing options.
“We are seeing a major shift in consumer behaviour and spending,” said Eamon Ryan, Vice President and General Manager at Lexmark EMEA.”Lexmark invested $ 370 million in research & development in 2006”. He added. “Previously communication was the goal, with households signing up to broadband Internet services to talk, shop and browse online. Now they have seen the possibilities and potential, they want to achieve more so are looking to flexible, portable equipment to make this happen.”“Consumers are embracing the ‘access anywhere’ age, and see the home as a focal point of this. Many are used to mobile technology in day-to-day life – including wi-fi in and out of the office and portable devices such as smartphones, MP3 players, digital cameras and Blackberries – and want to extend these benefits into the home. As technology vendors recognise this and ensure their equipment is compatible with the need for greater flexibility, the trend is sure to turn into a boom,” Ryan concluded.

[Author]

June 29, 2007 at 11:13 AM