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$ 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.
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