Konica Minolta Launches bizhub Connector for Finance App to bizhub MarketPlace

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) today announces the immediate availability of the bizhub Connector for Finance app to the Konica Minolta bizhub® MarketPlace, a user-friendly platform to add enhanced functionality to bizhub multifunctional products (MFPs).

With the bizhub Connector for Finance app, users can display up-to-the-minute stock quotes directly on a bizhub MFP control panel.  Users can display up to five stocks of their choosing to track current investments and respond quickly to market changes.

“Users are demanding improved access to information where and when they need it, and the latest bizhub MarketPlace apps seek to address these needs directly on a user’s office MFP,” says Kevin Kern, senior vice president, Marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.  “The bizhub Connector for Finance app is another way that customers can count on Konica Minolta for market-leading solutions that keep them connected and efficient.”

IDC Finds Double-Digit Growth in Worldwide Production Printer Shipments in the Second Quarter of 2013

Worldwide shipments of production printers grew 15% year over year to 13,000 units (printers and MFPs) in the second quarter of 2013, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Production Printer Tracker. Despite the increase in shipment volume, shipment value declined -4% year over year to more than $500 million for the same time period.

On a geographic basis, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region enjoyed the highest year-over-year growth (16.6%) with shipments reaching 1,300 units. The Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) region had 9.0% year-over-over growth with shipments totaling 1,500 units. Devices in the Mid-Production and Production categories were key contributors to the market in Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) with year-over-year growth of 47.2% and 5.3%, respectively.

“2013 will be a growth year for the digital production market. While the offset-to-digital migration is a part of the story, it can’t be ignored that vendors have been actively making technology enhancements from job creation to finishing, ensuring that digital print is value-added print,” said Amy Machado, Senior Research Analyst, Hardcopy Peripheral Solutions at IDC.

Worldwide Production Printer Market Share, 2013 Q2 (based on shipment value)*                 

Vendors	2013 Q2  Market Share (Shipment Value)
1. Xerox	30.8%
2. Canon	20.2%
2. Konica Minolta	16.7%
3. Ricoh	12.5%
Others	19.8%
Total	100%

Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly Production Print Tracker, September 2013

*  Devices sold into production environments only, including highlight color models.