Should the channel connect more dots?

Alternative printer technologies deserve another look, says vendor

A second vendor, Oki, has weighed in on Dascom's claim that laser printers have been overdeployed in many businesses.

Dascom has stated previously that many organisations unthinkingly purchase standard MFDs or printers when other technologies - such as thermal and dot matrix -- could better suit their environment and needs.

Peter Dresser, product marketing manager for Oki, agrees. "They often have them in environments that are sort of rough and tumble, but those are more suited to dot matrix," he said.

Conventional office printers or MFDs often suffered performance issues in dusty or dirty environments - for example, automotive workshops. Yet most such places bought standard colour or mono lasers, unaware there may be a better, more cost-effective option, he said.

Network cards and software utilities were available to suit modern applications, so there remain opportunities in the dot matrix market that have not beenn exploited by the channel, Dresser said.

Resellers need to play more of a role here, suggested Dresser, who made the remarks as Oki launched its ML5700eco range of low-energy consumption dot matrix printers.

Dascom opens UK office to push TallyGenicom range>> www.channelweb.co.uk/1876808