IDC: enterprise drives demand for mobile print solutions 

“Integration of print subsystem in mobile OS architecture vastly simplifies the print workflow and print experience for users,” said Dinesh Srirangpatna, research manager, hardcopy industry transformation, IDC, in a press release. “The print landscape is experiencing dramatic change and the tighter integration of mobile print capabilities is a positive sign for the entire print industry.” 

Android owned 81 percent of the smartphone mobile OS market in Q1 2014. Windows mobile market share is forecast to remain below 10 percent through 2018. Most mobile print ecosystem players remain focused on Android and Apple platforms.

While the majority of users want basic print capability from mobile touch points and a simplified print workflow, the monetization opportunities remain on the business side. Businesses demand features such as security, support for multiple mobile OS platforms, complex topology and backend integrations. 

IDC researchers added that the print industry must drive common standards and simplify the user experience, print ecosystem vendors are expected to leverage customization, and Windows device apps have to be enhanced.