Multifunction centres (MFCs) will replace 40 to 50 per cent of single function printers being used in Middle East businesses by 2012, said Brother Gulf, a leading printing and digital imaging solutions provider.

The popularity of MFCs stems from their capacity to perform several tasks, which are previously handled by different devices thereby allowing users to save space and improve efficiency.

In line with this, Brother International Corporation Gulf is offering new models to provide a wide range of users with the option to upgrade to colour laser, mono laser or colour inkjet MFCs, which can help them boost their productivity and reduce deployment and operating costs.

Significant innovations in semiconductor technology has made MFCs more reliable and versatile, thereby spurring the demand for these devices in the region, particularly in the UAE. MFCs are not only appreciated by small and medium-size businesses, but also by home offices and home users.

Factoring in competitive costs and improved dependability of technology, MFCs have risen up to the challenge of the demanding and fast-paced times.

As the pioneer in the MFC technology, Brother continues to invest heavily in developing more devices that will print high quality documents and produce digital photos, while allowing users to scan, fax and copy with more ease and efficiency.

“MFCs are taking over a lion’s share of single function printers and copiers in the Middle East region, as many end-users prefer to consolidate their hardware and save valuable floor space in their workplaces,” said Shinji Tada, managing director, Brother International Corporation Gulf.

“With so many organisations recognising the merits in acquiring MFCs, we are expecting the demand to continually rise, thereby putting the pressure on developing devices that are in touch with the requirements of today’s office environment.

“We have instigated this movement towards more technologically-advanced printing devices when we pioneered the MFC concept, and we are fully committed to sustaining the rising popularity of MFCs among regional companies.”

The uptrend in the use of MFCs in the region is expected to continue, especially with the introduction of Brother Gulf’s new range of colour MFCs, including the world’s first A3 colour inkjet MFC.

Its capacity for interconnectivity, as well as other printer-specific features such as automatic double-sided printing, scanning, faxing and copying, and built-in LCD screen, also makes it easier for users to preview documents and photos and even combine its telephone handset with a built-in answering machine.

MFCs also provide functionality equivalent to using four single function units, thereby making them more economical – even though these devices cost 30 per cent more compared to a single unit of single function printers.

“The multifunction printer segment continues to perform strongly in the region, especially in the UAE, where the market has always been appreciative of new technology,” Tada continued.

“Amidst the global financial crisis, we are setting our sights to addressing the needs of the small office-home-office as well as home users who comprise a large percentage of buyers of inkjet-based MFCs.”

“In addition, we are also developing new features, which will benefit other consumer segments – especially SMB sector, who are always seeking for lower ownership cost and reduced time in printing and copying documents,” concluded Tada. – TradeArabia News Service