In recent years, the way that businesses buy print has been evolving. Increasingly, office managers are turning to print-as-a-service (PaaS) models rather than purchasing their own equipment. This trend has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced businesses of all sizes to look for ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency. In this article, we will explore the growing popularity of print-as-a-service solutions, the benefits they offer, what businesses are looking for in a PaaS model, and how resellers can capitalise on this trend.
How popular are print-as-a-service solutions becoming? Has their popularity increased since the pandemic?
Print-as-a-service solutions are becoming increasingly popular, and this trend has accelerated since the pandemic. With many businesses moving to remote work or adopting hybrid models, there has been a greater need for flexible and scalable print solutions. In addition, the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic has led many businesses to look for ways to reduce capital expenditures and shift to operating expenses.
According to a survey by Quocirca, a market research firm, 72% of businesses are planning to move to a PaaS model in the next two years. This represents a significant increase from just a few years ago when PaaS was a relatively new concept. As more businesses adopt PaaS solutions, it is likely that their popularity will continue to grow.
What are the benefits of PaaS?
There are several key benefits to businesses, including cost savings, flexibility, and scalability. By outsourcing their print needs to a service provider, businesses can avoid the upfront capital costs associated with purchasing and maintaining their own equipment. Instead, they pay a monthly fee based on their usage, which allows them to better manage their cash flow.
PaaS solutions offer greater flexibility than traditional print models. With PaaS, businesses can easily scale their print needs up or down based on their changing requirements. For example, they can quickly add or remove devices, change their print volume, or adjust their service level agreement.
Another benefit of PaaS is improved print security. Service providers can offer enhanced security features such as user authentication, data encryption, and document tracking. This can help to reduce the risk of data breaches and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
What are businesses looking for in a print-as-a-service model? How has this changed recently?
One of the main factors is flexibility. As businesses adapt to changing work environments, they need print solutions that can be easily scaled up or down to meet their evolving needs.
In addition, businesses are looking for solutions that are cost-effective and offer predictable costs. They want to avoid the large upfront costs associated with purchasing their own equipment and instead pay a monthly fee that covers all their print needs.
Another important factor is security. With the increasing risk of data breaches, businesses are looking for solutions that can help them to protect their sensitive data. PaaS providers can offer advanced security features such as user authentication, data encryption, and document tracking.
Businesses are looking for solutions that are easy to use and offer high levels of reliability. With PaaS, businesses can rely on their service provider to handle all aspects of their print needs, from maintenance and support to supplies management.
How big are the opportunities presented by print-as-a-service to resellers and how do they best capitalise on them with customers?
The shift towards print-as-a-service presents significant opportunities for resellers. By offering PaaS solutions, resellers can differentiate themselves from their competitors and tap into a growing market. PaaS solutions can provide resellers with recurring revenue streams, which can help to stabilise their business and increase their profitability.
To capitalise on these opportunities, resellers need to understand the needs of their customers and offer real world solutions. This requires a deep understanding of the print market and the ability to offer customised solutions that are tailored to each customer’s specific requirements.
Resellers can also differentiate themselves by offering value-added services such as proactive maintenance, supply management, and user training. By offering a comprehensive service, resellers can help their customers to maximise the benefits of their PaaS solutions and increase their satisfaction.
Another key factor in capitalising on the opportunities presented by PaaS is building strong relationships with customers. Resellers need to be proactive in communicating with their customers, providing regular updates and support, and responding quickly to any issues or concerns. By building strong relationships with customers, resellers can increase their customer retention and loyalty, which can help to drive long-term revenue growth.
How do resellers move from traditional MPS models to print-as-a-service?
Moving from traditional managed print service (MPS) models to print-as-a-service requires a shift in mindset and approach. Resellers need to understand the key differences between the two models and adapt their sales and marketing strategies accordingly.
One of the key differences between MPS and PaaS is the focus on recurring revenue streams. While MPS typically involves selling equipment and then providing ongoing maintenance and supplies, PaaS is focused on providing a comprehensive print solution that is delivered as a service.
To make the transition to PaaS, resellers need to develop new skills and capabilities. This may involve investing in new technology, such as cloud-based print management platforms, or hiring new staff with expertise in PaaS solutions.
Resellers also need to develop a strong value proposition that emphasises the benefits of PaaS solutions. This may involve highlighting the cost savings, flexibility, and security benefits of PaaS, as well as the ability to improve print efficiency and productivity.
Finally, resellers need to develop strong partnerships with PaaS providers. This requires a deep understanding of the PaaS market and the ability to identify the right partners that can offer high-quality solutions that meet the needs of their customers.
In conclusion, the shift towards print-as-a-service is changing the way that businesses buy print. As businesses increasingly look for flexible, scalable, and cost-effective print solutions, there are significant opportunities for resellers to capitalise on this trend. By offering customised PaaS solutions that meet the needs of their customers, resellers can differentiate themselves from their competitors, build strong relationships with their customers, and drive long-term revenue growth.
