How cloud maturity will impact print and digital convergence in the workplace

This article analyses the cloud opportunity and gives recommendations and guidance for managed print services (MPS) providers that are expanding their cloud-based offerings. It reveals the demands and objectives of organisations with a more advanced cloud strategy and shows how their behaviour is distinct from companies that are more inclined to keep IT infrastructure and its management in-house. It discusses their attitudes and plans for print and digitisation as they address the challenges of the hybrid workplace.

These insights will enable MPS providers and their channel to better formulate and articulate their strategies to ensure that they are addressing the specific needs and concerns of the client or prospect, based on their cloud usage.

Introduction

One of the key changes in the way IT has been delivered over the past 10 years is the use of cloud-based services, whether to replace or augment core computing capacity, gain access to specific software solutions, or control and manage enterprise printer environments. The impact of COVID-19 has seen organisations accelerate their adoption of cloud-based computing, as for many it was the only way to continue to operate their business during the pandemic lockdowns.

As economies around the world recover from the worst of the pandemic, we are seeing businesses start to develop new strategies appropriate for the post-COVID-19 world. This article analyses the cloud opportunity and gives recommendations and guidance for managed print services (MPS) providers that are expanding their cloud-based offerings. It reveals the demands and objectives of organisations with a more advanced cloud strategy and shows how their behaviour is distinct from companies that are more inclined to keep IT infrastructure and its management in-house.

These insights will enable MPS providers and their channel to better formulate and articulate their strategies to ensure that they are addressing the specific needs and concerns of the client or prospect, based on their cloud usage.

This article is based on the study, which surveyed 521 IT decision-makers across the UK, France, Germany and the US.

Key findings at a glance

• By 2025, 61% of businesses expect to be fully or mostly using the cloud for their IT infrastructure, up from 27% in 2022.
• 49% of Cloud Leaders expect a decline in print volumes by 2025 compared to pre-pandemic levels, in contrast to 28% of Cloud Laggards. Cloud Leaders are also more likely to be prioritising digitisation initiatives.
• Cost saving and improving sustainability are the strongest drivers for digitisation of paper-based services.
• Cloud Leaders are the most aggressive when pursuing their business priorities as they exit the worst of the pandemic, with revenue growth and customer acquisition at the top of their list.
• Flexibility and improving sustainability are the key changes anticipated by businesses in the next three years.
• Traditional print vendors and channel partners are being replaced by IT service and MPS providers in meeting the printing needs of business.

Demographics