Lyra Research and Recharger Magazine have released a new report, Business Users Talk Toner: Laser Cartridge Brands and Buying Habits, based on an exclusive survey of color and monochrome toner cartridge buyers in U.S.-based small, medium-sized, and large businesses (http://lyra.ecnext.com/coms2/summary_0290-241_ITM). Lyra asked business users to list the printer brand for which they have purchase the most aftermarket cartridges. What Lyra discovered was that, after HP's class-leading results, Dell and Lexmark color laser printers were tied for second place in terms of aftermarket cartridge usage (see figure: http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2006/01/08/330454/colorlasercartridgeusage.jpg). Dell has done a remarkable job in penetrating the office in its short time in the printer market, especially with its color laser printers, which have only been available since September 2004.

«The surprise showing of Dell and Lexmark color laser printers helps validate the emerging strategies of color toner cartridge remanufacturers to expand their product offerings,» says Jim Forrest, senior analyst for Lyra Research. «This report also answers such questions as: What do business users do with their empty toner cartridges? How many businesses use color laser printers? How widespread are cost-per-page programs among small and medium-sized businesses? What are the attitudes toward aftermarket cartridges, both color and monochrome? Where do businesses purchase toner cartridges? What are users' perceptions of quality and value in aftermarket cartridges? And, how elastic is aftermarket cartridge pricing?»

«We are happy to partner with Lyra again to build on the success of our first joint report, Think Ink: The 2005 U.S. Ink Jet Cartridge User Survey. This new report gives toner cartridge remanufacturers the inside scoop on their business customers. It shows the differences in buying habits and usage for small, medium, and large businesses, and explores color laser printer use as well, highlighting vendor opportunities,» said Phyllis Gurgevich, publisher of Recharger Magazine. «We know our audience can use this information to help them in their marketing, selling, and product-development efforts.»

Fran Blanco, vice president of sales and marketing for Media Sciences International, the study's sponsor, remarked on the importance of the report's findings to the aftermarket industry. «At Media Sciences, we see tremendous opportunity in the color market every day. What is powerful about this study's findings is the end user's voice, which shows the increasing number of businesses who are using and reporting satisfaction with aftermarket color cartridges.»

Ms. Blanco added, «Also very informative are the perceptions of those OEM users who have not yet tried an aftermarket product. Many businesses are still unaware that a new-build, high-quality price alternative—with warranty protection that covers their printer when appropriate—is available to them, pointing to the opportunity for end-user education in this industry.»

Ordering the Report

Business Users Talk Toner: Laser Cartridge Brands and Buying Habits (23 pages, 20 figures) is available for purchase and immediate download at http://lyra.ecnext.com/coms2/summary_0290-241_ITM. Based on a survey of 425 respondents from businesses of various sizes, the report focuses on both monochrome and color laser printers and explores how many cartridges users consume each year, what types of cartridges they purchase, the brands of hardware they use, usage and purchase programs in place in offices, and more. This report is a must-read for any company involved in the color and monochrome toner cartridge business.

About Lyra Research and Recharger Magazine

Founded in 1991, Lyra Research is recognized worldwide as the leading provider of market, product, and technology information and analysis focused on the imaging industry. Lyra provides targeted information on printers and copiers, digital photography, and imaging supplies to more than 2,000 clients in more than 40 countries. Recharger Magazine serves the office-products recycling industry and is committed to fostering and supporting the growth of the supplies-remanufacturing industry through complete, objective coverage of the community, technology, issues, and trends.

Research Sponsored by Media Sciences International

Lyra and Recharger thank Media Sciences International for sponsoring this research study. Media Sciences International, Inc. (AMEX: GFX, www.mediasciences.com) is the leading independent manufacturer of office color printer supplies. Media Sciences manufactures new-build solid-ink sticks and color toner cartridges for use in Tektronix/Xerox, Konica Minolta/QMS, Okidata, Epson, and Brother color printers. Media Sciences products are distributed in over 46 countries around the world and are backed by the company's longstanding industry-leading warranty.

Related Companies: Dell, Lexmark, Xerox, Hewlett-Packard, Oki, Samsung.

Related chart graphics available:

Web-resolution:

http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2006/01/08/330454/colorlasercartridgeusage.jpg

High-resolution:

http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2006/01/08/330454/hiresaftermarketcolorlasercartridge.eps

CONTACT:

Andre Rebelo

Marketing Manager

Lyra Research, Inc.

1-617-454-2658

arebelo (at) lyra (dot) com