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7
Competition
The reason for our strong competitiveness in
color MFP is an enriched product lineup in addi-
tion to the new integrated firmware incorporated
in the “bizhub C450” which was marketed from
April 2005. In terms of the product lineup, four
new models were introduced during the fiscal
year ended March 2006 to promote a further shift
to color. In addition, the incorporation of new
integrated firmware made open architecture sys-
tems possible, which made it easy for customers
to incorporate our products into office environ-
ments that consisted of various equipment. In
addition, having the industry’s most advanced
polymerized toner is a significant factor in our
strong competitiveness. Our toner, which is
superior in terms of image quality, cost and
durability, is compatible with monochrome or
color, and low speed or high speed applications.
In addition, as we have disclosed over 700
related patents in Japan alone, we believe this is
a significant barrier to entry for other companies.
Please explain the competitive
strengths behind this increase in
market share.
In addition to strengthening our proposal capa-
bilities to expand sales, we are developing our
solutions business. The Business Technologies
business has heretofore been characterized by
purchases of color MFP hardware or receiving
fees based on performance. However, given the
rapid evolution in the networking of office
environments, hardware also needs to fulfill its
function within the network. As a result, the provi-
sion of total network solutions through software
and applications development is required. In this
regard, we plan to actively pursue alliances, and
we have already formed corporate alliances with
various IT companies in Japan and overseas
including NEC Corporation and IBM®Corporation.
Could you explain your strategies
for expanding market share?
CHAPTER 03