Scanners – Scanners are used to convert paper documents to electronic images. There is a niche of scanners known as document scanners designed specifically for document imaging. They typically run faster and are slightly more expensive than flatbed scanners.

Infotrends Research Group divides the document scanner market into several segments based on speed and price of the scanner. Following is a list of the segments as they appeared in InfoTrends 2003 report. Constantly improving price/performance ratios may force InfoTrends to update its segment definition:

• Workgroup - $500-$2,000, 10-25 ppm. In recent years, this has been the fastest growing segment of the document scanning market as the Internet has enabled the evolution of distributed image capture applications.
• Departmental - $2,000-$6,000, 26-40 ppm. In recent years, the second fastest growing segment of document scanners.
• Low-volume production - $6,000-$12,000, 41-60 ppm. Also benefiting from the surge in distributing scanning apps.
• Mid-volume production - $12,000- $39,000, 61-90 ppm. A relatively flat market in recent years.
• High-volume production - $30,000 – higher, 90 ppm – higher – Overlaps slightly with mid-volume market. This segment represents the roots of document imaging – big iron, backroom applications. It has been relatively flat in recent years.

Here's a story discussing some scanning solutions direclty targeting SMBs.

Here's a success story about a value added reseller that has successfully leveraged a scanner vendor's service program. (The story was provided by site sponser Fujitsu Computer Products of America.)

Here's a story about a service bureau that has also taken advantage of Fujitsu's scanner service offerings. (Also contributed by FCPA)