How important is speed to market? Some might argue too much value is placed on it, causing products of lesser quality to be released. Others might say it is the most important element of this industry; the ability to offer aftermarket products soon after the OEM release is critical.
The good news is, the aftermarket is getting considerably better at both according to many reports, including this month’s Lyra Report, which examines the pace at which the aftermarket has responded to OEM releases over the past several years. At the time of the report, the most recent introduction by the aftermarket appeared only six months after the OEM release.Another area where speed is important is in service; both the ability to quickly diagnose and repair the problem are key. Our Service Solutions focus on both this month, including one development we have been reporting on since it was announced last year: CompTIA’s PDI+ certification. CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association, is probably best known for its Network+ and A+ certifications, targeted toward computer networking and hardware. PDI+, which stands for Printing and Document Imaging, is the first certification focused on maintaining and repairing printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines and multifunction peripherals. CompTIA certification offers a vendor-neutral, third-party perspective to this type of service. ...Full articles are available online six months after their original print date to online subscribers. This article is available in its entirety only in print to RECHARGER Magazine subscribers. Subscribe today to start your print subscription.
This article will be available online on 12/01/2008
