Global Cloud-based Printing Market - 2024-2031
Global Cloud-based Printing Market reached US$ 1.52 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 3.96 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 12.71% during the forecast period 2024-2031.
The cloud-based printing market is growing as enterprises progressively adopt digital solutions to facilitate hybrid work styles and enhance operational efficiency. The adoption rate of cloud print management solutions among enterprises has increased to 69% in 2024, rising from 55% in 2023. The solutions offer considerable flexibility, scalability and cost efficiency, optimizing print management and alleviating the administrative load on IT staff.
Cloud print solutions enhance operational efficiency and diminish financial and environmental costs by obviating the necessity for on-premise print servers and streamlining processes such as driver installation, firmware updates and device configuration. The expansion of cloud print services is driven by the demand for enhanced control, security and reporting functionalities.
A significant number of firms currently employ hybrid models, with 74% overseeing their print operations using a combination of cloud and on-premise solutions. As organizations pursue comprehensive digitization, user-friendliness, compatibility with current infrastructure and the capacity to improve data compliance and security are pivotal factors influencing cloud adoption. By 2026, it is anticipated that 18% of enterprises would completely manage their print infrastructures on the cloud.
Dynamics
Security Enhancements in Cloud-Based Printing
Cloud-based printing has seen increased adoption due to its ability to address security concerns inherent in traditional print management systems. The 2022 partnership between Printix and a major engineering firm was driven by the need to resolve the Microsoft Spool Service Print Nightmare vulnerability, which exposed organizations to security risks.
As cloud solutions evolve, they offer advanced security features, including secure print release, delegate printing and improved integration with MS Universal Print, addressing concerns about outdated drivers and breaches. These capabilities are critical, as 38% of organizations worry about security risks from outdated drivers, with the number rising to 43% among larger enterprises.
Improved Operational Efficiency
Cloud print management significantly reduces the IT administrative burden that comes with on-premise systems. 49% of organizations identify the IT administration burden as their top challenge and 42% struggle with the complexity of print driver deployment. By moving to the cloud organizations can automate these processes, freeing up IT resources for more strategic tasks.
As a result, cloud solutions provide operational efficiency, reducing both financial and environmental costs. The shift towards cloud solutions is reflected in the fact that 74% of organizations now operate a hybrid cloud environment, with an increasing number planning for full cloud-based print environments by 2026.
Security Concerns in Cloud Print Adoption
Despite the benefits, security remains the primary barrier to cloud print adoption. 32% of businesses cite protecting corporate data as their top concern, rising to 37% in the US and 41% in the industrials sector. This concern is compounded by functionality and performance doubts, with 25% of organizations, especially in larger companies, seeing it as a barrier.
Many businesses are hesitant to adopt fully cloud-based systems due to the perceived risks of data breaches and unauthorized access. While cloud providers offer robust security measures, the perception that on-premise solutions offer more control continues to slow full adoption.
Segment Analysis
The global cloud-based printing market is segmented based on solution, deployment organization size, end-user and region.
Cloud Print Management Solutions Drive Market Adoption
Cloud print management solutions are the dominant segment in the market, with 69% of organizations already using these solutions in 2024, up from 55% in 2023. The solutions, which offer centralized control, secure release and reporting capabilities, are increasingly preferred for their ability to simplify print management, reduce costs and improve security.
The segment is driven by the need for businesses to streamline operations and optimize resource usage. Features like remote monitoring, improved policy enforcement and seamless integration with existing infrastructure are making cloud print management solutions a key area of focus for both enterprises and SMBs.
Geographical Penetration
Hybrid Work and Security Innovations in North America
North America dominates the cloud-based printing market, leveraging sophisticated technological infrastructure and elevated adoption rates of cloud services. The transition to hybrid work patterns has heightened the demand for cloud-based solutions, especially in the US, where 71% of firms intend to augment the number of print servers in 2024, signifying ongoing dependence on hybrid solutions.
Security concerns in the region are also high, with 32% of organizations citing it as their top barrier to cloud print management adoption. Prominent entities in the region, including HP, Xerox and Google, are advancing the business through advances in secure print release and cloud-enabled printing. The increasing focus on digital transformation and data security guarantees that North America will continue to be a significant participant in the cloud printing market.
Competitive Landscape
The major global players in the market include HP Inc., Canon Inc., Xerox Corporation, Ricoh Company, Ltd., Epson America, Inc., Brother Industries, Ltd., Kyocera Corporation, Lexmark International, Inc., Sharp Corporation and Google Cloud Printing.
Sustainability Analysis
Cloud-based printing solutions are essential in enhancing sustainability initiatives within enterprises. By centralizing print management, these solutions enable organizations to maximize resource use, decrease superfluous printing and mitigate waste. By utilizing features such as pull printing organizations may guarantee that only essential papers are produced, thereby substantially reducing paper and ink waste.
Quocirca's research demonstrates that enterprises can decrease print quantities by as much as 30% with the implementation of managed print services and cloud-based technologies. This optimized printing method enhances efficiency while addressing increasing environmental concerns by minimizing the overall ecological impact of commercial operations. Besides minimizing waste, cloud printing provides significant energy conservation advantages.
Conventional printing systems typically depend on local print servers and necessitate ongoing maintenance, resulting in elevated energy consumption. Cloud-based solutions obviate the necessity for physical infrastructures, markedly decreasing energy consumption and minimizing carbon footprints. The transition to cloud printing enhances workplace sustainability by diminishing both direct and indirect environmental effects.
Connectivity Impact
The impact of connectivity on the cloud-based printing market is profound, particularly in the context of mobile and remote printing solutions. Cloud printing services, such as Google Cloud Print and ezeep Blue, allow users to connect various devices—smartphones, tablets or laptops—directly to cloud-hosted software. Once connected, print jobs are rendered in the cloud and sent to the printer, eliminating the need for a local connection.
The flexibility is essential for both individuals and organizations, as it enables users to print from any location, regardless of the device or network they are using. For businesses and educational institutions, the ability to manage and monitor print jobs remotely adds significant value by streamlining print operations and reducing costs.
Connectivity also addresses the performance and complexity issues that traditional printing systems face. By utilizing cloud-based solutions organizations can avoid the need for expensive, underutilized on-premise print servers, dynamically scaling resources based on demand. This ensures optimal server utilization while reducing energy consumption and infrastructure costs.
Additionally, cloud printing services simplify the printing process by offering universal printer drivers and centralized management tools. Administrators can manage printer access, settings and usage across diverse devices and locations, making it easier to support mobile printing and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environments. This enhanced connectivity not only improves operational efficiency but also ensures that print services are adaptable to evolving workstyles, offering a scalable, cost-effective solution for modern businesses and schools.
By Solution
• Cloud Print Management Solutions
• Cloud Print Service
• Cloud-enabled Printers
By Deployment
• Public Cloud
• Private Cloud
• Hybrid Cloud
By Organization Size
• Large Enterprises
• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
By End-User
• Commercial Sector
• Government
• Healthcare
• Manufacturing and Logistics
• Others
By Region
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
France
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
• South America
Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa
Key Developments
• In January 2023, Google Cloud Print launched a cloud printing service that allowed users to print documents from their PCs and cellphones to internet-connected printers.
• In March 2023, PrinterOn introduced a cloud printing service that allows clients to print files from their smartphones or tablets to printers located worldwide.
Why Purchase the Report?• To visualize the global cloud-based printing market segmentation based on solution, deployment organization size, end-user and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the cloud-based printing market with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.
The global cloud-based printing market report would provide approximately 70 tables, 63 figures and 202 pages.
Target Audience 2024• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies