(Norwell, MA) October 29, 2002…After analysis of information provided by the scanning community, CAP Ventures’ Digital Peripherals Solutions Service estimates that the combined total of scanner placements in Western Europe in 2001, including all segments (personal, workgroup, and production) and all technologies, was 11.38 million units. In 2001, 11.31 million units were shipped in the personal scanner environment, a 6% increase over 2000.  Scanners have become mass-market commodities, and the popularity continues as the pursuit of digital imaging booms and increasingly feature-rich products are introduced at this level of the market. The penetration of the Internet and digital photography have enabled the user to control and personalise their images, which is of great appeal and has transpired to be a widely adopted product. The Workgroup segment saw a 10% increase in placements in 2001. The role of scanning in the workgroup environments is both threatened and complemented by the Multi-function peripheral (MFP) market. The profile of scanning has certainly increased in the corporate world, as it is positioned as a value-add feature on MFP’s and married with software and communication facilities. Scanning is succeeding to increase efficiency and performance in a workgroup/shared environment. CAP Ventures’ market overview of the scanner industry provides readers with market share comparisons for 2000 vs. 2001. The report analyses the scanner market across all segments and by user environments: personal through to high-volume production. A country-by-country analysis of the market is also included for the top five largest territories, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK.   The complete market overview is available immediately to clients of CAP Ventures’ European Digital Peripherals Solutions Consulting Service. For more information on the overview or to make a purchase, please contact Nadia Balavoine at +4 1582 400120 or [email protected], or Deborah Hawkins at +49-30-21919935 or [email protected].   The European Digital Peripherals Solutions Consulting Service focuses on the technologies, products, standards, distribution, and markets that represent opportunities and threats to vendors of digital office peripherals, including input and output devices for general office applications. CAP Ventures is a strategic consulting firm for providers and users of business communication technologies and services. We deliver key research, analysis, forecasting, benchmarking, and strategy recommendations to make a competitive difference in our clients’ businesses. Additional information about CAP Ventures is available on the Web at: www.capv.com