(Boston, MA) January 15, 2003...American businesses expect their document scanning volume to increase over the next year, according to a new study from InfoTrends Research Group.   Participants in the Web-based survey identified a variety of reasons for the rise in image capture, from increasing access to information to reducing costs associated with manually handling paper documents.  Over a third of survey respondents expect to purchase another scanning device within the next year.   “The study showed an increasing awareness of document scanning technology and a growing understanding of the benefits these solutions can provide,” said Susan Moyse, an Industry Consultant at InfoTrends Research Group. “Nevertheless, an important issue for vendors to consider is the level of diversity found throughout the business market. A wide range of needs, expectations, and buying habits will require vendors to use targeted strategies to be successful in the future of this market. ”   The research confirmed that business environments employ a wide range of scanners, including standalone personal devices, digital copier/multifunction peripherals, and production-oriented document scanners.   Scanners are used in many different departments, including publishing/graphics, records management, sales/marketing, operations, accounting, human resources, customer service, and mailrooms. Survey respondents also reported purchasing scanners from a variety of sources, such as value added resellers (VARs), direct from the manufacturer, or from office superstores (i.e. Office Max, Office Depot). The new end user analysis report from InfoTrends Research Group is entitled “2002 Document Scanning End User Survey: Understanding Scanning Usage in Corporations” and takes a step toward diagramming the corporate use of scanners. The report profiles scanner usage within organizations today, in addition to uncovering needs and expectations for future document capture solutions. The analysis report is available immediately and includes the data tabulations.    About InfoTrends Research Group InfoTrends Research Group, Inc. (www.infotrends-rgi.com) is the leading market research and consulting firm for digital imaging technologies and markets.  With the largest number of analysts dedicated solely to digital imaging, InfoTrends offers the most focused coverage of this rapidly evolving market.  InfoTrends helps its worldwide clientele improve the effectiveness of their strategic planning by providing valuable tools for intelligent decision-making, including forecasts, end user research, product analysis, and market trend tracking.  Research is available through standalone reports, custom consulting, and through the following subscription advisory services: Digital Photography Trends(TM), Internet Imaging Trends(TM), and Image Scanning Trends(TM), available in online format.  InfoTrends is committed to promoting market growth and development through its press and media events for the digital imaging industry, and through its industry conferences.  InfoTrends is a member of the CAP Ventures family (www.capv.com), a worldwide strategic consulting firm for providers and users of business communication technologies and services