01732 759725 40 More key industry players share their thoughts on what 2026 will hold for the print and IT sectors Print predictions - part two VOX POP continued... Stu Brookes, EMEA Regional Lead and Head of Sales & Channel, PaperCut: With the EOL of Windows 10, we predict a large number of computers to be replaced with new hardware which will accelerate the adoption of ARM64 computers with a heavy focus on integrated AI functionality. Unless a big security event happens, we predict that Windows Protected Print (WPP) adoption will continue to be slow during 2026. Currently, less than 2% of our customers have tried WPP, and over 70% of those who have tried it have only enabled it on a single computer We’ll see more manufacturers create ARM printer drivers instead of relying only on the future direction of PSAs. Zero trust will continue to be a hot topic as organisations will become less tolerant of accepting print solutions and printers that are not aligned to their zero trust network requirements. The switch to cloud will be the norm, not the exception. The battle between Microsoft, Google and Apple for device market share in 2026 will be fierce. I’ll avoid sharing my personal opinion about the winner for 2026. Print queue deployment will become a major selling opportunity. AI will bring new capability to MFDs, bringing new scan capability via cloud integration such as document analysis and translations, along with document security and print job content analysis for data classification. AI will also be used in device management enabling predictive service and error management and automation of error management on MFDs. www.papercut.com Tony Pullin, Partner Manager, iTS: As we move into 2026, the print solutions industry continues to be reshaped by the realities of hybrid working – with shrinking print volumes, cloud-first IT strategies and evolving hardware, leading the way. Businesses will be seeking ways to simplify print management across distributed environments, reduce their IT overhead while also ensuring seamless user experiences. The imminent arrival of Microsoft’s Modern Print Platform (MPP) and Windows Protected Print Mode (WPP) offers enhanced security but may also present challenges such as limited device compatibility, reduced support for advanced driver features and the potential for disruption during system migration. These hurdles highlight the importance of choosing adaptable solutions that balance innovation with reliability. Smart, integrated, cloud-based solutions already offer centralised control, improved security and compatibility with modern devices, including those powered by ARM64 processors, which are beginning to change the hardware landscape and introduce new driver-based challenges. In 2026, traditional managed print suppliers will continue to evolve by adding additional services to remain competitive. IT managed services providers and system integrators will also play a growing role in print solutions, with their expertise in helping businesses design print ecosystems that align with broader digital strategies, hybrid workforces and compliance requirements, proving invaluable. I can see the convergence of print and IT accelerating in 2026 and beyond and success will depend on the ability to deliver solutions that are secure, cloud-native (on the whole) and built for modern working environments. In my opinion, the need for businesses delivering flexible, secure, scalable and cost-effective print solutions has never been greater. In 2026 (as in 2025), the print solutions business will no longer be just about devices, it’s about delivering intelligent, integrated solutions that support the way people work today and tomorrow. Organisations that embrace these changes and the opportunities they bring will be in the best position to thrive in 2026 and beyond. www.its-group.com Tony Pullin Stu Brookes
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