Explains Ashley Dugmore, MD at Printer Distribution Company (PDC): "To many companies a cheaper printer may initially seem compelling, yet in the long run this decision can result in a substantially higher total cost of ownership (TCO), especially in high-volume environments where invoices or graphic intensive printing in PDF format can cost a proverbial arm and leg. PDC understands these challenges, and is making available two cost-effective alternatives to laser printing - industrial-strength, low TCO line matrix printers that are Microsoft Windows-compatible."

Companies have realised the benefits of line matrix printers as they deliver the lowest cost per page, are robust and endlessly reliability, he adds.

"Dedicated to printing from a Windows environment, the P7000HD offers a much more cost-effective alternative to traditional laser printing from a Windows application," says Dugmore, "while the P7000ZT is designed for 'on demand' printing applications where rapid 'tear off' of printed forms is required without wastage."

One of the advantages of line matrix printers is their ability to print additional copies on multiple-part paper for applications such as invoicing, he adds. Generally, two or three copies of an invoice are required: one for accounts, one for the customer and another for proof of delivery (POD). The cost of printing per page on a laser printer can be up to 10 cents per page.

Multiply this by three pages and the cost for three copies of a single invoice is increased to 30 cents. In contrast, the cost per page of a line matrix printer is less than one cent per page. The saving on one invoice that requires three copies is thus in the region of 29 cents, Dugmore claims. If multiplied by the number of invoices and statements printed per month, this could result in significant annual savings, he adds.

Dugmore adds: "Another driver is the increasing requirement to print documents that are in a PDF format. This is further driven by the requirement by companies to have documents that are 'secure' - ie, cannot be modified or tampered with. Printing these documents, which often include graphics, on a line matrix printer is generally not the best solution. However, not so with Printronix's P700HD.  It delivers excellent print quality at significant speeds and cost savings."

Printronix's P7000HD printer is said to be ideal for the financial offices of large organisations and vertical markets such as insurance, banking and transportation, or logistics companies that need to print waybills. In these environments 180 dots per inch (dpi) is sufficient as the required print quality of an invoice is not the same for, perhaps, a document used for a new business presentation, or a photo.