In the world of office technology, few names are as recognisable or as longstanding as Xerox. For decades, Xerox has been almost synonymous with photocopying, to the extent that the brand name was often used as a verb. While the office equipment market has become increasingly competitive, Xerox continues to hold its position as a market leader, thanks to a combination of innovation, reliability and comprehensive customer support.
This article explores why Xerox maintains its leadership in photocopying and print solutions, even as businesses move towards digital-first strategies. It is intended for business owners, IT professionals, office managers and anyone involved in managing or procuring document handling equipment for commercial or institutional use. From technology features to service support, this article provides a detailed overview of what sets Xerox apart in today’s business landscape.
The Xerox Legacy: A Brief Overview
Xerox Corporation began life in 1906 under the name The Haloid Company and revolutionised the office environment in 1959 with the introduction of the Xerox 914, the first plain-paper photocopier. This innovation transformed how documents were shared, copied and managed, and laid the foundation for the modern office.
Today, Xerox is a global company operating in over 160 countries. While photocopying remains central to its product line, the company has grown into a full-service provider of document management, workflow automation and digital transformation services.
What Xerox Offers Today: More Than Just Photocopiers
Although best known for photocopying equipment, Xerox now offers a broad range of solutions, including multifunction printers (MFPs), managed print services (MPS), and cloud-based document software. These offerings are designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs and support hybrid working environments.
Multifunction Printers and Copiers
Modern Xerox devices combine several functions in a single unit. Copying, printing, scanning and faxing are integrated into compact and energy-efficient designs suitable for both small offices and large departments. These multifunction printers are available in colour or monochrome, and support high-volume workloads with features such as fast output speeds, mobile print capabilities and cloud connectivity.
Xerox’s popular MFP ranges include the AltaLink Series for larger teams, the VersaLink Series for small to mid-sized businesses and the PrimeLink Series for light production environments.
Managed Print Services
Xerox is considered a pioneer in Managed Print Services, helping businesses take control of their printing infrastructure. MPS goes beyond supplying devices and consumables. It includes proactive maintenance, real-time monitoring, usage reporting, and sustainability tracking.
This service allows organisations to reduce waste, prevent downtime and make informed decisions based on actual print behaviour. It is especially useful for multi-site companies or those undergoing rapid growth and in need of a scalable, standardised solution.
Digital Workflow and Document Solutions
In addition to hardware, Xerox offers software tools that support digital transformation. DocuShare is an enterprise-level content management system, while Workflow Central provides cloud-based tools for editing, converting and sharing documents securely.
Xerox’s ConnectKey platform turns multifunction printers into smart workplace assistants. Devices equipped with ConnectKey can integrate directly with services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft 365 and OneDrive, making it easier for staff to print, scan or share documents from wherever they are working.
Who Xerox Photocopiers Are For
Xerox’s product and service portfolio is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users. This includes small businesses looking for reliable desktop printers, large enterprises managing multiple locations and public sector organisations where security and compliance are essential.
Print service providers and graphic design firms also turn to Xerox for their production-grade printers, which offer high-resolution output, professional finishing options and dependable performance over long print runs.
Why Xerox Remains a Market Leader
Ongoing Innovation
Xerox has a long track record of investing in research and development. The company’s Palo Alto Research Centre, known as PARC, has been behind many of the innovations we now take for granted, including laser printing and Ethernet networking.
Today, Xerox continues to develop new solutions using artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance technology and remote service tools. These innovations help improve reliability, increase uptime and reduce the burden on in-house IT teams.
Strong Brand Reputation
Decades of reliable performance have made Xerox a trusted name in the UK and internationally. In sectors such as healthcare, education, law and government, Xerox devices are often chosen for their durability, ease of use and strong track record in security.
Procurement professionals value the brand’s stability and long-term commitment to supporting products through updates, parts availability and technical service.
Sustainability Commitments
Xerox has embedded sustainability into its product development and operations. Its devices are designed to meet or exceed Energy Star certification standards and incorporate low-melt toner to reduce energy use.
The company also operates the Green World Alliance programme, which promotes cartridge recycling and the responsible return of used parts. Some Xerox products are built with remanufactured components, reducing environmental impact while maintaining performance.
Comprehensive Product Range
Xerox offers everything from compact desktop printers to production-level machines capable of printing tens of thousands of pages per day. This wide range allows businesses to scale their print capabilities without changing vendors or learning new systems.
Furthermore, devices can be leased, purchased outright or integrated into a managed print contract, giving businesses the flexibility to match procurement to budget and operational needs.
Reliable UK-Based Service and Support
Xerox’s UK support infrastructure is robust, with technical engineers based nationwide and remote support teams available to assist with troubleshooting. Preventative maintenance and service contracts help ensure maximum uptime, and firmware updates can often be applied remotely to keep systems secure and up to date.
Authorised service providers, Document Systems, also provide tailored support and account management for organisations requiring a local, responsive service.
Pros and Cons of Choosing Xerox
Choosing Xerox offers several advantages. These include a reputation for reliability, extensive product choice, advanced security features, and integration with cloud services. Xerox products are well-supported in the UK and backed by a strong supply chain for consumables and parts.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Entry-level models may come at a higher initial cost compared to lesser-known brands, and some advanced features may require training or integration assistance. Additionally, larger devices may not be ideal for businesses with very limited space.
Frequently Asked Questions and Common Misconceptions
One common question is whether Xerox is only suitable for large enterprises. The answer is no. Xerox offers a range of devices specifically aimed at small businesses, including affordable desktop MFPs that still offer robust features.
Another misconception is that Xerox products are difficult to operate. In reality, most modern Xerox printers feature touchscreens, simple menu systems and helpful prompts. The ConnectKey interface is designed to mirror the experience of using a smartphone or tablet, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
Some also question whether Xerox is still relevant in today’s cloud-based workplaces. Far from being outdated, Xerox has adapted its product line to support hybrid working environments, mobile printing and remote document management. This makes Xerox an ideal choice for businesses undergoing digital transformation.
Xerox in the UK: A Strong Market Presence
Xerox maintains a significant presence in the UK, both through its direct operations and its network of accredited partners. These partners provide local support, installation, training and consultancy services, ensuring customers receive a consistent and high-quality experience.
All Xerox devices sold in the UK meet applicable standards for safety, data protection and environmental compliance. Many are designed to support GDPR obligations through built-in security features such as secure print release, encrypted storage and user authentication.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Photocopying with Xerox
As workplaces continue to evolve, so too will the technology that supports them. Xerox is already working on innovations including voice-activated print commands, artificial intelligence that predicts maintenance needs and blockchain-based document verification.
The future of photocopying is not just about making paper copies but about integrating those processes into broader digital workflows. Xerox is well-positioned to help businesses bridge the gap between paper and digital, with secure, connected solutions that grow alongside their needs.
Conclusion: Trusted Today, Ready for Tomorrow
Xerox remains a market leader in photocopying because it has consistently combined technical innovation with practical reliability. Its strong service support, product diversity and commitment to sustainable design make it a preferred choice for businesses across the UK.
Whether your organisation is upgrading a single office printer or redesigning a nationwide print strategy, Xerox offers proven solutions backed by decades of experience and a forward-looking approach to workplace technology.