XEROX-REVISED
XEROX-REVISED
Submitted by:
Mallorca, Cherryl A.
Submitted to:
December, 2024
INTRODUCTION
Xerox Corporation, a global leader in document management and business solutions, has pioneered
printing and imaging technology development. Founded in 1906 as the Haloid Photographic Company,
Xerox revolutionized how businesses operated with the invention of the first plain-paper photocopier in
1959, the Xerox 914. This Innovation transformed office productivity and established the company as a
household name.
Over the years, Xerox has diversified its portfolio to include cutting-edge digital printing, document
management software, and IT services, catering to businesses of all sizes across the globe. The
company remains committed to fostering Innovation, sustainability, and Excellence, ensuring it stays at
This term paper explores Xerox's rich history, including its groundbreaking innovations and the evolution
of its business strategies. It also delves into the challenges that led to periods of failure, analyzing key
factors such as market competition, mismanagement, and strategic missteps. Additionally, the study
evaluates how Xerox adapted its strategies to maintain relevance and regain market share in a rapidly
evolving industry by applying certain strategies. By examining these aspects, this paper aims to provide
insights into the lessons that can be learned from Xerox's journey, offering valuable perspectives on
Company Profile
Xerox Corporation is a globally recognized leader in workplace and document management solutions.
Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, the company operates across multiple sectors, including printing
technology, digital services, and IT solutions. Founded in 1906 as The Haloid Photographic Company,
Xerox initially focused on manufacturing photographic paper and equipment. Over the years, it has
become synonymous with Innovation in office technology, famously introducing the first plain-paper
Xerox began by focusing on photographic paper and supplies, but by the mid-20th century, it pivoted
towards xerography, revolutionizing the photocopying industry. In the 1970s, Xerox made another major
leap by founding the Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), a hub for groundbreaking innovations such as
the graphical user interface, Ethernet, and laser printing. However, despite these technological
successfully. The company's decline was further exacerbated by strategic and managerial errors,
particularly in its approach to emerging technologies and competition in the computer market, leading to
Printing Solutions. Advanced digital printing systems, multifunction printers, and production printing
technologies. Managed IT Services and cybersecurity. IT infrastructure management and robotic process
automation.Global Business Services, the company is focusing on improving internal efficiency and
Global Presence
Operating in over 160 countries, Xerox provides solutions to diverse sectors, including healthcare,
government, and financial services. Its broad reach allows the company to deliver impactful solutions
globally.
PRODUCTS/SERVICES OF XEROX THAT FAILED IN THE MARKET
The Xerox Star was the first personal computer to feature a graphical user interface (GUI), a mouse, and
The Star was priced at a staggering $16,000, making it inaccessible to most businesses and consumers.
Competitors like IBM introduced personal computers for $1,600, offering similar utility at a fraction of the
price. Moreover, Xerox failed to market the product effectively and did not capitalize on the
groundbreaking potential of the GUI, leaving companies like Apple and Microsoft to dominate this space.
Laser Printers
Xerox pioneered laser printing technology, which could have been a cornerstone for its business. Xerox
did not aggressively market its laser printers or build suitable sales channels. The company focused on
selling high-margin, high-cost products, while competitors like Hewlett-Packard entered the market with
affordable laser printers such as the LaserJet. HP’s strategy captured market share rapidly, leaving Xerox
behind.
These were revolutionary technologies developed by Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center (PARC).
Ethernet became a standard for networking, and the graphical user interface revolutionized computer
interaction. Xerox lacked the strategic foresight to commercialize these innovations. The company
allowed competitors like Apple, Microsoft, and HP to capitalize on these technologies. For instance, Steve
Jobs famously visited PARC and implemented the GUI in Apple products, cementing Apple’s dominance
in the market.
Xerox Business Services (1990s)
Xerox expanded into non-core areas such as financial services, insurance, and business process
outsourcing, aiming to diversify its revenue streams. These ventures were a significant departure from
Xerox's core business of document solutions. The company lacked expertise and struggled to manage
The Five Forces Model, developed by Michael Porter, is a framework used to analyze the competitive
forces within an industry. Here is an analysis of Xerox's competitive environment using the Five Forces
Xerox faced intense competition in the document management industry. Major competitors of Xerox
include Canon, HP, Ricoh, Konica Minolta, and many more. Xerox provides a large selection of products
and services they want. Also, competitors offer something similar. This results in price competition and
aggressive marketing strategies. Xerox must concentrate on Innovation to stay competitive, especially
Xerox relied heavily on specialized components like toner, hardware parts, and software, making it
dependent on a network of expert suppliers. These components were essential for manufacturing
high-end copiers, printers, and digital solutions. Suppliers of licensed technologies often held significant
leverage, enabling them to charge higher prices, which could impact Xerox's profit margins. While Xerox
managed this dependency through its size, strategic alliances, and investments in Innovation, its efforts to
Competitors like Canon and Ricoh developed leaner, more cost-effective supply chains, allowing them to
reduce costs and maintain consistent quality. This gave them a competitive edge over Xerox, whose
weaker supply chain strategies left it more vulnerable. Moving forward, Xerox's focus on maintaining
strong supplier relationships and reducing risks through strategic investments in Innovation remains
Buyers in Xerox's markets, both individual consumers and businesses, had substantial bargaining power
due to the availability of alternatives. With companies like Canon and Ricoh offering cheaper, more
efficient options, customers were no longer tied to Xerox. Additionally, as businesses shifted to digital
solutions, the need for traditional copiers and printers decreased, further diminishing Xerox’s leverage.
The digital revolution significantly increased the threat of substitutes for Xerox's traditional products.
Cloud-based document management systems and electronic communication tools replaced physical
printing and copying. The trend toward paperless offices reduced the demand for Xerox's core offerings,
Nevertheless, Xerox has counteracted this by expanding into digital transformation services and IT
Xerox initially enjoyed a dominant position in the copier industry, protected by its patents on xerography
technology. These patents created high barriers to entry, preventing competitors from entering the market
and helping Xerox establish its dominance. However, when these patents expired, the barriers to entry
significantly lowered. This allowed competitors like Canon and Ricoh to enter the market with more
affordable and efficient products, eroding Xerox’s market share. Additionally, Xerox’s inability to capitalize
on its groundbreaking innovations, such as those developed at its Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), left
APPLICATION OF 7Ps
Product
Multifunction devices (MFDs), copiers, printers, and document management systems are just a
few of the items that Xerox provides to cater to the needs of companies of all sizes. Their
products serve office settings, production printing, and digital document management. Apart from
hardware, Xerox offers software solutions that assist businesses in streamlining operations and
automating procedures. Xerox wants to assist businesses in increasing productivity and efficiency
by concentrating on producing printing devices that are high-quality, dependable, and adaptable,
Price
Utilizing a value-based pricing approach, Xerox places its goods in the middle to upper price
range, contingent on the particular product and service level. This strategy considers the value
provided while guaranteeing that clients receive top-notch solutions. Particularly for printing
services, Xerox provides a range of pricing methods, including cost-per-page pricing, to meet
various corporate demands. The organization employs subscription models for managed print
services, which provide enterprises with adaptable and expandable choices. Companies can
avoid significant upfront expenditures by leasing more expensive equipment from Xerox. Custom
pricing is also offered for large businesses or particular industries, providing solutions suited to
particular needs. For customers who need several machines or long-term service agreements,
Xerox offers volume-based discounts to serve larger enterprises better. This ensures
Place
Xerox has a strong global presence, operating in over 160 countries, allowing the company to
reach a diverse customer base across developed and emerging markets (Xerox, 2023). Xerox
can efficiently distribute its products worldwide by utilizing a network of authorized resellers and
retailers to serve small enterprises and individual consumers, in addition to direct sales forces
aimed at major corporations. Customers who want to buy online can also use the company's
handy e-commerce option. Xerox maintains a strong presence worldwide by ensuring its products
Promotion
Xerox effectively combines digital and traditional marketing techniques to sell its goods and
services. To reach a wide audience, the company advertises through various platforms, such as
print ads, trade exhibitions, internet media, and trade journals, by creating whitepapers, case
studies, and blog entries that illustrate how its solutions can solve corporate problems, particularly
document management and workflow automation. Xerox also makes use of content marketing. To
draw clients, Xerox discounts equipment upgrades, bundled service packages, and seasonal
promotions. Additionally, the company sponsors conferences and business-related events and
forms strategic alliances with other tech companies to increase brand awareness.
People
The people component of Xerox's operations prioritizes its workers and clients, acknowledging
the value of knowledgeable staff and solid client connections. To guarantee high levels of
professionalism and experience, the organization makes training investments in its staff,
especially for those in customer-facing positions like sales and service. In order to deliver prompt
assistance, Xerox prioritizes customer support and provides a variety of support channels, such
as phone, online chat, and remote troubleshooting. Furthermore, Xerox depends on its
technicians, advisors, and salesmen as brand ambassadors who are essential in informing clients
about the advantages of its goods and services and guaranteeing that they get the ideal answers
Process
The procedure used by Xerox is made to provide customers with smooth and effective
experiences in both purchase and service delivery. The business uses an organized sales
process, starting with preliminary questions and progressing to solution customization to satisfy
particular client requirements. Xerox uses cutting-edge production processes to guarantee that its
products are long-lasting, high-quality, and energy-efficient. Additionally, the business has built
procedures for maintaining and repairing devices, from routine toner replacements to remote
always refining its procedures. For example, it has integrated automation and artificial intelligence
(AI) into its document management systems to increase efficacy and efficiency.
Physical Evidence
The tangible components that support Xerox's brand and product line are physical evidence. In
order to establish a consistent brand identity, the company's unique branding, including its logo,
colours, and messaging, is widely used on its packaging, websites, marketing materials, and
goods. Additionally, Xerox keeps branded showrooms and offices where clients may try and
experience its products directly. The gadgets' elegant and practical designs reflect the company's
dedication to quality and user experience. Furthermore, the physical state of Xerox's devices,
including their ease of use and maintenance, as well as its websites, product brochures, service
touchpoints, and other customer connection channels, all demonstrate the brand's dependability
and quality.
APPLICATION OF PESTLE
Political Factors
Stability- Currently, Xerox operates in regions with political instability due to internal and external
conflicts. If the company understands and manages these issues well, it may have difficulty
achieving its growth goals. This could also make management hesitant to invest in new projects
Transparency- Xerox faces challenges due to corruption and a lack of transparency linked to
political instability. Because of corruption, dishonest practices are becoming more common, and
important activities like licensing and contracting have become harder. Law enforcement is
weaker, which reduces trust in businesses and the government. The rise in bureaucratic
corruption is slowing economic growth, leading to fewer opportunities for companies like Xerox.
Trade Policies - for Xerox, trade policies play a critical role in determining where it can expand its
business internationally. As trade agreements become more flexible or free, it becomes easier for
companies like Xerox to enter new markets. The region being considered for expansion is
currently making it easier for foreign businesses by reducing trade restrictions, which boosts its
appeal as a destination for Xerox's international growth. This change in trade regulations creates
better conditions for Xerox to expand operations and increase its market share in that region.
Economic Factors
Economic growth rate - when Xerox decides to expand into new countries, it needs to consider
how fast the economy in those countries is growing. Countries with a high growth rate offer more
chances for long-term success. On the other hand, countries with slow economic growth may
lead consumers to be more careful with their spending, which could affect how much Xerox
earns. A strong economy helps businesses grow, while a weak economy can make people spend
Inflation - rising inflation can negatively affect Xerox's revenue because it reduces the purchasing
power of money. As inflation increases, people and businesses are less likely to spend on
products and services, which can lead to lower sales for Xerox. In simpler terms, when prices go
up and money does not stretch as far, consumers tend to spend less, which can hurt a company's
Demand and supply labour- Xerox's success depends greatly on having a skilled workforce. The
company needs to understand the demand and supply of labour—meaning, how many skilled
workers are available and how easy it is to hire them. If the labour market is tough or if workers'
unions are very strong, it could create problems. For example, unions might demand higher
wages or even strike, which could disrupt production. Therefore, Xerox needs to monitor labour
market trends and adjust its hiring and talent management strategies to ensure it has the skilled
Social Factors
people have more money to spend and want to improve their lifestyles, it creates growth
opportunities for Xerox. It is easier for the company to introduce new products to customers
willing to spend more, leading to higher revenue. However, modern consumers are becoming
more demanding, so Xerox must pay attention to their spending habits and preferences. This will
Social Equality - Social Equality, or how society is divided into different social classes, affects
Xerox's business strategies, especially in marketing and managing employees. In countries with a
strong respect for hierarchy (where some people have more power and influence than others),
Xerox's business culture should fit with that by having a clear and formal structure in the
workplace.
strategy. A high population growth and a rising number of young people are good signs for Xerox
Technological Innovation - technological innovations play a big role in shaping markets and
industries. For Xerox, staying updated on emerging technology trends can help the company
develop new products, understand how long products will last, and identify what features
consumers like most. By looking at how people feel about new digital technologies, Xerox can
determine if moving to e-commerce (selling online) is better than opening physical stores.
Research and Development - research and development (R&D) is a key factor for Xerox's growth
and ability to innovate. By focusing on R&D, Xerox can create solutions that meet consumer
needs and stay competitive. However, the company needs to ensure that it fully understands how
emerging technologies can benefit its customers and drive business success. In markets where
disruptive technologies are a factor, Xerox must make significant investments in R&D. The
company needs to remember that these investments take time and do not necessarily lead to
Technological Infrastructure - Xerox should focus on expanding into countries with strong
technological infrastructure. When a country has a solid tech infrastructure, it makes it easier for
Xerox to cut costs, innovate, and create value. However, a well-developed tech infrastructure also
means that competitors can easily copy Xerox’s technological advances, which could make it
Legal Factors
Employment laws - For Xerox, it is important to ensure that their work environment meets safety
standards and that direct and indirect discrimination is avoided. This is not just about legal
compliance but about building a strong employer brand that attracts and retains talented workers.
A reputation for treating employees fairly can help Xerox compete in the "war for talent", as skilled
workers are in high demand. In simpler terms, Xerox must ensure its workplaces follow local
worker rights, safety, and fairness laws. By doing so, they can attract and keep the best
Consumer Protection laws - in the digital age, consumer privacy laws are especially strict, and
businesses like Xerox must follow these rules closely when handling online transactions to avoid
legal trouble. Xerox must make sure it follows all rules that protect consumers, including rules on
privacy, refunds, and pricing, to avoid legal problems and maintain customer trust.
Intellectual Property laws - intellectual property laws protect businesses like Xerox by ensuring
that their inventions, trademarks, and patents are safe from being copied by others. This
protection helps Xerox maintain a competitive edge in the market because others cannot easily
imitate its innovations. By following these laws, Xerox can secure its ideas and products, allowing
Environmental Factors
businesses like Xerox are under pressure to reduce their environmental impact. To meet these
regulations, Xerox should focus on responsible production, encourage eco-friendly habits among
its customers, and work on improving its image as a sustainable brand. By following
environmental laws and reducing harm to the planet, Xerox can avoid negative publicity and
operates have the technology and infrastructure to support renewable energy. Some
governments offer subsidies or financial incentives for businesses to switch to renewable energy,
which could help Xerox invest in these sources and meet its sustainability goals. This would allow
the company to be more environmentally responsible and save on long-term energy costs.
Industry Norms for Recycling, Waste Management, and Resource Use - in many regions,
industries are adopting the principles of a circular economy, which focuses on recycling materials
and reusing resources to minimize waste. Some countries have strong systems to make recycling
easier, and sometimes, consumers are even involved in the process. Xerox can exploit these
trends by focusing on recycling, reducing waste, and optimizing resource use. It helps the
environment but also lowers Xerox's production costs by using materials better. In simple terms,
Xerox should look into using renewable energy and take advantage of recycling practices to help
Xerox's rise as an innovator in the photocopying industry was unmatched, but its decline in the
international market is a cautionary tale of missed opportunities and internal inefficiencies. Despite
groundbreaking innovations and a strong start, Xerox needed help to adapt to changing market dynamics
and technological advancements. Its failure can be analyzed through three critical categories:
organizational, strategic, and management shortcomings. Each was pivotal in limiting Xerox's ability to
significant role in its failure to adapt and compete effectively in international markets. One of
the main issues was the isolation of the Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) from the rest of
the organization. PARC produced groundbreaking technologies, such as the graphical user
interface and the computer mouse, but these innovations needed to be connected to Xerox's
core operations. This lack of integration prevented PARC's ideas from being effectively
Additionally, Xerox suffered from a rigid corporate culture that resisted change and focused on
preserving traditional business methods. This "non-adaptive" culture made it difficult for the
company to respond to rapidly evolving markets and technologies. Rather than embracing
Innovation and transformation, Xerox prioritized short-term stability, which hindered its ability
The need for more alignment between its sales-driven approach and research-focused
divisions further weakened the company. Xerox's sales teams prioritized xerography
products, often overlooking the potential of digital innovations developed at PARC. This
internal conflict created barriers to leveraging its advanced technologies in new markets.
2. Strategic Failure - Xerox made a critical error by acquiring Scientific Data Systems (SDS) at
a steep cost, intending to break into the computer market and compete with IBM. However,
this acquisition needed to be better aligned with Xerox's vision of becoming a leader in digital
communications. SDS's niche market and operations were incompatible with Xerox's existing
technology base, and the acquisition resulted in significant financial losses. The inability to
integrate SDS's operations with Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) further weakened
Another failure was Xerox’s hesitance to commercialize its groundbreaking innovations. For
instance, the company developed the graphical user interface and the personal computer at
PARC, but management feared these technologies would cannibalize copier sales.
Consequently, competitors like Apple and HP capitalized on these ideas and captured the
market, leaving Xerox behind. Similarly, Xerox invented the laser printer but failed to
dominate this market, allowing HP to emerge as the leader due to better execution and
strategy.
Xerox also should have paid more attention to the lower-end copier market, leaving it
vulnerable to competitors like Canon and Ricoh, who introduced cheaper, more efficient
alternatives. This oversight eroded Xerox's dominance in its core business. Additionally,
Xerox's reluctance to transition from analogue to digital products during the early stages of
the digital revolution further diminished its market position. The company's overreliance on its
traditional printing business while ignoring the shift toward digital and cloud-based solutions
Finally, Xerox's focus on short-term financial metrics over long-term strategic goals prevented
limited its ability to compete effectively as the global market became more technologically
driven.
3. Management Failure - Xerox’s leadership made several key mistakes that contributed to its
decline in the international market. First, the company’s managers were too focused on
short-term profits and avoided taking risks. This meant they rejected innovative ideas, like
those from the Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), such as the graphical user interface and
personal computers. They feared these technologies would hurt copier sales, so competitors
like Apple and HP took advantage of Xerox's unused ideas and dominated new markets.
Leadership was also divided, with some pushing for bold innovations while others stuck to
traditional, safe strategies. For example, decisions about new products were moved from
visionary leaders like Jack Goldman to managers focused only on costs and market data.
This shift stopped Xerox from fully using PARC's advanced technologies, like the laser printer,
Another mistake was poor financial management. Xerox spent much money acquiring
companies like Scientific Data Systems (SDS), which did not need to match its goals. These
acquisitions drained resources without bringing real benefits. Additionally, the company did
not need to adapt to changes in the market, such as the rise of digital technology.
Competitors like Canon and Ricoh embraced new trends, like cloud-based services, while
Lastly, Xerox became too dependent on its success with copiers, falling into a "competency
trap." This means they were so good at one thing that they ignored other innovation
opportunities. Xerox could not compete in a rapidly changing world by not investing enough in
RECOMMENDATION
Xerox must take concrete steps to regain its competitive edge and avoid past failures. First, it needs to
improve the commercialization of its innovations. Historically, technologies like the graphical user
interface and Ethernet developed at its Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), were not effectively brought to
market. To address this, Xerox should create a dedicated team to bridge the gap between Innovation and
commercialization, ensuring its technologies are accessible, affordable, and widely marketed.
Partnerships with leading technology firms can accelerate product launches and help Xerox capture
Additionally, Xerox should diversify its offerings beyond traditional printing and copying products to adapt
to the digital era. By expanding its digital transformation and IT services, Xerox can position itself as a
cloud-based document management and workflow automation leader. Investing in software development
and emphasizing sustainability—through energy-efficient products and recycling programs—can further
Xerox must foster better integration between its research and development divisions, such as PARC, and
its core business to resolve internal organisational issues. Streamlining operations can ensure that
innovations are better aligned with market demands. Enhancing collaboration between sales and R&D
teams will also help prioritize forward-looking products over short-term sales objectives.
Lastly, Xerox should focus on strengthening its customer base by investing in marketing strategies and
modernizing its supply chain to improve cost efficiency. By implementing these changes, Xerox can
rebuild its reputation, attract new markets, and adapt to an ever-changing industry landscape.
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