It isn't often these days that any technology will grow at an 8% annual  rate between now and 2007, but that's exactly what will happen with bar code printers, says the research firm VDC.

Analyst Taylor Smith says 'that increased work force mobility and direct part marking/coding applications will provide growth opportunities' through 2007. 'In addition, compliance standards such as the U.S. FDA's unit-of-use regulation will drive growth.'

Leading technology advances that will play a role in strong demand for these printers include online data validation, extended connectivity and radio frequency identification. See the story (Print this!) for details.