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In a product launch that is unprecedented in scope and size, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) is unveiling its largest line of multifunctional peripherals (MFPs) copier and printers ever at its National Dealer Meeting. The new line features 18 different A4 MFP and printer products designed to meet the needs of small and medium workgroups and bring the superior performance of Sharp technology closer to the end-user. The line will roll out over a period of six months and feature a contemporary, clean design that will change the way people think of MFPs.
“Sharp is one of the only companies to bring experience with enterprise-level solutions directly to the workgroup,” said Ed McLaughlin, President, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America. “With enhanced levels of networking and security, as well as a stylish new design, this new line will thrust the A4 space in to a new frontier –the center of activity in every office.”
The new MFP models are designed with brilliant Sharp displays: an 8.5 inch (diagonal) WVGA Color Touch panel with thumbnail previewing for easy navigation in IT-oriented workflow intensive environments; each speed is also available with a 4.3 inch (diagonal) Advanced Super View (ASV) color LCD display providing easy navigation for non-workflow, price-sensitive applications.
The new A4 lineup includes both color and monochrome models in a wide range of Segment 3 and 4 speeds. The line will be comprised of the following engine types:
This robust lineup provides Sharp dealers with an MFP or printer that meets their customers’ document printing requirements. To address different approaches to the marketplace, the new line will consist of two series. Models with a MX designation will be available exclusively via authorized Sharp dealers and direct sales while models with the DX designation will also be offered through additional distribution channels.
From Superior Process Comes Superior Product:
Sharp’s new line of A4 MFPs and printers is the product of Sharp’s unique approach to designing and building office products, thinking and acting differently from any other vendor. The company employs a global product development process in which management, business development, R&D, product development, marketing, manufacturing, training and customer service teams all work collaboratively during each stage of the product development process. This gives Sharp a 360-degree view of the MFP market, allowing the company to form a common platform strategy in which the core components of Sharp’s product line are designed, developed and manufactured together. Components, software and processes are engineered to be shared across engine platforms, making Sharp’s products “look and act” similarly across virtually all segments of the market. This makes Sharp workgroup MFPs and printers easier to operate, maintain, and sell. It also gives Sharp the unique ability to launch complete product lines in compressed timeframes.
The culmination of this approach is a line of award winning products universally praised for exceptional reliability and superior performance. Sharp is leveraging this proven formula in its new A4 line, giving it a combination of unique Sharp features and functionality that are not available in any other line in this class. For example, the new line leverages the same next generation multi-tasking MFP controller technology as other Sharp product offerings. This common controller architecture provides a uniform user experience across Sharp’s MFP products, ensuring consistency and enhancing productivity.
Modern, Compact Design:
Sharp has also enhanced the value of the line by paying particular attention to its design. Featuring a stylish, textural exterior, sleek body lines, chrome accents, and a brilliant color display, the line is distinctive yet also blends into a contemporary office setting.
Unlike many other Segment 3 MFPs, which are available only as a console, this entire series is designed to fit in to many environments, from cabinet-top to floor standing. A space-saving and “wingless” inner staple finisher keeps the unit’s profile sleek and compact. In fact, the MFPs in this series have the smallest footprint in their class, meaning that it can fit into spaces others can’t.
Customizable Business Solutions with 3rd Generation Sharp OSA™ Technology:
All MFP models in the series will support the Sharp OSA development platform, turning them into a gateway for document-based business communications by integrating the devices with network-based applications. Sharp OSA technology enables dealers and developers to create a fully networked and customized document solution to meet virtually any business need. With Sharp OSA technology, businesses can securely connect devices with a wide range of enterprise applications, including document management applications, reporting functions and internally developed programs. No other A4 MFP offers this level of connectivity.
Every model supports the new third generation of the Sharp OSA platform and is backward compatible with applications developed on previous Sharp OSA platforms. The newest version of the Sharp OSA platform leverages the widescreen display available on the new generation of Sharp MFPs. Developers will appreciate the flexibility, allowing them to provide easier viewing through advanced controls, as well as play flash clips to enhance the user experience. Users will find that this, especially when coupled with the optional keyboard, will make accessing an application from an MFP a similar experience to using a workstation, minimizing steps and time to complete tasks, and reducing training needs.
The Next Frontier in Remote Access Capabilities:
Sharp developed this series with IT managers in mind, giving the new A4 line remote access capabilities that set a new standard in the industry. Sharp has moved to the next frontier of device management with a new printer administration utility (PAU version 5.0), which incorporates a Remote Front Panel feature that allows an IT administrator to remotely take control of the device’s front panel, giving them the ability to see exactly what the end user is seeing. The IT administrator can remotely change settings, show the user how to perform a function, or diagnose and often rectify problems without deploying a technician to the device. To gain enhanced levels of support, the IT administrator can also grant the service provider permission to perform this function directly from their dealership. This unique MFP capability dramatically reduces unit downtime and service expenses.
The capabilities of PAU version 5.0 are fully integrated into Sharp’s intelligent Device Management (iDVM), which for the dealer, transforms many service support functions from an onsite task to a remote task, leading to enhanced productivity and profitability and reduced costs. In collaboration with MWA Intelligence (MWAi), a leading provider of M2M (machine-to-machine) solutions and tools, iDVM also enables the dealer to automate meter read collection and integrate the data into their ERP system providing an enhanced, streamlined billing process. It also will allow service providers to remotely access service logs, receive real-time service alerts and consumable levels notification, update firmware, and clone device settings, dramatically improving user uptimes and service support levels.
Network Security:
All models in the new series offer Sharp’s advanced, award winning network security suite that can be enhanced through data security kits encrypting document data using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption and secure data erase, which can overwrite the hard drive up to seven times.
These MFPs offer several layers of added security such as IP/MAC address filtering, SSL Encryption, and IPsec (IP Security) protection. They also offer local and network user authentication to ensure only authorized access to the devices. For a broader range of access control options, customers can leverage the Open USB capability available in the third generation of Sharp OSA technology. For example this gives customers the ability to have users log in via a card swipe and the ability to authenticate via Chip/Smart Card (CCID), all without having to embed specific device drivers on the MFP. User accounts can be customized to manage machine usage and related costs by setting limits, for example, on color copying.
For further flexibility, customers can securely store and manage documents on its integrated high-capacity hard disk drive. Models equipped with the 8.5" diagonal color touch panel can also have the ability preview and then select stored PDF files, JPEG images and held fax receptions to be printed.
Best of Breed Supply System:
With an eye towards efficiency Sharp has created a unique best of breed supplies system. Like traditional copier-based MFPs, the product line incorporates a long-life tri-component supplies system consisting of toner, developer and drum units. By utilizing separate components, the life of developer and drums are maximized – up to three times the yield of the typical mono unit consumable. This virtually eliminates downtime needed to replenish supplies, and lowers the cost of ownership for the customer. It also reduces waste, since the drum and developer can be used to the maximum usable life.
Like traditional printer-based products, each supply item is designed to be quickly and easily replaced. No tools are required and each cartridge is color coded and keyed, for simple and quick user replacement with no mess and no downtime. To further reduce downtime and service labor expense, other maintenance items; such as its primary transfer belt, transfer roller, fuser, paper feed rollers and document feed rollers are all designed for quick, tool-free replacement.
Dedicated My Sharp™ Support:
The new models come with My Sharp support, a dedicated Web site that provides 24/7 support and training tools to help maximize the features of the new document systems. Customers visit their personalized My Sharp page to see more than 50 Web demonstrations that walk the user through typical and not-so-typical product usage and service questions. My Sharp also provides online access to user manuals and supply information so customers can get the information they need anytime with a few simple keystrokes.
With the third generation of Sharp OSA technology, customers will be able to access My Sharp right on the MFPs front panel, making it easier than ever before for users to get the most out of these powerful workgroup document systems.
