"Converging Digital Peripherals/Integrated Office Conference '98" Announces Keynote Speakers; Internet, Distribution Channels and Standards Among Key Topics.

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 24, 1998--CAP Ventures and the Multifunction Peripheral Association (MFPA) announce keynote speakers covering critical topics that span all functions of office products productivity at The Converging Digital Peripherals/Integrated Office Conference '98 (CDP/IOC'98) to be held October 13 - 15, 1998 at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston. Senior executives will share their views about the impact of the Internet, new channels for distribution and late breaking significant announcements with attendees.

Kicking off the conference on Tuesday, October 13, 1998 will be Dr. Ira Goldstein, Internet Technology Officer, Hewlett-Packard, and Jeffrey Eid, Senior Director of Adobe Systems. Dr. Goldstein will explore how the Internet will evolve to include agents that facilitate the use of network peripherals including printers and scanner. He will also consider how to administer and upgrade the behavior of these agents via the network in a manner that controls cost and complexity. Adobe will unveil a new technology/product announcement on the theme of a "Paper to Digital Solution." Adobe's exciting new technology will advance the interoperability and functionality of digital copiers, network scanners and MFPs which will measurably enhance jobflow and usability factors as well. In addition, Adobe will announce a significant partner product release embodying this technology.

On Wednesday, October 14, James Firestone, the newly appointed president of the Xerox Channels Group, will explain the transition Xerox has made from light lens to digital and how new digital products will redefine the market spaces it now competes in. Xerox created the Channels Group in 1997 to market its personal and network laser and ink jet printers, multifunctional devices, personal copiers, fax machines and supplies. The Channels Group markets a complete line of digital standalone and networked peripherals through indirect channels such as retail superstores, resellers and dealers. The Xerox Channels Group is an entrepreneurial "company within the company" dedicated to becoming the fastest growing source of personal and networked document solutions sold through indirect channels worldwide.

On the final day of the conference, Mr. Jim Livingston, Group Program Manager, Windows Operating System Division, Microsoft Corporation, will lead an important keynote to discuss how Microsoft sees MFPs as strategic devices in the future. The discussion will focus on how Windows will help reduce the lines between scanning, printing and distributing documents across the Internet. He will lend insight into what is needed from these types of devices, especially as it relates to Microsoft's future releases of the Windows and NT operating systems. Also learn how you can influence Microsoft's future direction supporting MFPs.

CDP/IOC '98 focuses on what's hot in the output device industry: the Internet, distribution channels, and standards. As an attendee, you will learn about what really matters today, and for the future, how to provide and market Internet-centric solutions, how to capitalize on new channels, and how to deliver real value to customers demanding true multifunction environments.

CDP/IOC '98 also provides a forum for key industry leaders to network with individuals who are shaping the future of office automation, providing direction in standards and analyzing what it all means. An exhibition for manufacturers and developers to promote their products and services will further enhance the event's value to participants.

CAP Ventures (www.capv.com) is the leading world-wide strategic consulting and research firm serving the document software, electronic imaging, document management, and digital publishing industries. MFPA (www.mfpa.org) is an industry association established for the promotion and development of multifunction computer peripheral devices and standards. Both organizations previously sponsored separate events. Robert Sostilio, Director of CAP Ventures' Converging Digital Peripherals Consulting Service, and Raymond Lutz, Director of Research and Development for Cognisys, Inc., are the co-chairpersons for CDP/IOC'98.