Canon Multispot DDS 2.0 Offers Greater Workgroup Productivity, Expanded Networking Capabilities and Hardware Support.

Business Editors

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 16, 2000

Integrated Hardware/Software Solution Features Passive Load

Balancing and Simultaneous Support for Multiple Canon Devices

Canon U.S.A., Inc., the company whose imaging solutions give people KNOW HOW, today announced the immediate availability of Version 2.0 of its MultiSpot Document Distribution Software (DDS). As an integrated document management application for Canon fax and digital copier-based multifunction devices, the new upgrade now features even greater workflow productivity and device support for networked small office workgroups.

By bringing conventional standalone facsimile and digital copier office use into the networked imaging arena, MultiSpot DDS 2.0 broadens the basic functionality of Canon LASER CLASS fax machines and imageCLASS black-and-white digital copiers to potentially include networked fax, scan and print capabilities. MultiSpot enables users to transmit outgoing faxes directly from their PCs or scan and then route documents electronically to other users on the network - all without the costs associated with paper use.

Enhancements to MultiSpot DDS 2.0 include:

-- Support for any combination of up to five Canon LASER CLASS 3170 Series, LASER CLASS 9000 Series devices and/or imageCLASS 2210/2220 devices

-- Passive load balancing for concurrent outbound faxing among multiple devices

-- An unlimited user license

-- Inbound faxes can be sent to public, group, and personal folders

-- Enhanced Fax Clerk features for inbound faxes including

print, e-mail, delete, copy, merge, split, and generate distribution log functions

"Version 2.0 leverages the strengths of both LASER CLASS and imageCLASS devices while furthering Canon's leadership as a single source provider in fax-based multifunction solutions," said Tracie Sokol, director and general manager of Canon's Printer and Multifunction Products Division. "Our continuous development of network-centric upgrades for these platforms demonstrates our commitment to protecting the technology investments made by our new and existing customers."

"MultiSpot has helped change many common misperceptions about the future of workgroup, fax-based multifunction devices," said Brian Bissette, editor and publisher of The MFP Report. "By emphasizing direct network connectivity and increased imaging functionality, an upgrade such as Version 2.0 helps dramatically expand the potential of Canon's LASER CLASS fax and black-and-white imageCLASS copier devices," he added.

MultiSpot DDS 2.0 supports LASER CLASS 3175MS/3175/3170 devices with the MultiSpot Network Interface Board II and the Printer Board I, LASER CLASS 9000L/9500S/9000S/9500/ 9000/8500 devices with the MultiSpot Network Printer Option, LASER CLASS 9500MS/9000MS devices with the standard MultiSpot Network Printer Option, and imageCLASS 2210/2220 devices with the MultiSpot Network Printer Option.

Current MultiSpot DDS Version 1.0 customers can receive a free upgrade to Version 2.0 from Canon U.S.A. by submitting two short forms that can be downloaded from www.canonmultispot.com and following online directions.

For new customers, the MultiSpot DDS 2.0 starter package is available through authorized Canon dealers at a suggested retail price of $595 for up to five concurrent users. License upgrades are available at: $595 for five to 20 users; $1,095 for 20 to 100 users; $1,495 for five to 100 users, or $2,495 for five to an unlimited number of users. Unlimited telephone technical support is provided to customers who purchase MultiSpot DDS at no charge by Canon USA for a period of one year from the date of purchase.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. is an industry leader in professional and consumer imaging solutions and, through its parent company, Canon Inc., is a top patent-holder of imaging technologies. The company's comprehensive product line includes networked multifunction devices; digital and analog copiers (color and black and white); printers, scanners, image filing systems, and facsimile machines; camcorders, cameras and lenses; and semiconductor, broadcast and medical equipment. Canon employs 12,000 people at more than 30 facilities throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

All referenced product names are trademarks of their respective owners.