Canon U.S.A. Introduces the ColorPASS-Z90 for Its Production Level Color Laser Copier/Printers.

Business & Technology Editors

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 27, 2000

New Print Controller for the CLC 2400 and CLC 1000 Features Dual Pentium III 500 Mhz Processors and an 18.2 GB Hard Drive for the Power

Color User

Canon U.S.A., Inc., the company whose imaging solutions give people Know How, announced today the immediate availability of the ColorPASS-Z90 print controller for its production-level CLC 2400 and CLC 1000 color laser copier/printers. The new controller, developed for Canon by Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (NASDAQ: EFII), contains dual Intel Pentium III 500 MHz processors and an 18.2 GB Hard Drive, raising the standard as the most powerful Canon color driven solution available.

Intended for use in demanding high-end graphic arts, prepress, print-for pay, and in-house corporate production environments, the ColorPASS-Z90 features a new motherboard architecture, resident Windows NT, enhanced color accuracy and management, and file compression technology that significantly improves overall productivity. Known as PowerWise Architecture, the standard configuration of the unit also includes 512MB SDRAM, and an internal CD-ROM and Zip drive.

"With its incredible speed and advanced features, the new ColorPASS-Z90 gives the power and control to meet the needs of the most demanding users," said Mason Olds, director and general manager of Graphic Systems Division, Canon U.S.A. Imaging Systems Group. "All power color applications, from high-end graphics arts to print-for-pay and in-house corporate reprographic users, will notice the dramatic new performance standard we are setting."

"The ColorPASS-Z90 epitomizes the strength of Canon and EFI developed solutions in addressing the ever-increasing needs of our color customers," said Jim Vickers, vice president of sales, Electronics for Imaging, Inc. "We are confident Canon's first-to-market delivery of this powerful solution will set a precedent for others to follow," he added.

For ease of programming and integration, the ColorPASS-Z90 features NetWise 2.0, which performs automatic TCP/IP configuration, IPX Auto Frame Type, Point and Print for Windows and Plug and Print for Windows; Fiery Driver for real-time, two-way communication to a complete suite of intuitive printer drivers; and Fiery Link software for remote printer management capabilities such as end user monitoring of print jobs and levels of consumables.

The new ColorPASS-Z90's interface is consistent with legacy Canon ColorPASS systems, promoting greater enterprise coherence, and the significant reduction of learning curves and training periods for LAN administrators, MIS, and end users on the network in adapting to new systems. The optional Advanced Controller Interface Kit, including a flat panel monitor, keyboard, and mouse, provides a single directly connected, centralized location for Canon CLC device installation, setup, and operation.

Canon's new ColorWise 2.0 color management system allows downloading of ICC and custom profiles and simulations to perfectly match the calibration of monitors, scanners, or other output devices. Raster image processor (RIP) performance is also improved by use of ECT file compression technology, which totally compresses large files without the loss of any data.

As a means of improving document creation and workflow using Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), the ColorPASS-Z90 comes standard with a single user license of DocBuilder Pro imposition software, which allows a user to edit and assemble entire documents on the unit prior to sending them for processing or "to the RIP". For the novice or expert user, layouts for the production of catalogs, booklets, brochures, magazines, or custom bound documents is facilitated.

Additional DocBuilder Pro user licenses are available as optional.

The ColorPASS-Z90 is available today through authorized Canon dealers and subsidiaries with a suggested retail price of $43,720. Optional 3 user licenses of DocBuilder Pro are available at a suggested retail price of $7,950, with 7 user licenses available at a suggested retail price of $16,500. The Advanced Controller Interface Kit has a suggested retail price of $2,995.

The Canon CLC 2400 and CLC 1000 deliver unsurpassed image quality and document productivity at 24 pages-per-minute (ppm) and 31 ppm, respectively. Available through authorized Canon dealers and subsidiaries, the CLC 2400 has a base suggested retail price of $54,950, and the CLC 1000 has a base suggested retail price of $80,900.

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.

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