Compaq Announces NPS40a Networked Printer Server for Xerox High-Speed Color Engines; Solution Offers Superior Color Quality, Color Matching and Throughput.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 22, 1998--

Editors' Summary

-- First Harlequin RIP Software for Xerox DocuColor 40 Pro

-- First DocuColor(TM) 40 Pro to run Windows NT 

-- Superior color fidelity through Harlequin ICC Profile 

Processor and built-in color calibration controls

-- High throughput plus workflow and file format flexibility

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) today announced a major enhancement for on-demand digital color printing. Its new NPS40a Networked Printer Server system for the Xerox(R) DocuColor(TM) 40 Pro color printer is the first digital front end for a DocuColor 40 Pro to incorporate a Harlequin(R) ScriptWorks(R) software-based Raster Image Processor (RIP) and the Harlequin ICC Profile Processor(TM) (HIPP). The resulting system provides superior color quality, color matching, and printing throughput. The NPS40a connects with the DocuColor 40 Pro through a high-speed interface developed by Compaq's OEM Business Group.

Compaq's Alpha-based NPS40a, which accepts and schedules jobs for the DocuColor(TM) 40 Pro, is the only server to run the Windows NT operating system. Windows NT provides a seamless connection to heterogeneous environments, Windows, Macintosh, OpenVMS, UNIX and NT Servers, TCP IP, net Beux, and AppleTalk networks. The server includes printer control software for page pipeline processing within the Xerox engine and a new network-based printer monitoring software package for remote monitoring and management of an unattended printer.

The NPS40a is the first member of a product family designed to handle a wide variety of high-speed color printers. The family will be implemented from standard components, allowing fast time to market and servicing in locations worldwide.

The NPS40a is intended for use by commercial printers, corporate in-plant printers, quick printers, copy shops, ad agencies, design firms, direct mail shops, and service bureaus to provide their customers with color proofing and short-run color printing. It is also designed as an unattended color print server for office environments and educational institutions. Technology Enhancements

Major enhancements to current technology include the industry-leading Harlequin RIP technology with support for native PDF, PostScript(R), EPS, and TIFF 6; improved color quality and color management; faster throughput (matching engine speed); and workflow flexibility. The NPS40a provides greater interconnectivity, remote network access, and print services. The Compaq hardware interface allows the server to drive the engine at rated speed, while the new Web-based browser enables remote management of the printer. Benefits for OEMs, Customers

Compaq's NPS40a print server will be sold by OEM customers who service printing, pre-press and related industries. The ability to purchase this complete solution from Compaq frees OEMs from having to develop their own controllers.

"We are very excited to have Compaq as an OEM after many years of successful association as one of our publishing partners," says Jo Marks, Chairman of Harlequin. "Not only is ScriptWorks optimized for the Alpha platform but we think the pairing of the two brings some distinct advantages to the field of on demand digital color printing. We look forward to the positive reaction of the marketplace as it reaps benefits from the color quality, process control and productivity advances this solution offers."

"Compaq has made an excellent choice in leading-edge technology by partnering with Harlequin and Xerox," said Diane McGarry, vice president and general manager, Color Solutions Business Unit, Xerox Corporation. "The Xerox DocuColor 40 Pro has set the industry standard for color quality, speed, productivity and operating reliability. We are very pleased that, through Compaq OEM channels, more customers will be able to communicate in color."

The NPS40a will be available within 90 days. Company Background

Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a Fortune Global 100 company. Compaq is the second largest computer company in the world and the largest global supplier of personal computers. Compaq develops and markets hardware, software, solutions and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, networking and communication products, commercial desktop and portable products and consumer PCs. The company is an industry leader in environmentally friendly programs and business practices.

Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products are on the World Wide Web at http://www.compaq.com and are available by calling 1-800-OK-COMPAQ. Product information and reseller locations are available by calling 1-800-345-1518.

Compaq, Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Harlequin and ScriptWorks are registered trademarks and Harlequin ICC Profile Processor and HIPP are trademarks of Harlequin Group plc. PostScript is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated. Other brand and product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.