Digital Copier Introductions Up 73% from 1998 to 1999, New Hardcopy Data Source from Lyra Research Shows.

Business/Technology Editors

NEWTONVILLE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 19, 2000

Web-based Service Delivers Powerful Search Features,

Up-to-Date Specs on Computer Printers, Digital Copiers

The number of new digital copiers released into the market increased 73% from 1998 to 1999 and rivaled the number of general-purpose page printer introductions (180 digital copiers vs. 208 printer), according to data compiled from the Web-based Hardcopy Data Source, a new service from Lyra Research, Inc., the leader in imaging industry market research and consulting.

The new service, launched today, contains the most comprehensive listing of specifications on computer printers and digital copiers available anywhere. The Hardcopy Data Source provides the tools product managers and strategic planners in the hardware and supplies industries need to analyze the fast-changing imaging industry. Users of the new service would quickly discover that:

--Vendors of digital copiers spent nearly twice as much for print advertising ($34 million) than page printer vendors ($17.5 million).

--Of more than 2,100 supplies items introduced in 1999, just over 45 percent were media products, 28 percent were ink jet marking products, and 21 percent were electrophotographic marking products.

Designed for Internet Explorer 4.0 and subsequent versions of the browser, the Hardcopy Data Source is packed with powerful features that enable users to gather, compare, capture, and disseminate information on virtually any printer or digital copier.

--Quick Search allows users to look up items by brand, date, and other criteria.

--Advanced Search enables multiple searches across a number of fields.

--Product Comparison allows clients to easily compare and contrast two leading printer products head-to-head, selecting from more than 75 fields covering the engine and controller, paper handling features, service, marketing, price history, and supplies.

--File Export allows users to export selected information to business applications such as Microsoft Excel. Users can build competitive pricing models, gauge current players/product lines, and help devise an effective business plan.

--Supplies Product Links allow users to match all available OEM supplies to a specific printer or digital copier and to find all machines that use that particular supply.

"The Hardcopy Data Source can make the difference between a successful product line and one that fails to deliver what the marketplace wants and needs," says Doug Sims, Lyra's Vice President of Marketing and Sales. "The features of Hardcopy Data Source allow a product manager to make better decisions about the competitive strengths, weaknesses, and features of any product in development."

The Hardcopy Data Source contains:

--Specifications for nearly every printer introduced since 1991

--Specifications for all new copier/printers and digital copiers

--A linked, searchable database of supplies (media and marking materials) for all the printers in the Hardcopy Data Source database

--An export function that allows you to download found sets to Microsoft Excel(R)and other business applications

--A searchable press release database categorized by brand and product

--An industry contact database on more than 5,000 companies

--News reports on industry contracts, deals, and product promotions

The new Lyra online service also contains abstracts of printer product reviews published in the trade press, copies of ads run for hardware and supplies in the database, and ad expenditure information by vendor or publication.

Because it is Web-based, the Hardcopy Data Source is available on a moment's notice, so product managers can access the most complete compilation of hardware and supplies information anytime, anywhere using a web browser. And the service is updated daily.

A complete description of the Hardcopy Data Source can be found on Lyra's Web site, www.lyra.com. To sign up for a free trial of Hardcopy Data Source, contact Ray Walsh, Lyra North American Sales Director, at [phone], or send an email at [e-mail].

Lyra Research, Inc. (www.lyra.com) is recognized worldwide as the leading provider of publications, market information, and custom research services focused on the imaging industry. Lyra now provides imaging industry market research, publications, advisory services, and consulting services to more than 2,000 customers in more than 40 countries worldwide. Since 1991, Lyra Research has published The Hard Copy Observer, the most authoritative publication covering the printer industry. In addition to the Observer, Lyra offers the following hard copy and online information services and publications that analyze hard copy peripherals and document production markets and technologies, as well as new opportunities emerging from the transition of hard copy to electronic copy: The Hard Copy Industry Advisory Service, The Hard Copy Supplies Advisory Service, The Digital Photography Advisory Service, The Hard Copy Printer Evaluation Series, The Lyra Cost-per-Page Database, and The Hard Copy Supplies Journal newsletter. Lyra's Custom Research & Consulting Group performs customized research and studies for a broad range of imaging industry clients seeking help with their research, planning, or analysis efforts.