Fargo Announces Lower Pricing, Aggressive Warranties on ID Card Printing Technology.

HDP5000 Card Printer/Encoder now accessible to mass market

MINNEAPOLIS -- Fargo Electronics, Inc., a global leader in secure technologies for card identity systems, today announced a new manufacturer's suggested retail price of $3,995 USD for its HDP5000 single-sided ID card printer/encoder (dual sided also available). Utilizing Fargo's patented High Definition Printing[TM] (HDP([R])) technology, the HDP5000 is Fargo's fourth-generation reverse image card printer/encoder.

"Reverse image printing has become the technology of choice for high-security, high-volume ID badge applications, with HDP leading the industry," said Steve Blake, Fargo's vice president of product marketing for systems and solutions. "With a breakthrough price like this, we will be able to offer this superior technology to a broader range of card programs. Customers who couldn't previously afford the outstanding print quality of reverse image printing will now have a choice.

"Our continued emphasis on quality, process improvement, component sourcing and customer-focused design has resulted in a lower cost of manufacturing. This allows us to respond to the demands of the market for the durability, ease of use and security of High Definition card printing at prices that are competitive with other technologies."

In addition, the HDP5000 now comes with the industry's best warranty and service coverage available for a reverse image card printer. Included is:

* Two-year printer warranty

* Lifetime printhead warranty

* One year of Fargo's On-Call Express in the US, which supplies a replacement printer to a customer within 24 hours should their printer need service.

Extended warranties are also available.

The HDP5000's warranty coverage is based on proven reliability. Cartridge-based consumables load literally in a snap and a simplified design makes it easier to install and operate. Utilizing fewer moving parts, the HDP5000 is the most compact reverse-transfer printer on the market.

"We have unreserved confidence in the reliability of High Definition Printing and the design of the HDP5000," continued Blake. "As one of the earliest developers of reverse image technology, Fargo has unmatched experience in designing advanced card printing solutions that work reliably. And our warranties will give our customers the peace of mind they need when producing ID cards."

The HDP5000 prints ID cards with the highest image quality available. By printing a reverse image on the underside of HDP Film, then fusing the film to the card surface, the HDP5000 creates an image quality that looks more like a crisp glossy photo than an ordinary ID badge.

"When an organization's image is critical, as in retail, corporate, membership and loyalty applications, the HDP5000 delivers exceptional print quality," continued Blake. "In these situations, the quality of the card is paramount - their brands and logos are critical to building loyalty with their cardholders. The HDP5000 produces vibrant, crisp colors and over-the-edge printing. People are proud to carry attractive plastic cards such as these that identify them as an important customer."

The HDP5000 features a modular design that can be upgraded in the factory or field with dual-sided printing, dual-sided lamination, and encoding for magnetic stripes and three types of smart card technology. Complete details are available at www.fargo.com/hdp.

About Fargo

Founded in 1974, Fargo Electronics is a global leader in the development of secure technologies for identity card issuance systems, including secure card printer/encoders, materials and software. The company has sold more than 140,000 systems in the U.S. and over 80 other countries worldwide. Fargo card issuance systems reduce vulnerabilities and potential for loss of time, money and lives by continually improving the security of identity credentials. Fargo provides physical, information and transaction security for a wide variety of applications and industries, including government, corporate, national IDs, drivers' licenses, universities, schools and membership.

Fargo is an HID Global company. HID is a leading supplier and manufacturer in the access control industry, serving customers worldwide with proximity and contactless smart card technologies; central station managed access controllers; secure and custom card solutions; photo ID and ID application control software; and electronic cylinders. HID Global is part of the ASSA ABLOY family of companies.

Fargo is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Fargo markets its products through a global distribution network of professional security integrators. For more information about Fargo, visit www.fargo.com.