New QMS 2425 Delivers Ultra-Fast Document Printing; New 64-bit QMS Crown Controller, Paper Handling Features Enable Production-Level Document Printing at Workgroup Printer Pricing.

MOBILE, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 11, 1996--QMS, Inc. (NYSE:AQM) today announced the new QMS 2425 Print System, a 24 page-per-minute (ppm) monochrome printer.

The QMS 2425 is the first of a new class of ultra-fast, production level workgroup printers, and features a new 64-bit controller architecture, complete network connectivity and extensive paper handling features. The QMS 2425 offers workgroup and small departmental users a new range of print services and convenience.

In the past, workgroup printers have had speeds limited to the 10-17 ppm range, and have offered minimal document services. The QMS 2425 combines significant document throughput improvements with advanced paper sorting, stacking and stapling features, at a breakthrough price for this class of product.

"With the QMS 2425, QMS has been able to bring the strength of our expertise in network printing and document services into a print system that is affordable to a broader range of users," said Richard Bowles, QMS Executive Director of Marketing. "In order to harness the power and flexibility of this printer, we have built the most advanced controller in the printer industry, and in doing so we have created a workgroup printer with no equal."

The QMS 2425 meets the needs of the most demanding networks, offering the best performance of any printer in its class. Utilizing a 64-bit NEC VR4300 processor and controller software, the QMS 2425 can quickly process and print even the largest files. The QMS 2425 offers printer-based page layout options, including n-up printing (thumbnail), booklet printing, duplexing and stapling, allowing production level document finishing. In addition, the QMS 2425 prints on paper sizes from postcard to ledger (11" x 17")/A3.

"The new generation of print engine used in the QMS 2425 will enable brand new capabilities for our users," said Diane Davis, QMS Executive Director, Printing Systems. "However, the expanded feature set of this product, including significantly higher resolution, a greater range of paper handling options and the ability to print on large format paper will significantly tax the older generation of print system controllers available thus far. Products built on old controller architectures will suffer from slower overall document throughput and will not enjoy all of the benefits of this new engine technology. We believe that our implementation of this product, coupled with our new controller technology will add up to the best performance mid-range product available in the market today."

QMS 2425 Print System

The QMS 2425 provides up to 1200 x 1200 dpi printing, features an advanced 50 Mhz, 64-bit NEC VR4300 processor, and can accommodate up to 128 MB RAM and an internal hard drive. Standard paper handling includes two 500 sheet input trays and a 100 sheet multipurpose tray. Paper handling options include a 2000 sheet input tray, duplex unit, 2000 sheet stacker/stapler, and a 100 envelope feeder. Standard language emulations include HP PCL 5e, PostScript Level 2, HP-GL and lineprinter.

The QMS 2425 is available in two configurations, each with a complete range of upgrade options. The QMS 2425 base model is equipped with 8 MB RAM providing 600 dpi resolution on letter/A4 page sized, and 300 dpi resolution for ledger/A3 pages. A CrownNet Ethernet network interface is standard.

The QMS 2425Ex offers 600 dpi resolution on pages sizes up to ledger/A3, and is equipped with 24 MB RAM, an internal hard drive, and standard CrownNet Ethernet network interface.

QMS CrownCopy

The QMS CrownCopy option expands the functionality of the QMS 2425, allowing it to serve as a copier as well as a printer. CrownCopy provides business users the option of making high-quality monochrome copies with the printer, utilizing a scanner and special QMS copy software. QMS CrownCopy is capable of printing multiple copies of originals at up to 24 copies per minute. The copier is easily attached to the printer through the standard SCSI interface, and is controlled using the printer's LED/alphanumeric front panel.

QMS Enterprise Printing Solutions

QMS offers a complete range of enterprise printing solutions, including image printing, forms printing and mainframe and midrange connectivity solutions. The QMS ImageServer Option Kit enables fast processing of image-rich documents by transparently compressing large image files at the end-user workstation, and then decompressing and printing the files at the printer. QMS QFORM forms printing software utility allows users to easily and quickly produce on-demand electronic forms from QMS cut-sheet laser printers. In addition, QMS offers a range of connectivity products through Axis Communications and i-data, allowing QMS Crown printers to be simultaneously connected to IBM mainframe/midrange systems and PC networks.

QMS Crown Printers

The QMS 2425 laser printer is based on QMS Crown and CrownNet technologies. Crown multitasking technology delivers fast document throughput, software loadable upgradability, automatic compatibility with popular printing languages, and seamless connectivity to virtually any network environment. QMS laser printers incorporate unique SLS (software loadable system) technology for easy and cost-effective addition of system upgrades and enhancements via the network or host PC. QMS CrownNet provides simultaneous network protocol support for multiple users, advanced remote printer management and accounting capabilities, and easy flash-loading of network operating system upgrades.

A comprehensive set of system utilities and drivers are supplied with the printer, including Windows 95 drivers and QuickDraw GX drivers, which improve overall throughput and ease of use, and the new QMS CrownNet Print Utility for Windows, which enables serverless printing. Utilizing the CrownNet Print Utility, the QMS 2425 can carry on the functions of both print server and printer in the Windows printing environment, reducing network traffic and improving printer performance.

The QMS 2425 comes standard with a CrownNet Ethernet interface, which simultaneously supports connections to PC and Mac environments, including NetWare IPX/SPX; EtherTalk; TCP/IP; OS/2 LanManager/LanServer NetBIOS/NetBEUI; and Windows 3.1x, NT, and 95 NetBIOS/NetBEUI protocols.

Pricing and Availability

The QMS 2425 is a available in two configurations. The QMS 2425 includes a standard Ethernet interface and 8 MB RAM at a reference price of $5,499. The QMS 2425 Ex includes a standard Ethernet interface, 24 MB RAM, and an internal hard drive, and is reference priced at $6,999. The QMS CrownCopy copier option is available to QMS 2425 customers for $1,999.

The QMS 2425 print system is available in the U.S. directly from QMS, Inc. Outside the U.S., the complete QMS product family is available from QMS and its authorized distributors.

QMS, Inc.

QMS, Inc. is a leading producer of monochrome and color network capable print systems. The company's print systems fit seamlessly into a wide variety of computer networks, and include color and monochrome laser printers used for electronic publishing, graphic design, office automation, advanced imaging and automatic identification applications. QMS, Inc., based in Mobile, Ala., is certified to the ISO 9002 standard for the manufacture of print systems. QMS, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AQM. -0-

Note to Editors: QMS, the QMS logo, Crown, CrownNet, CrownCopy, QFORM and ImageServer are registered trademarks or trademarks of QMS, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

All prices are in U.S. dollars. For Canadian pricing, contact your local QMS sales office.

CONTACT: A&R Partners

Robson Grieve, 415/363-0982

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