Panasonic Expands Functionality and Boosts Productivity of WORKiO MFPs With New Options.

Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

SECAUCUS, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 14, 2002

Hard Drive Kit Expands WORKiO DP-3510/4510/6010 Series to Offer

Productivity-Enhancing Features Such as Network-Based Tandem and

Remote Copying

Panasonic adds powerful, new functionality to its WORKiO(TM) line of MFPs with the release of an optional Hard Drive Kit that brings copying into the network era.

Further enhancing WORKiO functionality is an Adobe(R) PostScript(R) 3(TM) option. Both the Hard Drive and Adobe options are available from Panasonic dealers this month.

The WORKiO Hard Drive Option Kit features advanced Tandem and Remote Copying that allows copy jobs to be sent to a remote WORKiO MFP on the network, effectively doubling the productivity of the copy function. Now, large copy jobs can be shared among several MFPs on the network. Key to this timesaving option is that the devices are not required to be located next to each other.

Using Tandem Copying is as easy as selecting the feature from the WORKiO MFP's main control panel and choosing a partnering device from the tandem address book. The copies on both the local machine and the remote device will be printed with all appropriate finishing, effectively cutting copy time in half.

This means that by using two WORKiO DP-6010s for a copy job, for example, an output speed of 120 pages per minute can effectively be achieved. This new tandem mode is far more cost effective and convenient than a traditional, centralized production-level copier-MFP.

The Remote Copy function also enhances efficiency. For example, before attending a meeting in another part of the campus, a user can scan documents on a local device, send the copies over the LAN to a machine close to the meeting's location, and retrieve the outputted copies upon arrival at the destination.

Taking full advantage of network capability, Panasonic is substantially improving the copying experience for users of its MFPs.

The Hard Drive Option also includes multilevel Mailbox Printing. This productivity-enhancing feature eliminates the risk of losing or misplacing confidential or important internal documents, a problem typically encountered with network printing.

With Mailbox Printing, users can print to secure locations in public or private mailboxes. First, a unique pass code is used to select a destination mailbox from the print driver via a user's PC. The user then clicks on "OK," walks over to the MFP and enters the pass code, and the job immediately prints.

This is an important function in legal applications, or in other fields where confidentiality is essential.

With the Hard Drive Option, up to 1,000 fax and e-mail addresses can be stored. Additionally, up to 12 copy jobs can be stored for sequential processing.

Panasonic is also adding Genuine Adobe PostScript 3 emulation support to the WORKiO DP-3510/4510/6510 series. The PostScript 3 option can be easily installed in less than two minutes, allowing quick and accurate printing of Adobe-encoded documents and compatibility with PostScript 3-enabled applications, including fast PDF printing.

Additionally, PostScript 3 allows printing from most Linux and Unix operating systems.

According to Richard Heckelmann, Panasonic's national product development manager, extending the functionality and productivity of the WORKiO series is an important achievement.

"We've substantially enhanced the value of these WORKiO MFPs with the addition of the Hard Drive and PostScript 3 option kits," Heckelmann said. "As a result, we support more network applications and operating environments than ever before. Our goal is to improve the WORKiOs' overall value to users. Our development focus is on maximizing productivity for our users, and we certainly do that with these new options," he added.

The Hard Drive Option Kit carries an MSRP(1) of $895.00. The PCL/PostScript3 option has an MSRP(1) of $3,095.00.

In the United States, Panasonic Document Imaging Company (PDIC), a business unit of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, markets a broad line of digital imaging systems designed specifically for business use. Products available include fax and Internet fax machines, digital copiers, network multifunction devices and document management systems.

Headquartered in Secaucus, NJ, Matsushita Electric Corporation of America is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE:MC) of Osaka, Japan. For more information, visit www.panasonic.com/office.

10/02

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(1) Manufacturer's suggested retail price. Dealers must decide for themselves the prices at which our products are actually advertised and sold.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

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