Sharp Enters the High-Volume Segment with New, Customizable MFP Copier Line.

LAS VEGAS -- Sharp Document Solutions Company of America (SDSCA) today announced a groundbreaking worldwide launch of three flagship production systems for the high-volume market, marking the company's first entry into the segment. The new monochrome models (MX-M850, MX-M950 and MX-M1100) combine reliability, durability and enhanced performance, offering impressive print and copier speeds ranging from 85 to 110 PPM and controlled by a larger color LCD display for ease of operation and viewing. These large production MFPs support the innovative Sharp Open Systems Architecture (Sharp OSA) for seamless integration with network applications as well as Sharp's award-winning* security suite.

"Sharp's production MFPs set a new standard in production for document handling and output, redefining Sharp's commitment to this fast-growing market. With the introduction of our new flagship models, Sharp is taking our strength in document solutions to a whole new level," said Ed McLaughlin, President, SDSCA. "Designed for the large enterprise environment, the high-speed series allows for large production in high-volume CRD, corporate data centers and service bureaus, and gives businesses the power to customize their MFP to their specific business with a variety of finishing and paper supply options."

Powerful MFPs For Multitasking and Productivity

Built for heavy volume, the new MX Series models have B&W speeds ranging from a powerful 85 PPM (MX-M850) to 95 PPM (MX-M950) to an impressive 110 PPM (MX-M110). All three models can complete jobs quickly using Sharp's Scan2[TM] technology that minimizes paper handling while maximizing performance and providing faster scan speeds. To keep print and copy jobs processing efficiently, these networked MFPs have the highest on-line paper capacities in their class - up to 8,050 sheets - and a 250-sheet document feeder. The machines can handle average monthly volumes from as little as 50,000 pages to up to 500,000. The series also features an 80 GB hard drive with 768 MB of standard memory to help even the busiest enterprises manage document workflow and process jobs faster.

Advanced Engineering For Reliability and Durability

The new MX series features a developer cooling system that helps prevent excessive heat buildup to keep image quality stable even in high-volume printing and copying environments. A multi-feed detection sensor employs ultra-sonic technology to help detect and diagnose misfeeds to maximize print production efficiency. Furthermore, the series employs independent motor units for essential key functions such as the paper transfer unit and the paper pick-up unit, helping to ensure more dependable paper transportation throughout each step of the reprographic cycle.

For long term reliability, the MX series is designed with non-detachable maintenance that allows technicians to slide out main units, eliminating the need to disassemble the entire machine to adjust or exchange key parts. For increased durability, the units feature a highly rigid frame to protect and isolate critical machine components and withstand heavy use from high-speed and high-volume output.

Finishing and Supply Options

To collate, sort, staple and otherwise finish print and copy jobs with a professional look, the new MFPs offer new finishing options including robust stapling capabilities up to 100 sheets. For extremely large jobs, the units offer the option of a customizable paper supply capacity of up to 8,050 sheets for uninterrupted runs of high-volume jobs. A Post Sheet inserter enables the user to input pre-printed covers and inserts to documents, for truly professional results. The MFPs also offer a saddle unit and Z-folding for brochures and pamphlets.

Custom Application Integration with Sharp Open Systems Architecture

As with the other models in the heralded MX line of MFPs, the new models support Sharp's innovative Open Systems Architecture (Sharp OSA), a development platform that opens the door to a broad array of value-added functionality and flexibility to deliver the power of customization to the customer. Sharp OSA leverages the inherent interoperability of Web services design to enable Sharp, its dealer network and ISV partners to meet customer needs effectively.

Sharp OSA streamlines document workflow and enhances productivity by making Sharp MFPs a gateway for document-based business communications, enabling customers to automate tasks and save time. For example, businesses can scan an invoice on an MFP and integrate that invoice into an accounting software package instantly to process payments without user intervention at the desktop. Additionally, Sharp OSA-enabled MFPs allow companies to control access and track usage more effectively by offering tighter integration capabilities for areas such as network security and accounting.

Network Security

Since MFPs are an integral part of the networked enterprise, organizations need to ensure that they are protected with the same or greater level of security as their PC's. Sharp brings its industry-leading MFP security suite to the production environment. These high-speed MFPs can be enhanced through data security kits that encrypt document data using 128-bit encryption and overwrite the memory of a document on the hard drive by overwriting encrypted data up to seven times.

For added security, MX Series MFPs all have accounting and management tools to ensure that only authorized users can access the machines. User accounts can be customized to permit simpler user interface and control related costs by setting limits on different features in a walk-up environment. The MX Series can also be configured to require users to log into a corporate network from the MFP's large 10.4-inch LCD screen before they can utilize any feature.

Dedicated "My Sharp" Support

The MX Series models come with "My Sharp" support, an end user online training site that is customized to fit the unit and features each customer has. Customers visit their personalized "My Sharp" page to see more than 50 Web demonstrations that walk the user through typical and not-so-typical product usage and service questions. "My Sharp" also provides online access to user manuals and supply information so customers can get the information they need anytime with a few simple keystrokes.

Availability

The new MX-M850, MX-M950 and MX-M110 high-speed production MFPs will be available in the spring from authorized select Sharp dealers. For more information about the complete line of Sharp document solution products, contact Sharp Document Solutions Company of America, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07430, or call 800-BE-SHARP. For online product information, visit Sharp's Web site at sharpusa.com or sharpusa.com/documents.

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of one-of-a-kind home entertainment products, appliances, networked multifunctional office solutions, solar energy solutions and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS[R] Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit[TM] digital audio products, SharpVision[R] projection products, Insight[R] Microwave Drawers, IMAGER[TM] digital multifunctional systems, and Notevision[R] multimedia projectors. For more information visit Sharp Electronics Corporation at www.sharpusa.com

* Sharp was awarded a BERTL's Best of 2005 Award for "Best Security Solution Suite."