Zebra Introduces New OEM Print Engines Featuring Zebralink Connectivity; New PAX3 Print Engines Offer Real-time Active Alert Messaging and Mission-critical Reliability.

Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 14, 2000

Zebra Technologies Corporation, the worldwide leader in bar code printing solutions, today announced the new PAX3(TM) family of OEM print engines.

The 170PAX3(TM) and 110PAX3(TM) are the only print engines featuring ZebraLink(TM) -- Zebra's advanced printer management tool that enables real-time, remote error notification and unparalleled system control.

With advancements over the 170PAX2(TM) print engine, the 170PAX3 provides outstanding performance in high-volume carton, case and pallet labeling applications. Equipped with 4MB of RAM and 1.5MB of non-volatile memory, the print engine is capable of handling labels up to 39 inches long and can store complex label formats, fonts and graphics.

Its 12-inches-per-second (305 mm/sec) print speed helps maximize throughput.

The newly announced 4.1" (104mm) wide 110PAX3 targets small label applications and completes the PAX product line. "The 110PAX3 will provide our customers a wider selection of high performance Zebra print engines that will match all their application requirements," said PAX product manager Jose Basa. "In addition to it's small label handling capabilities, the 110PAX3 will provide significant throughput performance and the reliability users expect from a Zebra product." The 110PAX3 will be offered in the same configurations as the 170PAX3 and is scheduled for release early next year.

"The PAX3 line creates a new paradigm for print engines by combining outstanding features and reliability with ZebraLink technology," said Zebra director of performance printer product management Mike Glatz. "Customers who choose print-and-apply systems with Zebra print engines will have the industry's most advanced monitoring and management tools available for any automated print-and-apply application. No other OEM print engines in the market offer this powerful combination."

Engineered with the same unmatched durability as Zebra's XiIII(TM) top-of-the-line bar code printers, the PAX3 print engines can take full advantage of all ZebraLink features including WebView, Alert and Zebra Basic Interpreter (ZBI) when used with the optional ZebraNet(TM) Print Server II.

-- WebView, the configuration component of ZebraLink, enables networked users
to control multiple functions of the printing process using any standard Web
browser such as Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer. Users simply log on to
the print engine's password-protected Web page via its IP address to view label
formats, fonts and graphics stored in memory as well as to adjust common
printer settings such as darkness, media/ribbon sensor values, and applicator
interface modes.

-- The Alert feature provides PAX3 print engines with the voice to "talk back."
With ZebraLink, the print engines provide unsolicited communication to system
administrators in real-time. If a PAX3 print engine runs out of media or
ribbon, it instantly notifies the user by issuing a detailed error message via
e-mail to any text-capable, wired or wireless device including pagers, cell
phones, PDAs, and PCs. Notification directly from the print engine ensures the
proper personnel are immediately alerted of an error condition so they can
quickly respond and return the line to full operation.

-- With ZBI, users familiar with ANSI BASIC programming language

can easily program advanced applications within the print

engine, enabling it to accept and manipulate information from

nearly any data source (including PLCs, weigh scales,

scanners, etc.), as well as print the desired information on a

label. Thus, the PAX3 print engine acts as the "brain" of an

application, often replacing the need for a dedicated computer

terminal.

In addition, customers can now easily upgrade to Zebra print

engines without rewriting legacy programs for older,

competitive print engines.

-- ZebraLink Upgrade Kits that allow 170PAX2 engines to take

advantage of ZebraLink features and capabilities will be

available in the very near future.

ZebraLink builds on the ability of the PAX3 engines to perform in even the most demanding mission-critical applications, including multi-shift, 24-hour duty cycles and harsh environments. The units' 2,950-foot (900-meter) ribbon capacity delivers increased print time between ribbon roll replacements, improves system productivity and reduces downtime.

All PAX3 print engines will be offered with 203 dpi (8 dots/mm) or 300 dpi (12 dots/mm) resolution in both right- and left-handed configurations to easily match any print-and-apply system.

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Vernon Hills, Ill.) manufactures and distributes Zebra- and Eltron(R)-brand on-demand thermal bar code label printers, secure ID printing systems and plastic card printers used in automatic identification and plastic card personalization applications worldwide.

The company, with an installed base of more than 1.8 million printers, also offers software and related supplies, including more than 1,000 label and ribbon combinations. Zebra's customers include more than 70 percent of the FORTUNE 500. The company's stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol ZBRA.

Information about Zebra bar code products can be found at www.zebra.com. Information about Zebra Technologies Corporation is available online at www.zebracorporation.com.