Sharp Launches Next Generation Color Workgroup Document Systems

MAHWAH, NJ, August 13, 2008 -- Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) today announced the availability of two new second-generation color workgroup series MFPs: the MX-2600N and the MX-3100N. Offering businesses affordable, high-quality color combined with innovative features to streamline document workflow, these second-generation models raise the bar on performance with a faster microprocessor and enhanced paper handling to offer color and monochrome speeds of 26ppm (MX-2600N) and 31ppm (MX-3100N). The MX-2600N and MX-3100N take MFP functionality and user friendliness to new levels with a standard retractable keyboard and a large 8.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen color display for easy menu navigation and data entry.

Both units support the newest Sharp OSA™ development platform that, when combined with the built-in keyboard and high-resolution display, provides dealers and developers with unprecedented abilities to enhance the user experience at the MFP. Featuring a stylish, textural exterior, sleek body lines, chrome accents and a brilliant color display, the new models are distinctive yet also blend into a contemporary office setting.

“The new Sharp MX-2600N and MX-3100N color document systems mark the beginning of a change in the way organizations and individuals use MFPs,” said George Grafanakis, senior manager, product planning and marketing, SIICA. “With a stylish new design to go with its advanced features and capabilities, these new workgroup models will also change the way people think of MFPs.”

Designed for Exceptional Performance and Reliability
The MX-2600N and MX-3100N feature an 800 MHz true multi-tasking controller that not only delivers copy, print and fax jobs continuously, but can also process network scanning jobs while existing jobs are output. Both MFPs are manufactured with Sharp’s second generation micro-fine toner technology, which provides more uniform image coverage and a lower consumption rate than conventional toners, resulting in sharp, high-quality output that is also economical.

With on-board paper capacity of up to 5,600 sheets with options, the MX-2600N and MX-3100N can accommodate all types of workgroup environments. Each model comes with a standard 100-sheet reversing document feeder, automatic duplexing, electronic sorting and integrated offset stacking.

A New Standard for Ease-of-Use
For workgroups that perform a significant amount of data entry, the MX-2600N and MX-3100N offer a standard, retractable keyboard that is designed to simplify e-mail address and subject line entries, as well as repetitive scanning tasks and user authentication. This retractable, sturdy keyboard offers users a familiar, ergonomic interface and makes the MX-2600N and MX-3100N convenient portals to the network, thus saving time on jobs that may require user authentication or include repetitive scanning and archiving of documents.

The brilliant high-resolution touchscreen display offers intuitive menu navigation with razor-sharp graphics that makes operating the MX-2600N and MX-3100N simple and easy. Users can view even the finest details of scanned documents and can take advantage of intuitive, graphics-driven displays making it easy to search for saved documents via thumbnail images rather than file names.

Sharp’s new MX-2600N and MX-3100N document systems also feature the latest version of the Sharp OSA™ development platform, making integration with network applications easier than ever and providing a truly customized user experience. Sharp OSA version 3.0 leverages the high-resolution display of the MX-2600N and MX-3100N to support richer graphics, web-based HTML, and JAVA and Flash for the integration of moving video. With Sharp OSA 3.0, developers can create user interfaces that provide easier viewing and navigation through enhanced controls, as well as playback of Flash clips. Sharp OSA version 3.0 also features Open USB capability, allowing developers to provide a broader range of access control, such as the ability to log in via a card swipe and the ability to authenticate via Chip/Smart Card (CCID).

Unparalleled Device Management Capabilities
Developed with IT managers in mind, the MX-2600N and MX-3100N offer device management capabilities that set a new standard in the industry. Sharp’s new printer administration utility (PAU version 5.0) incorporates a Remote Front Panel feature, which allows an IT administrator to remotely take control of the device’s front panel to see exactly what the end user is seeing. The IT administrator can remotely change settings, show the user how to perform a function, or diagnose and often rectify problems without deploying a technician. To gain enhanced levels of support, the IT administrator can also grant the service provider permission to perform this function directly from their dealership. This innovative MFP capability dramatically reduces unit downtime and service expenses.

The capabilities of PAU version 5.0 are fully integrated into Sharp’s intelligent Device Management (iDVM), which for the dealer transforms many service support functions from an onsite task to a remote task, leading to enhanced productivity and profitability, as well as reduced costs. Developed and marketed with MWA Intelligence (MWAi), a leading provider of M2M (machine-to-machine) solutions and tools, iDVM also enables the dealer to automate meter read collection and integrate the data into their ERP system providing an enhanced, streamlined billing process. It will also allow service providers to remotely access service logs, receive real-time service alerts and consumable levels notification, update firmware, and clone device settings, dramatically improving user uptimes and service support levels.

Advanced Workflow Capabilities
The MX-2600N and MX-3100N provide a myriad of networking features that enable the workgroup to process documents more quickly and efficiently. With Sharp’s ImageSEND™ technology, users can centralize document workflow and distribute to up to seven destinations – email, desktop, FTP, network folders (SMB), USB, fax and Internet fax – with a single button push. High-volume workgroups will appreciate the Send to Group mode for group broadcasting via email, fax and Internet fax. These models also include a network ready PCL^®6/PCL5c printing system with direct print function and available Postscript^® 3™ and Windows^® XPS options.

Supporting the Newest Security Standards
With Sharp’s latest award-winning, multi-level document and network security suite, customers can be assured that their information is secure. Both models meet the new IEEE-P2600 security standards for MFPs as well as offer advanced, web-based device management for administrator level and user level login control.

Sharp also offers an optional data security kit that encrypts document data using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption. This same kit also erases temporary memory on the hard drive by overwriting the encrypted data up to seven times.

Sharp Best of Breed Engineering
The MX-2600N and MX-3100N are the result of Sharp’s unique approach to designing and building office products. The company employs a global product development process in which management, business development, R&D, product development, marketing, manufacturing, training and customer service teams all work collaboratively during each stage of the product development process. This gives Sharp a 360-degree view of the MFP market, allowing the company to form a common platform strategy in which the core components of its product line are designed, developed and manufactured together. Components, software and processes are engineered to be shared across engine platforms, making Sharp’s products “look and act” similarly across virtually all segments of the market. The culmination of this approach is a line of award winning products universally praised for exceptional reliability and superior performance.

Sharp’s Commitment to the Environment
In addition to providing innovative products, Sharp is committed to being a socially responsible company and helping preserve the environment. The company has long focused on designing environmentally-conscious products, reducing harmful emissions from its plants, and is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of solar panels. The Sharp legacy of environmental responsibility has been recognized by the U.S. Government’s General Services Administration (GSA), which awarded Sharp both its “Green Contractor Award” and “Evergreen Award” in recognition of the company’s environmental leadership in manufacturing and sustainable business practices.

The MX-2600N and MX-3100N MFPs' power consumption is among the lowest in their category. They use long-life parts and are supported by Sharp’s toner recycling program. The Sharp Copier Toner Recycling Program was created to encourage government and business customers to recycle Sharp toner cartridges from all Sharp models. Every Sharp-branded copier, printer and multifunctional peripheral (MFP) toner cartridge sold in the U.S. can be easily recycled at no cost to the customer.

For information about the complete line of Sharp MFP products, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, NJ 07495-1163, or call 1-800-BE-SHARP.