Sharp OSA Technology Wins 2008 BERTL's Best Award for Best Development Platform

MAHWAH, NJ, July 28, 2008 -- By opening the MFP to a virtually unlimited number of customization options, Sharp OSA™ technology has been recognized with the 2008 BERTL’s BEST award for Best Development Platform. Having led the way for multifunctional peripheral (MFP) solutions, Sharp OSA technology enables any dealer to create a truly customized interface that transforms the MFP into a gateway for document-based business communication.

“With the Sharp OSA platform, dealers can provide uniquely customized applications that meet a customer’s needs and, more importantly, give them an advantage in the marketplace,” said Vince Jannelli, Associate Director, Applications and Partners, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America. “Essentially it enables our dealers to move from a commodity business to a ‘value’ business by solving each customer’s specific document pain points.”

Dealers are taking advantage of the Sharp OSA™ development platform by fully integrating devices with network-based applications, including document management applications, reporting functions and internally developed programs. Because Sharp OSA technology uses industry-standard protocols such as XML and SOAP, dealers can quickly and easily develop and deploy applications that will maximize an MFP’s functionality and the end-user’s experience.

Building on the success of the Sharp OSA platform, Sharp introduced its third generation Sharp OSA technology earlier this year. With Sharp OSA version 3.0, dealers and users alike will benefit from:

• A richer and more full featured interface for the user, powered by a web browser that supports more resolution, more colors and a new “Widescreen” display format, which leverages the larger LCD screens available on the new generation of Sharp MFPs.
• Open USB capability, which allows developers to provide a broad range of USB devices without having to embed specific device drivers on the MFP.
• Print interface that lets users select and print documents directly from the MFP display without a PC.

While Sharp OSA technology is extremely innovative, Sharp has built an equally impressive support program, designed so that independent software vendors and dealers can maximize the potential of the development platform. Sharp is also introducing new programs and products that will streamline development and deployment of Sharp OSA-enabled applications that dealers can use to bring customized solutions to their customers.

Furthering the Sharp OSA “ecosystem” the company is establishing a new support structure for dealers and developers. As part of this, Sharp has created the Sharp Authorized Integrator Program (AIP) whereby dealers who agree to meet certain standards of dedicated internal resources to sustain the sales/support of the Sharp OSA business model and commit to bringing a select number of Sharp Partner Program member applications in house, gain access to best of breed software and enhanced marketing support.

In addition, Sharp Authorized Integrator Program members will have exclusive access to a Software Library of Sharp OSA point applications - or single-function applications. Using these point applications will give AIP members a head start in providing proven Sharp OSA-enabled solutions to a broader set of customers.

BERTL recognizes the best devices and software in the digital imaging marketplace with BERTL’s Best awards. Winners are selected after rigorous analysis of the hundreds of digital imaging devices, software, and management utilities in the worldwide marketplace. The awards honor digital imaging and document management solutions for business offices of all sizes and vertical sectors. Products are judged primarily on feature set, functionality, performance, and overall business process value.

For more information about the complete line of Sharp document products and integrated applications, contact Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, NJ 07495-1163, or call 800-BE-SHARP.

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BERTL^® Inc. is the source for objective, independent product evaluation reports and comparative analyses on digital imaging devices and workflow solutions. BERTL’s evaluation reports, customer satisfaction research, awards and product ratings are undertaken entirely at BERTL’s expense for the benefit of its international subscriber base.

At all times, BERTL’s primary focus is the end user. Covering all major digital imaging manufacturers, BERTL publishes the world’s most extensive Web site of evaluation reports, comparisons data, vertical market research, news and more on copiers, printers, MFPs, production and workgroup scanners, fax machines, color and production equipment and wide format devices. BERTL reports, research and other industry informative services are available in a range of specialized subscription services. To learn more about BERTL, visit www.BERTL.com or telephone 1-732-761-2311.

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