Canon Sales Multifunction Copiers Require User Authentication
, 11.01.04, 11:16 AM ET
Asia Pulse Pte Ltd
TOKYO, Nov 1 Asia Pulse - Canon Sales Co. (TSE:8060) has launched full-scale sales of multifunction copier systems that authenticate users through smart cards.
Developed by Canon Inc. (TSE:7751), these systems authenticate the user by requiring a smart card to be passed through a reader each time the systems' print, fax or copy functions are used. Authentication is possible with mobile phones or employee badges containing non-contact chips.
The aim is to prevent outsiders from easily making use of the systems. In addition, the systems keep usage histories for each individual and track paper usage, thereby helping to rein in office costs.
Canon Sales is marketing the systems to corporations, touting selling points such as the ability to prevent information leaks. The systems sell for around 300,000 yen (US$2,835), and some 6 billion yen in sales are targeted the first year.
Sales competition is likely to intensify because other copier manufacturers such as Ricoh Co. (TSE:7752) and Fuji Xerox Co. are planning to market similar systems.
(Nikkei)
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