( BW)(IL-CANON-U.S.A.-3)(CAJ) New Canon imageRUNNER Models Take Next Step In MFP Evolution with Full Customization Capabilities
Business Editors
Canon Digital Solutions Forum 2003
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 6, 2003--
"MEAP-Enabled" imageRUNNER 5020/6020 Series Widen Competitive Gap,
Driving Utility and Value Significantly Past Standard Multifunction
Offerings
Canon U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), and leader in networked imaging solutions, today introduced a new mid-range line of imageRUNNER devices that will dramatically transform the level of functional utility and value derived from multifunction products (MFPs).
Leveraging a new technological advancement in MFP architecture also introduced today known as Canon "MEAP," the new imageRUNNER 5020/6020 Series will offer extensive customization capabilities that can be specified according to individual customer requirements, marking a new era for Canon MFP category growth.
"Canon has always been a visionary pioneer in MFP development, bringing the first network connected and scan-enabled products to the industry. MEAP-enabled Canon MFPs mark the next evolution of the category," said Dennis Amorosano, director and assistant general manager, Canon U.S.A. Integrated Business Systems Division. "The ability to customize an MFP to virtually any workflow requirement is a significant step forward for the customer, who, when considering alternatives, will find Canon continuing to drive higher levels of value in relation to their critical application requirements."
Canon MEAP, which stands for "Multifunctional Embedded Application Platform," is an open, JAVA-based development platform leveraging the Open Services Gateway Initiative (OSGi) framework, allowing for the creation of multiple, customized software applications capable of running inside an imageRUNNER 5020/6020 Series device without the need for additional external hardware. MEAP enables Canon, third party developers, and customers to develop unique capabilities on these new imageRUNNER devices.
To the end user, Canon MEAP will reside as a functional capability on the imageRUNNER 5020/6020 Series interface, along with available copy, mailbox, and send functions (5020i/6020i only). Once selected, a customized interface will appear that has been developed specifically to the document workflow processes or other needs designated by the customer. The MEAP user interface can be designated as the default function so that when an end user approaches the device, the customized color interface is the first seen on the console. Up to nine MEAP applications can be simultaneously installed on the imageRUNNER 5020/6020 Series.
From a hardware configuration standpoint, the imageRUNNER 5020/6020 Series are inclusive of four models -- the imageRUNNER 5020 / 5020i and 6020 / 6020i. The devices are 50 page-per-minute (ppm) and 60 ppm(1) digital black-and-white copier-based MFPs with available network print, mailbox and scan-and-send capabilities, depending on configuration. All models ship standard with a document feeder, network interface card, and Canon utility software, and offer several enhancements from previous product offerings. The "i" versions are distinguished by including Canon Universal Send capabilities and printing as standard. Universal Send allows end users to scan documents directly into the device for distribution to multiple destinations, including individual or groups of E-mail and Internet fax (I-Fax) addresses, network or host folders and files, and document management applications such as Canon imageWARE, all in one single time saving operation.
The imageRUNNER 5020 / 5020i and 6020 / 6020i have monthly copy/print volume ratings of up to 200,000 and 230,000 impressions per month, respectively. All of the models offer the extensive print driver support and document security and finishing capabilities that have made the Canon imageRUNNER line the 2002 U.S. digital copier market share leader(2). Users are also offered the flexibility of choosing the Canon Network Multi-PDL Printer Kit for PCL 5c emulation and PostScript 3 emulation, or choosing the imagePASS-M2 (available third quarter), co-engineered by Canon and Electronics for Imaging (EFI), with genuine Adobe PostScript 3 and PCL5e emulation support.
The first commercially available application that will be offered with Canon MEAP-enabled imageRUNNER 5020 / 5020i / 6020 / 6020i models will be from Canon's long term partner eCopy. eCopy's ShareScan OP software offers secure, low-cost, easy, instantaneous document distribution and management tools with tight integration to applications including e-mail, network fax, and document management.
Canon MEAP, the new imageRUNNER 5020/6020 Series, and eCopy ShareScan OP are on display at the Canon Digital Solutions Forum 2003, an annual showcase of the Company's technological leadership and strategic vision. New and emerging imaging technologies that are designed to easily integrate and improve workflow in today's digital enterprise will be on display throughout a 100,000+ square foot exhibit at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, May 6 - 7.
The imageRUNNER 5020/6020 Series will be available in June 2003 through authorized Canon U.S.A. dealers and Canon Business Solutions locations at the suggested retail prices below:
imageRUNNER 5020 $17,000 imageRUNNER 5020i $23,350
imageRUNNER 6020 $21,500 imageRUNNER 6020i $27,850
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #41 on the Business Week list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2002, with global revenues of $24.5 billion. Canon U.S.A. employs over 10,000 people at over 30 locations. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.
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