Sharp Launches New Multifunctional Copiers For Sale Through Value-Added It Resellers
Units available exclusively through Tech Data to IT resellers feature
Sharp's industry-leading security solutions and consumer-replaceable
supplies
MAHWAH, N.J., February 2, 2005 - Sharp Document Solutions Company of America
today debuted six configurations of new network-ready, multitasking MFPs
(multifunctional peripherals) that are also the first Sharp MFPs that will
be sold through information technology (IT) value-added resellers (VARs).
The products offer advanced network printing, Scan2 two-sided scanning, fax
(walk-up and network), industry-leading document and network security, and
consumer-replaceable supplies. The systems have a lower cost-per-copy than
printer-based machines and will be available exclusively through Tech Data
(www.techdata.com) to authorized value-added IT resellers beginning this
month.
The new MFPs, models DM-3551 and DM-4551, are preassembled and ready to
print and copy right out of the box. Each model is available in three
configurations: basic print and copy (DM-3551N and DM-4551N), network
scanning added (DM-3551S and DM-4221S) and network scanning / faxing added
(DM-3551F and DM-4551F). All scan-enabled units offer full LDAP
(Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) support, which provides sender
authentication by requiring users to enter their network login and password
in order to scan.
The new product suite represents an expansion of Sharp's MFP sales channels.
"For the first time, we are making our advanced document systems available
for sale through resellers that provide businesses with information
technology support," said Ed McLaughlin, president, Sharp Document Solutions
Company of America. "This expansion will allow authorized value-added IT
resellers to provide Sharp's advanced MFPs to their clients who look to them
to provide end-to-end IT support."
Enhanced Security Protects Intellectual Property
The Sharp MFP line provides a strong offering to VARs by offering Sharp's
award- winning Data Security Kit in their MFP line-up. Because virtually
every office document passes through an MFP or printer, and that MFP may be
connected to a corporate network, Sharp has provided the Data Security Kit
to protect documents on the MFP as well as network access to the MFP. To
ensure this protection of intellectual property, Sharp has included its
industry-leading Data Security Kit (model AR-FR4U) with each pre-assembled
system. This software offers several layers of advanced security to help
ensure that all printed, copied, scanned, faxed, archived or e-mailed
documents that pass through the digital MFP are protected from prying eyes.
Sharp's security solutions feature encryption, seven-times data overwrite
and enhanced port management through MAC and IP filtering to protect
information from even the most sophisticated threats. The DM-series MFPs
also have a confidential print feature, which gives users greater control
over when their documents actually print on the machine by requiring a PIN
number in both the print window and on the MFP's LCD screen to release the
document.
Pre-assembled MFP's With Features To Help Increase Productivity
"When it comes to document workflow, businesses want to increase
productivity, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction," continued
McLaughlin. "Our highly-reliable products meet these needs with speedy
copying, printing and scanning at a lower cost -- without a service contract
-- and the consumer-replaceable supplies can be maintained by an on-staff IT
professional or office manager."
All models include network printing with page per minute (PPM) print and
copy speeds ranging from 35-PPM (model DM-3551) to 45-PPM (model DM-4551)
and substantial 2,000-sheet paper capacity. The printer-centric systems
have duplex printing, copying and scanning featuring Sharp's award winning
Scan2 technology, which scans two-sided documents in a single pass, allowing
for increased productivity and reliability. The network-enabled
workstations include a multitasking controller with a 64-bit RISC processor,
320 MB of RAM and a 5 GB hard disk drive to speed copying and store
documents. Additional options include a choice of three finishers
(saddle-stitch, stapling or mail-bin), or three exit trays. Network
scanning and Sharpdesk(tm) licenses can also be added easily to each system.
The systems can be integrated with enterprise device management options
including the Computer Associates Unicenter® TMG 2.2 or later and the IBM
Tivoli® Netview 6.02 or later.
Outstanding Nationwide Service and Support
The new DM-3551 and DM-4551 provide Sharp's award-winning reliability and
ease of use. To provide complete buyer assurance, Sharp has partnered with
IBM Global Services to provide nationwide support of the product through an
industry-leading support network. Sharp Premium Support and Installation
Packs allow VARs to focus on their area of expertise to sell Sharp service
and installation to their customers. Value-added resellers who would like
to become authorized to service this equipment may do so by completing
specific training coursework.
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