Office Product News - Recent Posts

HP Introduces First Professional Workstation with Six-core AMD Opteron Processor

Sara Johnson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:36:00 +0000

HP today announced the immediate integration of the highly anticipated Six-Core AMD Opteron™ 2400 Series processor into the award-winning family of HP Workstations.

Ideal for high-end workstation applications in fields such as engineering, 3-D digital content creation, oil and gas, and science, the HP xw9400 Workstation taps the power of the new AMD Opteron processors to deliver higher productivity, especially for multi-threaded applications, multi-tasking and mega-tasking environments.

With the built-in engineering advantages of HP’s highly tuned workstations, the HP xw9400 Workstation can accommodate up to two Six-Core AMD Opteron processors – for a total of 12 cores – each of which offers up to 34 percent more performance per watt⁽¹⁾ over the previous-generation quad-core processors.

“HP understands the immense pressure its customers are under to deliver more return on investment in a shorter period of time,” said Jeff Wood, director, Worldwide Marketing, Workstations, HP. “By providing the most extreme combination of technologies – up to 12 cores in one workstation – HP continues its commitment to bringing customers leading-edge technologies.”

AMD HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology (HT3) increases interconnect rates from 2 gigatransfers per second (GT/s) up to a maximum 4.8 GT/s, allowing the entire system to provide superior performance. Additionally, the HP xw9400 can be configured with the ATI FirePro V7750 3-D workstation graphics accelerator.

Sharp Validates Print Audit 6 Embedded Sharp OSA® Integration Module

Sara Johnson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:31:00 +0000

CALGARY, ALBERTA July 1, 2009 – Print Audit and Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, announce that the newest version of Print Audit’s popular print management solution, Print Audit 6, has been validated for use with Sharp OSA-enabled multifunction peripherals (MFPs). The validation, achieved through Sharp’s Partner Program offers customers seamlessly integrated print hardware and software.

“I am thrilled to announce the availability of Print Audit 6 Embedded for Sharp OSA-enabled MFPs,” said John MacInnes, President and CEO of Print Audit. “Print Audit 6’s powerful new Rules and Recovery features combined with Sharp OSA technology gives companies a virtually unlimited number of cost and environment saving possibilities. I have no doubt that these new capabilities will make our membership in the partner program an even greater success.”

Seamlessly integrated with Print Audit 6, Print Audit 6 Embedded is a comprehensive print management solution that allows organizations to analyze, reduce and recover costs related to walk-up copying, scanning, and faxing. Sharp OSA technology extends MFP applications to numerous vertical business categories and helps businesses to improve productivity, reduce operational costs and target specific business needs.

Sharp Recognized for Outstanding Performance with Six “Pick” Awards from Buyers Laboratory Inc.

Sara Johnson — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:32:00 +0000

MAHWAH, NJ, June 30, 2009 -- Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, today announced that it received six "Pick" Awards from Buyers Laboratory Inc. (BLI). The awards acknowledge "outstanding performance" and excellence "in areas of importance to IT professionals" for a wide range of Sharp products, including Sharp Printer Administration Utility version 5 (PAU5); Sharp’s newest A3 MFPs (MX-2600N; MX-3100; MX-4101 and MX-5001); and the MX-C311/DX-C311, Sharp’s first color A4 MFP and part of its Frontier Series.

"This year's BLI Pick Awards truly underscore Sharp's dedication to developing a complete line of solutions-based products," said Mike Marusic, vice president, marketing, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America. "Our line of MFPs, coupled with our software offerings such as PAU5 can help businesses operate more efficiently and keep service costs to a minimum."

The Sharp MX-C311 and Sharp A3 segment MFPs feature a number of award-winning features that consistently draw rave reviews from customers. These features include an 8.5-inch high-resolution touch-screen color display; Sharp OSA^® development platform; and a stylish, textural exterior that compliments any office design. Furthermore, the MX-2600N, MX-3100, MX-4101 and MX-5001 include a standard, retractable keyboard that makes data entry at the MFP quick and easy.

"We put these models through their paces and they passed with flying colors," said Lynn Nannariello, BLI's assistant managing editor. "Sporting a distinctive design that includes a textured exterior and rounded corners, these highly reliable devices offer an array of features that make them very easy to use."

Océ Repro Desk Studio released

Sara Johnson — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:30:00 +0000

Océ has introduced an innovative wide format software package, Océ Repro Desk Studio. This software is specifically aimed at print job creation, previewing and submission to multiple printers, including integrated job tracking and accounting functions.

Maximizes printing convenience
Océ Repro Desk Studio maximizes printing convenience by providing customers with a single, uniform user interface for all devices, eliminating complexity and reducing time spent on print jobs. Integrated accounting allows jobs to be assigned to users and projects, turning print costs into chargeable income. Océ Repro Desk Studio is part of the Océ Repro Desk family of end-to-end print management software solutions.

Easy-to-use entry-level software tool
“Océ Repro Desk Studio software gives end-users an easy-to-use entry-level tool to speed and simplify their wide format printing,” said Océ Product Manager Lex-Jan Westra. “Now all end-users can print to their in-house print devices, or even to an external print provider, all with the same, clear user interface. Accurate job previewing for all technical document file formats shows exactly how jobs will look when printed, avoiding the need for costly reprints. And the integrated accounting functions make costs transparent and allow charging to projects or customers when appropriate.”

Easy, uniform access to multiple print devices
Océ Repro Desk Studio software meets end-users’ needs for easy access to different printers – whether from Océ or other brands, wide or small format, color or black & white, local or remote – all with the same user interface. It also allows jobs to be submitted to local printers or even to an external print provider. Rules can be preset for automatic job distribution or splitting to the most suitable printers, for example by document format, use of color or size of the print job.

DocuLex Archive Studio's Goby Capture V5 Spanish Language Version Facilitates Automated Document Imaging, Knowledge Management and Workflow Collaboration

Sara Johnson — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:29:00 +0000

Winter Haven, FL June 30, 2009 DocuLex (www.doculex.com), creators of content management software, announces the release of the company's Archive Studio component Goby Capture V5, Spanish Language Version, facilitating automated document imaging, knowledge management and workflow collaboration. New features include more accurate text recognition, zonal OCR and barcode processing, plus auto document break detection. Goby offers ODBC connection to line-of-business applications for pulling existing meta data from an organization's existing database. Custom XML recognition is added for use with third party MFP touch panel devices and network scanner applications. Goby has implemented the use of workflow status codes, auto notification and the ability to route documents to targeted WebSearch users. Additionally, a new smart installer will be used for ease of implementing the program's periodic updates.

For additional information on DocuLex Archive Studio Goby Capture V5, and to request an online program demonstration, visit www.doculex.com.

About Goby Capture

Goby Capture enhances the walk-up and scan capabilities of networked MFPs, production/desktop scanners, wide format and facsimile units, as well stand-alone units with scan-to-file ability to forward files to a server. The easy to use program provides simplified paper document conversion and electronic document file capture by automating image processing functions at the document server. Distributed capture capability is provided for an unlimited number of users throughout an organization via the program's Profiler document identification freeware, in tandem with the program's server-based Monitor image processing component.

With DocuLex Goby Capture, intelligent cover page technologies allow documents to be profiled and cataloged prior to scanning. Indexing criteria may be added via optical mark recognition or 2D bar codes created with user-defined content. This allows documents to be scanned, indexed and organized electronically, then forwarded to a PC, file archive and to DocuLex Archive Studio's WebSearch or other document management system.

Goby Capture Profiler is PC-based or MFP-incorporated freeware that initiates the capture function. With paper documents, the user enters the document's key identifying content into Profiler's index fields (client, case or project name, subject matter, fiscal year, etc.), creates and prints the Profile Form cover sheet and scans the document to Archive Studio's WebSearch, network folders, email, printer and FTP addresses.

EFI Enters Agreement with Nazdar for Solvent Ink Manufacturing

Sara Johnson — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:24:00 +0000

FOSTER CITY, CA -- June 30, 2009 -- EFI™ (Nasdaq: EFII), the world leader in customer-focused digital printing innovation, today announced entry into a manufacturing agreement with Nazdar®, wherein Nazdar will produce EFI’s VUTEk and Inkware solvent inks, which are renowned for their phenomenal color quality, fantastic durability and superior printer performance. Nazdar is a longtime partner of EFI who distributes VUTEk® printers and inks to the North American screenprint market.

“Nazdar has been a trusted partner of EFI for many years, and we are thrilled to be expanding our relationship with a company that has such a deep knowledge of solvent-based digital ink manufacturing,” said Scott Schinlever, vice president and general manager of EFI’s ink business. “EFI’s ink customers will continue to receive superior products and service that they have come to expect over the last two decades, including the most consistent and durable inks that have been developed and optimized for their printing systems. EFI selected Nazdar to be their manufacturing partner due to their commitment to quality, consistency and reliability, which are cornerstones of EFI inks.”

Though EFI’s VUTEk and Inkware solvent ink will be manufactured by Nazdar, the inks will use current EFI’s VUTEk and Inkware formulations, with the same warranty coverage offered, and will be manufactured to the same stringent quality-control requirements. VUTEk superwide inkjet printers provide the best image quality, most vibrant colors and finest consistency when printing with VUTEk and Inkware inks. VUTEk customers can run a multitude of jobs for indoor and outdoor applications with confidence, knowing that EFI has been an industry-leader for twenty years.

Nazdar has been producing inks and coatings since 1922, and for the digital printing industry since 1998, and received word in the year 2000 that their Quality Management System exceeds the International Standard ISO 9001. This is an industry-wide signal that Nazdar has achieved a standard of quality that extends from operations and manufacturing to customer service and product delivery.

HP Challenges Small Businesses to Save Up to 50 Percent on Printing Costs and Energy Use with HP Officejet Pro

Sara Johnson — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:04:00 +0000

HP today launched a contest that challenges small businesses to exchange their current printer for an HP Officejet Pro and save up to 50 percent on color printing costs and energy use.⁽¹⁾

The HP Officejet Pro Challenge will allow five randomly selected small businesses to test drive the new HP Officejet Pro 8500 Wireless All-in-One for four weeks. During this period, the businesses will share their printing experiences through blog posts on the HP Small and Medium Business Community.

The grand prize winner, chosen through readers’ votes, will receive a one-year supply of HP Officejet inkjet cartridges and HP Bright White Paper.⁽¹⁾With the HP Officejet Pro 8500 Wireless All-in-One, small businesses can save up to $500 in one year compared to competitive laser printers.⁽¹⁾ In addition, the winner will receive a Logoworks by HP “Gold Package” for professional graphic design services. All participants will be able to keep their Officejet Pro system.

EFI MIS Solutions Chosen by UNIMAC Graphics to Improve Workflow and Increase Productivity

Sara Johnson — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:59:00 +0000

Foster City, Calif. - June 29, 2009 - EFI™ (Nasdaq: EFII), the world leader in customer-focused digital printing innovation, today announced that UNIMAC Graphics, a complete pre-media, print and digital solutions company, has chosen EFI MIS solutions to streamline workflow, improve productivity and place the company on a stable platform. UNIMAC Graphics replaced their previous MIS system with Monarch Foundation (formally Hagen™ OA) and was able to successfully implement order processing, RFID inventory management and accounts receivable in a record six weeks.

The company has also brought estimating and price list estimating online and is now in the process of installing 13 EFI Auto-Count® machines for shop floor data collection, to automatically collect and count business critical information such as press status and speeds directly from equipment.

UNIMAC Graphics began looking for a new solution in early 2009 after they attempted to implement another MIS system which promised great innovation, but was unable to deliver. Dave Klaiss, executive vice president of the company, said: "We are very pleased with the EFI results, and in just a few months we have achieved significant automation as well as great visibility into all areas our business.

"EFI Monarch streamlines our order entry process, job tracking and scheduling, and allows us to automatically generate invoices," Klaiss continued. UNIMAC Graphics is also using Monarch Foundation for management of inventory. "We have been able to reduce inventory purchases as well as efficiently manage usage," he said.

Canon To Exhibit Its Leading Scanning And Image Capture Technologies At This Year's GFOA Conference

Sara Johnson — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:02:00 +0000

Seattle, June 28, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital document imaging and supplier of check capture and document scanning devices, will showcase the versatility and benefits of its broad line of imageFORMULA check transports and digital document scanners at the Government Finance Officers Association's (GFOA) 103rd Annual Conference, at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in Seattle.

Entitled "Financial Strategies for Challenging Times," this conference will bring public finance professionals and vendors together to offer practical advice and strategic vision to many state and local government representatives. Today, efficient business processes include reliable and precise image capture devices that help automate and streamline workflow, Canon will have several devices on display during this year's show to educate audience members on solutions that correlate directly to their electronic capture needs; these include:

imageFORMULA ScanFront 220P Network Scanner: The ScanFront 220P offers an easy-to-use, stand-alone, and secure solution for moving capture of hard-copy documents closer to the point of origin within the business process. It is ideal for decentralized or distributed scanning applications, and for easily sharing documents via a network. The Canon ScanFront 220P features an 8.4-inch color touch panel that allows for easy navigation as well as a preview of scanned images. It can scan at up to 25ppm^I, and captures color, grayscale and black and white images in various file formats including high compression and searchable PDF, TIFF and JPEG.

IKON Expands Production Color Portfolio with the RICOH Pro C550EX/C700EX

Sara Johnson — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:02:00 +0000

MALVERN, Pa. -- IKON Office Solutions, Inc., a Ricoh company, today announced the addition of the RICOH Pro C550EX and C700EX to its production color portfolio. The RICOH Pro C550EX and C700EX deliver outstanding speed, reliability, and flexibility and feature the EFI Fiery® E-8100 print server for high quality color with precise control.

Users can finish important jobs quickly with the RICOH Pro C550EX, which delivers 55ppm color or 60ppm black and white pages per minute, with the RICOH Pro C700EX delivering 70ppm color or 75ppm black and white pages per minute. Duplexing performance for both units is 100% of rated speed. The RICOH Pro C550EX and C700EX can handle a wide range of stock, with the paper trays accommodating weights of up to 80 lb. Cover while the bypass tray can handle up to 110 lb. Cover. Booklets up to 60 pages can be produced with the optional booklet maker and users can insert maps, drawings, plans and other large documents in smaller-format documents with the Z-fold unit.

In addition, the EFI Fiery E-8100 print server allows users to print one job while RIPing a second. Its standard 2.13 GHz processor and 2 GB memory help ensure fast performance, even for complex, color-intensive files. Together, the RICOH Pro C700EX and EFI Fiery E-8100 form the fastest color output combination in their segment. In addition, the EFI Fiery E-8100 maximizes efficiency and speed with extensive job management features, and users can understand complex jobs at a glance with simple, easy-to-follow menus that allow anyone to navigate sophisticated imposition settings. In addition to its state-of-the-art controller, the RICOH Pro C550EX/C700EX includes several features to help ensure excellent image quality, including parallel calibration, which ensures consistent color quality over long runs, and PxP toner technology, where smaller toner particles ensure smooth, even distribution, enhancing edge definition, coverage and density while improving color matching.