FRANKFURT, Germany--Nov. 9, 2004-- HP today unveiled 14 new imaging, printing and digital information solutions, including a groundbreaking multi-function product that provides a low-cost, high-performance alternative to expensive and complex copiers. HP also showcased new customers that are saving money and increasing productivity through HP's Total Print Management initiative, which integrates devices, software and services so customers can optimize their imaging and printing environments. The highlight of today's announcement is the HP LaserJet 4345mfp, a breakthrough alternative to mainstream copiers because it delivers similar performance -- up to 45 pages per minute -- at a third of the cost of comparable devices. HP customers provided the feedback and day-to-day usage scenarios that fueled the creation of the HP LaserJet 4345mfp, which offers rich but simple-to-use management features for greater IT efficiency and user satisfaction. And unlike the restraints of traditional copier engagements, HP does not require costly service contracts. Instead, customers are encouraged to decide what level of support best meets their business needs. "The HP LaserJet 4345 has provided instant value to our bottom line," said Drew Yoder, account manager with The Security Group, an Idaho-based designer and seller of fully integrated security systems. "We have been able to more effectively manage our daily print operations, yielding enhanced productivity and efficiency for our business." According to Keith Kmetz, program director of IDC Hardcopy Peripherals Solutions and Services, "HP's LaserJet 4345mfp has the potential to significantly disrupt the traditional copier business model by bringing its low cost, no service contract requirement and open distribution approach to the higher-speed office segment. Customers are asking their suppliers for products and services that reduce their costs while maintaining essential functionality. HP is addressing this need with a unique offering in the workgroup MFP market." Businesses around the world across a variety of industries face a similar day-to-day challenge: save money while better serving a growing clientele in the face of increasing competition. HP helps solve this challenge through a variety of imaging and printing solutions, products and services that reduce complexity and costs while improving business processes and document workflow. "HP found that 80 percent of customers are paying for copiers overloaded with features and functions that are rarely used. The HP LaserJet 4345mfp delivers the performance and reliability customers want but doesn't make them pay for the extras they don't need," said Vyomesh Joshi, executive vice president, Imaging and Printing Group, HP. "With all of the solutions announced today, HP is answering the real-world needs of its customers so they can save money while increasing productivity."