VALLEY FORGE, Pa.--Feb. 5, 2004-- IKON Office Solutions, the world's largest independent distributor of document management products and services, received the Better Buys for Business Editor's Choice award for its recently launched IKON CPP 8050, a next-generation, high-speed digital color printing and copying system. The award, which recognizes IKON's CPP(TM) 8050 for its affordability, extensive features and production quality, demonstrates the strength of IKON's color product offerings and their value to customers. As part of its selection process, Better Buys for Business evaluated pricing, features, operating costs, speed and production quality. Editors noted that the IKON CPP 8050 offers one of the most attractive color per-page costs on the market today, at production level quality and speed. "Clearly, these new color copiers are the value leaders at the production level of the color market," wrote Better Buys for Business. "As Better Buys for Business and the industry have recognized, the IKON CPP 8050 provides customers an affordable entry into the digital color printing and copying space," said Cathy Lewis, Senior Vice President of Marketing, IKON Office Solutions. "This award is another testament to IKON's ability to meet customers' document management needs with best-in-class product offerings, tailored document management solutions, and leading service and technical support." Launched in October 2003, the IKON CPP 8050 is based on Konica Minolta technology and offers powerful color management tools to help users generate consistent and accurate output. A compact design minimizes space requirements and cost, even in multi-unit installations, which makes it ideal for both production and departmental color printing and copying at 50 pages-per-minute. Enhanced media features and variable data technology enable streamlined job management and personalized printing. In addition, advanced features such as centralized print control, high-speed production, continuous operation and remote device monitoring maximize quality and productivity. The product builds on IKON's existing color portfolio from top manufacturers such as Canon, Ricoh and HP, ranging from color-capable black-and-white devices for general office needs, to high-volume color production for graphic arts and centralized production needs. It is backed by IKON's comprehensive service and support offerings, including a team of professional services analysts that provide technical support and training. Retailing at a $56,900 base-price including the Fiery controller from EFI, the IKON CPP 8050 is now available throughout the United States and Canada.