ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--May 26, 2004-- Danka Business Systems PLC today announced the addition of the Hitachi Digital Document Publisher 92 (DDP 92) printer to its portfolio of best-in-class document output systems. The DDP 92 is a lower-cost high-performance system designed to simplify the time-intensive and labor-intensive demands of complex print jobs for data centers, central reproduction departments, print-for-pay operations, and service bureaus. Danka's distributor agreement with Hitachi Printing Systems America covers the United States and begins on June 1, 2004. "Hitachi is an established provider of quality digital printing solutions, and its DDP 92 publishing system fills a gap in many mid-production environments," said Donald W. Thurman, Danka's chief marketing and strategy officer. "This agreement builds on our efforts to increase the digital portion of our installed equipment base, which recently reached 55% worldwide, and strengthens our offering in the high volume, data center market segment. Crossing the 50% threshold has enabled us to achieve stability in our service revenues as we continue to invest in our ability to provide comprehensive digital services and support to our customer base." The DDP 92 is built to handle the production print needs for print-on-demand and other applications requiring high quality, fast throughput, and professional-level finishing. A Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) option enables the high-speed printing of checks and other documents requiring magnetic ink. Other capabilities and features of the DDP 92 include: High-performance print controller that produces quality images (600x600 dpi) at 92 pages per minute. The DDP 184, a tandem printer engine configuration that delivers 184 images per minute in duplex mode and offers spot color capability may also be purchased. Industrial-strength components for high reliability, an engine life of 30 million images, and 1.2 million pages between printer engine product maintenance. Extensive paper stock flexibility and in-line finishing options, including intelligent forms, duplex printing, cover sheets, folding, multi-position stapling, and saddle-stitching. Custom bi-directional print drivers with graphical user interface for unprecedented ease-of-use and printer control from the workstation for end-to-end document production, including simplified post-document page insertion, front and back covers, and tab stock printing. Built-in Web utilities that enable access to the printer through the Internet or an organization's intranet. "The Hitachi systems are an especially compelling option for customers seeking high-volume capabilities in a smaller, more versatile, and cost-effective package," continued Thurman. "Image quality and throughput are impressive, and its reliability, auto-jam clearance feature, and high yielding and easily replaceable consumables combine to significantly enhance productivity, minimize service requirements, and lower overall costs." "We're extremely pleased that Danka has selected Hitachi to complement their line of document output systems," commented Leonard Stone, vice president of Americas Printer Division at Hitachi Printing Solutions America. "Danka's comprehensive sales and service footprint in both the United States and Europe makes them an ideal partner for distributing the DDP 92 high-speed printers to their customer base. Danka has the experience and expertise to understand each client's specific document output requirements and deliver a comprehensive solution, and we believe the Hitachi DDP 92 will be an ideal fit for customers needing a flexible high-speed solution at an attractive price point."