Mahwah, NJ and Bridgewater, NJ, (October 06, 2008)  – Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) and emFAST, Inc. are pleased to announce the validation of the FACSys Connector for Sharp OSA-Enabled MFPs. Combined with a FACSys fax server, this feature-rich connector allows organizations to send, receive and print fax messages directly from the touch screens of their Sharp OSA-enabled MFPs via the network.

"The Sharp OSA development platform enables emFAST to take the integration between the FACSys fax messaging platform and the Sharp MFP to a whole new level," commented Peter Valier, Director of IT, emFAST Inc.  "Utilizing the comprehensive two-way communication afforded by Sharp OSA technology, users have unparalleled access to fax server resources in a secure, productive and convenient manner."

Sharp OSA technology creates a truly customizable MFP designed to meet virtually any business need.  This development platform turns an MFP into a gateway for document-based business communications by integrating the device with network-based applications.  It allows businesses to connect their MFPs with a wide range of enterprise applications, including document management applications, reporting functions and programs developed internally.  For faster deployments and easier development, Sharp OSA technology uses industry-standard protocols such as XML and SOAP.

Getting more from your Sharp OSA-enabled MFP

Integrating with Sharp MX-series MFPs, the FACSys Connector allows users to create new FACSys fax messages directly through the MFP's touch screen. Users are able to define outgoing fax message properties such as recipients, subject, cover page, attachments and comments. Recipient destinations can be input directly as a fax number or selected from FACSys user-specific phone books. Attachments can be added to an outgoing FACSys fax message using one of three methods: (1) from a FACSys user's Inbox, (2) from a directory on the local network, or (3) scanned from the Sharp device. 

Unique to the FACSys Connector for Sharp OSA-enabled MFPs is the inherent security of printing-on-demand directly from a FACSys user's Inbox through the interface. From the touch screen, users must first log in to access the contents of their FACSys Inbox, where they can forward existing fax messages or print them directly to the Sharp MFP - making the technology inherently HIPAA compliant. 

"Sharp OSA technology allows companies to customize the MFP to meet their business needs and maximize their investment," said Vince Jannelli, associate director, applications, SIICA. "With a FACSys server and the FACSys Connector users now have the power to further integrate the MFP into a company's communications infrastructure making it more cost-effective and easy to use."

Improved efficiency and productivity, audit trail of all activity, centralized and searchable repository of sent fax message content, and cost savings are all benefits of network faxing, which is now accessible through the Sharp OSA-enabled MFP platform.