STAMFORD, Conn.--Dec. 17, 2001-- Xerox Engineering Systems (XES) announced a breakthrough that enables a traditionally monochrome multifunction system to now handle color scanning as well. The release of the AccXES 7.5 controller from XES allows customers using the Synergix Scan System to upgrade their monochromatic system to add color scanning. This added capability, called color scan-to-net, allows Synergix users to scan maps, aerials and technical documents with color mark-ups for storage and printing. Color scan-to-net takes advantage of the Synergix Scan System's unique design as a scaleable product that is able to unlock new hardware capabilities through downloadable software keys. This advancement eliminates the need to buy new hardware when a performance upgrade is desired. Introduced earlier this year, the Scan System uses a patented full-width CMOS array to deliver high quality images with every scan, doing away with the disadvantages associated with CCD-based scanners. It is interoperable with all XES printers supported by the AccXES controller, making it a flexible solution to meet any customer's needs. "The color scan-to-net option is a perfect illustration of XES's focus on investment protection,'' said Joe Downer, Product Marketing Manager, XES. "The Synergix System saves customers thousands of dollars because they only need to purchase one scanner for both monochrome and color applications. You can now scan maps, posters and other color graphics - even those mounted on thick foam core boards - along with CAD drawings and blueprints that are typically produced in monochrome.'' Color scan-to-net produces both JPEG and TIFF file formats and is offered for all XES products using the AccXES controller, including: - Synergix 8855 - Synergix 8850 - Synergix 8830 - Synergix 8825 - X2-TECH with AccXES On the X2-TECH color inkjet printer, Color scan-to-net provides two-stage color copying. Simply scan-to-file in TIFF or JPEG, retrieve and then print in full color. Free Monochrome Scan-to-PDF Upgrade Since 1998, XES has been able to offer and support certified Adobe PostScript 3 to ensure that fonts, formatting, colors and images are always accurate. XES is now pleased to offer monochrome scan-to-PDF as a free upgrade with the AccXES 7.5 software release. Scanning to PDF allows the user to work with a file format that electronically captures all elements of a technical document, making it easy for anyone to view.