BOULDER, CO, March 25, 2003 -- IBM's new plug-and-print Wi-Fi adapter, announced today, provides businesses with instant, high-speed, wireless network print capabilities. IBM's new offering enables users of notebooks, personal computers or PDAs to print documents remotely, without the need to purchase a new Wi-Fi-enabled printer or multi-function device (MFD). "Wireless printing lets enterprise customers, especially small- and medium-sized businesses, enjoy the advantages of secure network printing without the expense of buying and routing Ethernet cables to set up the network. By replacing inkjet desktop printers with laser workgroup printers, and making them accessible with IBM's wireless technology, customers can gain substantial cost savings and productivity improvements," said David Dobson, general manager, IBM Printing Systems. Customers can have the freedom and efficiencies of wireless by simply plugging IBM's Wireless Print Adapter into a printer's existing Ethernet connection, without the need for configuring software drivers or open PCI expansion slots. The new IBM 802.11b (Wi-Fi) adapter -- an 11 Mbps wireless Ethernet print solution -- is compatible with IBM's entire portfolio of workgroup printing solutions, which include a range of high-performance color, monochrome and multi-function printer options that increase productivity and lower the total cost of printing for customers, large and small. Wireless Print Adapter Capabilities The IBM 802.11b Wireless Print Adapter can receive wireless Ethernet transmissions based on the IEEE 802.11b standard up to 1,200 feet away from the transmitting host in an open area. This device integrates wireless printing into the corporate network without sacrificing printer network management. It provides a plug-and-print solution for Ethernet-capable printers,MFDs and printer resident print servers. It is Wi-Fi certified to ensure compatibility with IEEE 802.11b networks and supports Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP) using 64-bit or 128-bit encryption for secure transmission of print data. The adapter has been specially designed for existing Ethernet based printers, connecting to an existing RJ-45 connector and offering network access at a speed of up to 11 Mbps. Today's announcement continues IBM's push to establish an open standards-based infrastructure designed to reduce wireless implementation costs, speed the deployment of new services and accelerate revenue generation for enterprises and service providers. It extends the power and manageability of IBM printing solutions to the flexible, wireless network environment. Pricing and Availability The IBM 802.11b Wireless Print Adapter is available now for $212 from www.ibm.com/printers, customers' IBM representative, and through IBM business partners in the United States, Canada and select outlets in Europe.