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Canon Expands MEAP Enabled ImageRUNNER Product Line

Press release from the issuing company

SAN FRANCISCO--June 28, 2004-- Canon U.S.A., Inc., the nation's market share brand leader in black-and-white and color laser copier/printer solutions(1), today introduced the new MEAP(TM) enabled Color imageRUNNER C3220 networked digital multifunction device - a powerful, color document management solution designed to support high-value color needs and highly customized workflow capabilities. Building upon Canon's highly successful Color imageRUNNER C3200 - a product that has set new standards for general office color since its initial introduction in 2003 - the new Color imageRUNNER C3220 adds the power of Canon's innovative MEAP(TM) (Multifunctional Embedded Application Platform) development architecture and a host of new technologies allowing Canon to expand the imaging leader's market reach. "Canon's color technology - especially when combined with MEAP technology - will decidedly influence the imaging market," said Dennis Amorosano, director and general manager, Imaging Systems Group, Canon U.S.A. "Canon considers the inclusion of MEAP architecture a ground-breaking workflow differentiator for our customers - a vehicle for harnessing Java technology to significantly help businesses improve productivity and reduce costs through tailored applications and streamlined document management. And by combining MEAP with color, Canon's Color imageRUNNER C3220 allows our customers to meet an even broader range of workflow and communication needs with enhanced document impact." MEAP is an industry unique, Canon-developed, Java-based platform for which embedded applications can be specifically written, installed and run on an imageRUNNER device. These applications may be created by Canon, third party software developers, or by the customer's in-house development resources. Applications reside on the system's hard disk, thus eliminating the need, space and expense for many dedicated pieces of equipment to execute customized programs. Further, these applications are presented to walk-up users in the full-color LCD control panel of the MEAP enabled Color imageRUNNER C3220, allowing users to access applications directly from the main control panel and transforming the traditional MFP device into a powerful communications hub for sharing and managing information in the office. To create these applications, Canon offers a MEAP Software Development Kit (SDK) that provides sample code and direction to create customized programs. The Color imageRUNNER C3220 can seamlessly integrate with the eCopy OP (Open Platform) Suite of products, enabling organizations to transform paper documents into information that is easily integrated into commonly used business applications. Using eCopy OP Suite, organizations can provide open access to scanning from a MEAP enabled imageRUNNER device that connects to e-mail, fax, document management, and other networked enterprise applications for a low-cost, easy, instantaneous distribution and management of digital copies of paper documents. eCopy OP Suite includes ShareScan OP, which allows MEAP enabled imageRUNNER devices to function as part of a true information "hub" by integrating hard-copy operations directly into the workflow of enterprise software applications, such as reporting, administration, document management, ERP, financials, HR and customer management. Announced in March 2004, ShareScan OP is the first commercially available software application for Canon's MEAP enabled imageRUNNER devices. ShareScan OP represents the latest software for document distribution and integration, and sets a new competitive standard for simple, secure, and cost effective electronic distribution of paper documents. A color version of eCopy ShareScan OP will be made available in the fourth quarter of 2004. Color Engine Features Like its predecessor, the Canon Color imageRUNNER C3220 features a four-drum, single-pass engine that achieves speeds up to 32 pages-per-minute (ppm) for both color and monochrome output(2). With support for up to 2400 equivalent x 600-dpi output resolution and Canon's third-generation of oil-less S toners, the C3220 produces crisp, eye-catching output. Extensive document-handling options, finishing capabilities and support for a variety of media allows users to create effective, attention-grabbing documents in-house at reduced cost. The system leverages Canon's Color Image Platform architecture via dual 250 MHz processors, a 40 GB Hard Disk Drive, and 1GB of RAM to drive high-speed processing of full color image data, as well as simultaneous processing of each device function for exceptional multifunction performance. This high capacity memory also facilitates many digitally enabled features including 'scan-once-print-many', tray-less duplexing, job build, copy reservation, area designation, and more. The Color imageRUNNER C3220 will be available in two configurations: the Color imageRUNNER C3220 Printer model, which ships standard with the C3220 Base Printer; and the Color imageRUNNER C3220 Copier model, which ships standard with the C3220 Base Printer plus a full color scanner to support advanced digital copying and scan-to-Mail Box capabilities. Both models also offer an expanded choice of print controller options for the best fit in corporate offices or light production environments. The Canon Color Network Multi-PDL Printer Kit-A2 delivers printing capabilities best-suited for general office use, with support for PCL 5c and Adobe PostScript 3(TM) emulation, and Canon's proprietary new Ultra Fast Rendering* (UFR) technology for highly efficient office printing. Organizations with higher bandwidth requirements may choose the imagePASS-C1 v.2 controller which features it's own hardware dedicated to printing applications and support for genuine Adobe PostScript 3 and PCL 5c, as well as the value-added capabilities of the optional award-winning EFI Command WorkStation(TM) utilities. When configured with the optional Canon ColorPASS-Z3000 controller (available 3Q-2004), the Color imageRUNNER C3220 can support even more demanding graphic-intensive applications. Designed for light color production and graphics needs, the ColorPASS-Z3000 is based on EFI's Fiery S350 color server technology. It represents a new level in imageRUNNER connectivity - bringing speed and many of the features found on Canon's CLC print controllers to the corporate market and positioning the Color imageRUNNER C3220 as a viable solution for color-critical applications. The ColorPASS-Z3000 color server also delivers industry-leading, flexible, variable data printing capabilities, and includes a comprehensive array of professional features such as EFI Command WorkStation, DocBuilder Pro(TM) imposition tool, ColorWise color management software, Spot-On technology for creating and managing spot color formulas, Auto-Trapping and multiple Hot Folder support for maximizing color quality and productivity. The ColorPASS-Z3000 is equipped with an Intel Pentium 2.4 GHz CPU, as well as a 40 GB HD and 256 MB of RAM. It also supports an optional Graphics Arts Package, which further enhances system performance for color critical users and graphic arts professionals. In addition, the ColorPASS Z-3000 offers a powerful suite of tools to maximize throughput and streamline color VDP production, offering the most comprehensive range of VDP languages including the industry standard PPML. Networked Digital Multifunction Features Of key consideration is the Color imageRUNNER C3220's ability to transform into a powerful color communications hub for sharing and managing information both within and outside the office. With its optional Color Universal Send capabilities, the Color imageRUNNER C3220 can distribute scanned data to multiple destinations, including individual or groups of e-mail and Internet-Fax addresses, internal Mail Boxes, to network or host files and folders, and to document management applications such as Canon's imageWARE suite. Canon's PDF High-Compression file format ensures the efficient distribution of full-color scanned images without overburdening a customer's network. The optional Super G3 Fax Board-M2 allows the Color imageRUNNER C3220 to also operate as a powerful 33.6Kbps fax machine as well as support PC Fax capabilities(3). Like all Canon networked systems, the Color imageRUNNER C3220 comes equipped with a comprehensive set of utilities and features designed to simplify device operation, management and security. These include a full-color user interface panel at the device, intuitively designed device drivers, Department ID Mode, Canon's web-based Remote UI, and NetSpot Suite software. An imageRUNNER Security Kit is optional. New user authentication features, such as Single Sign-On (SSO) and Simple Device Login (SDL) have also been introduced with the Color imageRUNNER C3220 for even greater levels of device security and management. Attendees can view the new Canon Color imageRUNNER C3220 in Canon Booth #733 at JavaOne 2004 taking place at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA, June 28 - July 1. The Canon Color imageRUNNER C3220 will be made available through Canon dealers late July 2004.