FOSTER CITY, CA, Jan 05, 2006 -- EFI, the world leader in digital imaging and print management solutions for commercial and enterprise printing, today announced the availability of the integrated Fiery(R) controller for the color 36PPM AR-C360P Digital IMAGER(TM) from Sharp Document Solutions Company of America. Designed to handle high-volume, color-critical output, the new color workgroup printer is well-suited for businesses seeking to streamline costs and manage in-house printing projects efficiently. "Color presentations, color proofs, logo sheets and other documents that feature realistic color have become a requirement for effective business communication," said George Grafanakis, senior manager, product planning and marketing, Sharp Document Solutions Company of America. "The Fiery integrated server enables the AR-C360P Digital IMAGER to deliver high-resolution, precise color documents quickly and accurately while providing the convenience and cost savings of in-house productivity." Key features of the Fiery controller for the AR-C360P Digital IMAGER include: Enhanced Productivity New Fiery intelligent processing software accelerates the processing of documents and ensures the fastest printing possible on PDF, Microsoft Office(R) (particularly Microsoft PowerPoint(R)) and large image files. Even when printing resolutions of up to 1200 dpi, Fiery technology virtually eliminates waiting time at the printer. The multiple award-winning Fiery Command WorkStation(TM) sets the standard in centralized print job management with an intuitive interface and a variety of sophisticated, productivity-enhancing tools. Additional Fiery productivity enhancement tools include: -- Fiery NetWise(TM) for seamless connectivity to all popular network platforms; -- Fiery WebTools(TM) for easy downloading and scanning jobs; -- Fiery FreeForm(TM) for flexible variable data printing capabilities; -- Optional Fiery Impose(TM) for merging and assembling documents; -- Optional Hot Folders (available only at initial installation/purchase) for automated batch processing of PostScript and PDF files. Color Management/Great "Out of the Box" Color Fiery ColorWise(R), industry-leading color management software, offers built-in intelligence for producing consistently precise colors from all applications, platforms and file formats. Optional advanced functionality includes auto trapping for layering graphics and Spot-On(R) color technology for color accuracy, supporting corporate-branded colors (both auto trapping and Spot-On(R) options are available only at initial installation/purchase). Authentic PostScript In addition to PCL, the Fiery controller includes an EFI/Adobe co-developed PostScript interpreter that processes (RIPs) the print job. Fiery office accelerator technology enables the printing of Adobe PostScript 3(TM) and native PDF files with a level of accuracy and color rendering that emulators cannot achieve. Improved Security Fiery security features for the AR-C360P include IP Filtering to control access to the printing device and Port Blocking to control access to the Fiery through remote management. "We are pleased to work with Sharp and offer their customers the features and benefits enjoyed by more than 12 million EFI Fiery users around the world," said James Lopez, director of server product marketing, EFI. "The integrated Fiery for the new Sharp workgroup printer has been designed so that customers will experience increased productivity that will save them time and money as they produce outstanding prints." Written for the same audience for which the new Fiery-driven workgroup printer is designed, EFI recently announced the free guidebook, "The ABC's of the Next-Generation Office." Advising readers on how to increase workforce productivity and improve profitability through new technology solutions, the handbook regards digital workflows and proposes new work processes to bridge the digital- and paper-based worlds. Availability The new AR-C360P full-color workgroup printing system is available this month from authorized Sharp dealers. For more information about the complete line of Sharp document solution products, call 800-BE-SHARP or visit www.sharpusa.com/documents. "The ABC's of the Next-Generation Office" is available for free via download at www.efi.com.