RAMSEY, NJ - February 26, 2007 - Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), a leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies at its recent National Dealer Meeting demonstrated support for the new imaging, networking and security features in the Windows Vista operating system. Konica Minolta will be one of the first in the market to support the XML Paper Specification (XPS) file format and Web Services for Devices (WSD) on the soon-to-be introduced next-generation of bizhub(TM) multifunctional products (MFPs - print, copy, fax, scan all in one system), and select bizhub and magicolor printers. XPS is a new Windows Vista file format that allows the user to more accurately and more productively reproduce the layout and color of the original document on the printed image. The new bizhub MFPs will contain a native XPS interpreter designed and developed by Konica Minolta, as an extension of the Konica Minolta Emperon print technology, to take full advantage of this exciting new document format. WSD, Microsoft's new Windows Vista protocol, makes it possible to deliver improved network connectivity, allowing the user to search and install MFPs and print devices more easily. In addition, the technology provides an optimized user experience for sending and receiving documents on the network. Both the XPS file format and WSD protocols are part of the Windows Vista operating system and are supported in the 2007 Microsoft Office system. For the past two years, Konica Minolta has been working closely with Microsoft to ensure that its award-winning line of bizhub MFPs support both the XPS file format and WSD protocols so that customers will enjoy lower cost and higher quality MFP deployments. Konica Minolta first demonstrated this capability during the Microsoft WinHEC show in 2006. Support for XPS and WSD on the next generation of bizhub MFPs is expected to be available this summer. "Our close integration with Windows Vista is key to our commitment to provide the optimal user experience that comes from using a Microsoft certified integration strategy that extends to drivers and overall system integration," said Kevin Kern, vice president, product planning and development, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc., "Our customers will enjoy the fact that the next generation of bizhub MFPs will work seamlessly well with the XPS file format, and we expect that they will also appreciate the added benefits and convenience provided by our integration with WSD protocols." "Windows Vista creates a platform for the next generation and XPS is one example of how we are providing a more intuitive and productive experience for customers," said Dave Wascha, director of Windows Client Partner Marketing at Microsoft Corp. "We have worked closely with Konica Minolta, and its new bizhub products will enable our mutual customers to better print, share and archive documents - all in a more secure environment." In addition, Konica Minolta confirmed its support for the new Windows Vista operating system by providing compatible printer drivers for a broad range of existing color and monochrome bizhub MFPs, along with its printer products. The new printer drivers are now built into the Windows Vista operating system. The drivers support the next generation of bizhub products, as well as legacy Konica Minolta MFPs. Additionally, drivers for newer products and updates for the current product line will be provided in stages.