SECAUCUS, N.J.--Jan. 19, 2004-- The Integration of Panasonic WORKiO Digital Systems with IBM AS/400 Printing System is an Important Development for iSeries Users Panasonic's WORKiO digital systems now have printing support for IBM iSeries (V5R1 operating systems and higher), bringing extended MFP functionality into the IBM AS/400 computing environment, and helping broaden the flexibility of e-business communication and enhance the management of electronic output. IBM custom-engineered the integration of the WORKiO DP-2310, DP-3010, DP-3510, DP-3520, DP-4510, DP-4520, DP-6010 and DP-6020 MFPs with its AS/400 printing system as part of its strategy to expand output support. With print speeds ranging from up to 23 to 60 ppm, the Panasonic MFPs eliminate the need for users of IBM's iSeries to choose between high-volume centralized systems and lower-end devices that do not offer finishing options. According to Richard Heckelmann, Panasonic's product development manager, WORKiO MFPs - developed by Panasonic to simplify document management and increase productivity - are well-suited to IBM's decentralized iSeries strategy. "It's a simple, seamless way for iSeries users to take advantage of the benefits offered by MFP printing," Heckelmann said. "Users want to be able to move pages from a centralized to a decentralized printing environment," Heckelmann continued. "It's obviously faster and more convenient to generate output locally. By using WORKiO MFPs as output support for AS/400 systems, we've substantially extended this capability." In addition, the supported compatibility between WORKiO and AS/400 simplifies the setup and installation of Panasonic systems, and enables direct host printing with no additional hardware or software required. The custom-designed support makes it easy to choose and configure the combination of the IBM system and Panasonic MFPs. Administrators need only choose Panasonic's WORKiO Series as the supported printer in IBM's iSeries printer selection menu. "By connecting more devices to the iSeries, we expand the range of output options," Heckelmann says. "The significance of this is in improved workflow and efficiency." Heckelmann adds that the IBM iSeries and WORKiO digital systems give users a powerful selection of digital solutions at their fingertips that span enterprise applications. WORKiO printer support, available as an upgrade for users of V5R1 and V5R2, is available as a PTF supported by IBM. Additionally, WORKiO MFPs are state-of-the-art document management systems, many of which can be connected to a LAN right out of the box via the built-in 10Base-T/100Base-TX Ethernet interface.