VALLEY FORGE, Pa.--Oct. 21, 2003-- IKON Office Solutions, the world's largest independent distributor of document management products and services, today launched the IKON CPP 8050, a next-generation, high-speed digital color printing and copying system. With this new product offering, IKON is able to deliver enhanced color production level quality and speed at an affordable price point, while reaffirming its commitment to providing customers with the industry's strongest portfolio of color product offerings. The IKON CPP 8050 will assist IKON in meeting the growing demand for color printers and copiers-- an estimated $1.2 billion market in 2004 -- at a range of price points and speeds. With U.S. placements of color production segment units expected to grow in excess of 15 percent in 2004, the product strategically positions IKON to capitalize on this segment and builds on its existing color portfolio, which ranges from color-capable black-and-white devices for general office needs, to high-volume color production for graphic arts and centralized production needs. "With the IKON CPP 8050, organizations can affordably leverage the power of color documents to differentiate themselves from competitors during these challenging economic times," said Cathy Lewis, senior vice president of marketing, IKON Office Solutions. "High-quality color documents can raise awareness, increase retention and elicit action, improving communications with customers, partners, suppliers and employees." Co-branded with Konica Minolta for its color engine technology and Electronics for Imaging (EFI) with its high performance new Fiery S300 color controller, the IKON CPP 8050 offers powerful color management tools to help users generate consistent and accurate output. A compact design minimizes space requirements and cost, even in multi-unit installations, which makes it ideal for both production and departmental color copying and printing at 50 pages-per-minute. Enhanced media features and variable data technology enable streamlined job management and personalized printing, while advanced features such as centralized print control, high-speed production, continuous operation and remote device monitoring maximize quality and productivity. "We believe that the IKON CPP 8050, based on the Konica Minolta ColorForce 8050, is breakthrough technology that will transform this industry. The fact that IKON has decided to add this color system to its portfolio clearly demonstrates its 'best-in-class' value proposition," said Charles A. Pesko, Managing Director, CAP Ventures, Inc. The IKON CPP 8050 features technology from leading manufacturers, including Konica Minolta for the color engine with Simitri(TM) polymerized toner for crisp text, smooth gradations and image stability and a Fiery controller from EFI to efficiently fulfill complex color applications and advanced document workflow. It is backed by IKON's comprehensive service and support offerings, including a team of professional services analysts that are dedicated to providing technical support and training. Retailing at a $56,900 base-price including the Fiery controller, the IKON CPP 8050 is expected to begin shipping with limited availability in mid-November 2003, with full availability throughout the United States in early December 2003.