BOULDER, CO--Apr 4, 2002 -- IBM today announced an investment in Aprion Digital, a supplier of state-of-the-art digital ink jet printing technology, for an undisclosed sum. IBM's intent with this investment is to remain at the forefront of technology advancements that provide leading-edge printing solutions for its customers well into the future. IBM Printing Systems will collaborate with its long-term partner Hitachi Koki (HKK), who also announced an investment in Aprion Digital today, to explore possible applications of the company's patented MAGIC (Multiple Array Graphic Inkjet Color) drop-on-demand piezo ink jet technology. Addressing customers' needs, IBM Printing Systems will continue to develop output solutions based on the latest EP (electro-photographic) technology, which it believes will co-exist with new ink jet technology solutions for years to come. According to IBM, Aprion Digital's breakthrough drop-on-demand technology has the long-term potential to provide superior benefits to customers compared to currently available ink jet technologies. "Today's investment announcement shows our ongoing commitment to diligently explore new and emerging technologies for the benefits they bring to our customers," said Robert Kilcullen, Vice President, Product Marketing, IBM Printing Systems. "People have depended on IBM's digital print technology and world class software and services for the past 40 years and we intend to continue providing them with the most innovative, reliable and extensive breadth of output solutions well into the future," he said. "This partnership with Aprion Digital opens new opportunities for IBM and Hitachi Koki to combine their strengths to explore suitable applications for this unique drop-on-demand ink jet technology," said Mr. Yasuyuki Tsuji, President and CEO of Hitachi Koki Printing Systems Group. "We are very pleased to have IBM and Hitachi Koki investing in our technology," said Dr. Michael (Miki) Nagler, President and CEO, Aprion Digital. "We are proud to work with these industry leaders in our pioneering efforts."