Sharp introduces high-volume network printer for multi-host computer environments

Business Wire, Oct 21, 1996

MAHWAH, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 21, 1996--

300,000 page per month duty cycle and continuous 40 page-per-minute printing minimize office downtime while supporting heavy printing needs

Sharp Electronics Corp. took a major step today toward becoming a total document solutions provider by introducing the AO-4100P, a 40 page-per-minute midrange network printer aimed at high-volume network production printing applications.

The AO-4100P offers multi-host connectivity, paper handling and features unique within its category and includes network management utilities to allow it to be monitored and configured remotely over a network. Standard network software addresses the needs of Novell, UNIX TCP/IP, DEC LAT and AppleTalk users. Printer drivers support Windows(R) NT, Windows(R) 3.1, Windows(R) 95, MAC, VAX/VMS, UNIX and mini/mainframe line printer applications.

The company's decision to enter the mid-range printer market is based on the explosive growth in networking, which in turn is driving demand for client/server production printers. "Sharp recognized a growing customer need for a high performance printing solution for the corporate environment," says Mike Pietrunti, general manager, Strategic Marketing, Business Products Group, Sharp Electronics Corp. "With the AO-P product line, we will offer the office equipment market a complete range of document output solutions."

The AO-4100P boasts a 300,000 page-per-month duty cycle and fast 40-ppm print speed. These features will make it possible for the new network printer to target production and on-demand printing applications in client/server computing environments. High-end paper handling features include a 3,000-sheet paper input capacity through four input hoppers of any combination of letter, legal and ledger sizes, as well as duplex printing. To minimize downtime, users will be able to replenish consumables such as paper and toner while the printer operates, a feature unique in this class of products.

"As the industry is moving from copiers to printers, users want multiple original copies, and Sharp has taken a significant step to meet that need by entering this market," said Deepak Sharma, president of Strategic Edge Inc., a consulting company based in Houston. "What's more, Sharp's dealer channel is particularly appropriate for this kind of product because of its experience in selling high-end copier products."

The network printer ships with two 500-sheet output stackers with offset joggers that automatically separate printed documents. An optional 1,500-sheet output stacker with offset jogger also is available.

Also unique to the mid-range printer category is the product's multi-configuration capability. With software resident on the printer's hard disk, users can configure the printer with defined default settings that reside in the printer. This technology allows the unit to appear as a "virtual printer" on a network, providing users with the flexibility to select up to 64 possible printer configurations to meet their individual printing needs.

Advanced Network Printer Management

The AO-4100P ships with Ethernet or Token Ring network interface cards with network printer management software for Windows. This allows simple configuration and management of the printer in a wide variety of network environments.

The printer offers a low cost of ownership for high print volume environments by incorporating a replaceable organic photoconductor sleeve. This reduces costs and saves landfill space by eliminating the need to dispose of the entire drum, which typically is replaced in competitive products.

Extensive Print Fonts and Types

In addition, the printer includes Xionix PS(R) (a PostScript(R) emulation), and Xionics FIVE (PCL(R)5) page description languages. A wide range of fonts, including 43 scaleable PostScript fonts and 20 PCL5 fonts, reside on an internal hard disk. Additional fonts, forms and system updates can be installed via the printer's floppy drive. The printer will also support the equivalent of up to three HP font cartridges at a time by copying the font data to its hard drive.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

The network printer is compatible with a range of network environments through Ethernet and Token Ring topology. It supports a wide range of network operating systems, including Novell Netware, AppleTalk, TCP/IP (UNIX OS via TCP/IP), and DEC LAT. Line printer emulation will support direct as well as network interface to a host. Furthermore, third party options are available to provide IPDS emulation for AS/400 applications. PostScript software is also available to simplify the implementation of production forms and form letter applications.

A powerful dual-processor controller, based on a 33Mhz IDT 3081 RISC processor and a Motorola communications processor, is designed to serve multiple users simultaneously.

The unit measures 48" X 26" X 25", weighs 350 pounds, and lists for $27,995.

For more information on the AO-4100P, contact the Business Products Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07430 at 201-529-9600 or call 1-800-BE-SHARP. For on-line product information, visit Sharp's Web Site at http://www.sharp-usa.com.