Epson announces latest in migration tools for POS systems; interface offers fast, cost-saving printing solutions for proprietary systems

Business Wire, Feb 7, 1997

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 7, 1997--Underscoring its commitment to provide retailers with a migration path to open- architecture POS systems, Epson announced a new family of protocol converters that allow retailers to easily integrate an Epson TM printer into their existing ``proprietary'' systems.

The new Smart Printer Interfaces for ICL/Datachecker systems will be demonstrated at the MarkeTechnics show, Feb. 7-9 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

``Our new protocol converters allow retailers to replace the aging printers in their existing systems,'' said Bud Weist, Epson business-unit director. ``The converters also support updated capabilities such as clean receipts and check writing and endorsement.

``By allowing the incorporation of an open-architecture printer, these converters can be the first step in migrating to an open- architecture platform,'' Weist continued.

The Smart Printer Interface modules fit into the underside of Epson's TM printers without changing the footprint or outward appearance. The following printers are supported: TM-H5000, TM-T88, TM-T85, TM-U950 and TM-U925.

These plug-and-play-compatible printer replacements for ICL 2000, 2001 and 9520 legacy systems deliver significantly increased print speeds and reliability with decreased service costs.

Depending on the printer and system, retailers can benefit from added print features such as check writing and endorsement capabilities as well as the ability to print graphic or generic logos and clean receipts.

Designed to replace aging printers in the grocery, general merchandise and mass merchandise markets, the smart interfaces can support several capabilities: Custom logo version for a graphic logo at the head of each receipt; A-Standard or Generic version for bolded and enlarged text logos; and Clean Receipt, offering all the features of the above Smart Printer Interfaces, as well as a clean receipt at the end of the transaction.

All three Smart Printer Interface versions are plug-and-play- compatible with the ICL 2000, 2001 and 9520 legacy systems, and each interface is capable of boosting print speed significantly.

Not only are sales receipts more readable, particularly in thermal printing, but retailers can now choose between normal- and large-print options based on the needs of their stores. For example, a store with a large senior-citizen clientele can offer elderly customers a large-print receipt simply by scanning a barcode at the start of the sale.

Other features of the Epson printers include a receipt auto-cut and reverse-print mode for voids and coupons.

``Epson TM printers with Smart Printer Interfaces are ideal interim solutions for businesses that plan to upgrade to an open- architecture POS system,'' said Weist. ``The Smart Printer Interfaces are cost-effective because they allow retailers to upgrade to faster Epson printers today, and when they expand to a new system, the interface can be removed.''

Conversion to Epson printers with Smart Printer Interfaces is simple. All the firmware is programmed to enable the Epson printers to accept and generate the same print commands as the ICL/Datachecker systems. This capability allows the user to take full advantage of the faster speed and high reliability that are Epson's hallmark of quality.

The Smart Printer Interfaces are manufactured by DCNS, and Epson is the exclusive reseller. The MSRP on the Smart Interface is $149. Printer pricing depends on the printer model and configuration. Contact your local Epson representative or distributor for more information.

Epson is a leading supplier of diverse OEM products including point-of-transaction printers and intelligent terminals, handheld computers, mini-printers, liquid-crystal-display (LCD) modules, crystals, stepping motors and other electronic devices. For the consumer, business and graphic-arts markets, the company offers an extensive array of image-capture and image-output products.

Founded in 1975, Epson America Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp., a global technology company that manufactures high-quality products to meet customer demand for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson America has headquarters in Torrance, Calif.

For more information on OEM products, call 310/787-6300 or visit Epson's Web site at http://www.epson.com . -0-

NOTE: Brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

CONTACT: Epson

Janette Reynolds, 310/782-5161

janette_reynolds@ea.epson.com

or

Base One Marketing

Julie O'Brien, 310/792-1877

jobrien@base1.com