Sharp AR-405 Advanced Digital Document System Offers 40 PPM Printing and Network Connectivity With New Embedded Print Controller

Business Wire, Feb 18, 1999

MAHWAH, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 1999--

Sharp Adds Network Scanning Capability To Latest IMAGER(tm)

For Improved Document Management And Workflow

Sharp Electronics Corporation expands its IMAGER(tm) series of advanced digital document systems today with the introduction of the AR-405, the first IMAGER(tm) to offer network scanning capability for integrated document management solutions. The AR-405 can also be connected to a network utilizing Sharp's new AR-PB2 internal print controller. Now users can produce quality laser prints right from their desktops at 40 pages-per-minute, as well as control robust copying features and have the high-speed capability to scan and manage documents.

The AR-405 operates at 40 pages per minute and features a 50-sheet Reversing Automatic Document Feeder (RADF) and standard duplex unit. Unlike other competitive models, 600 dpi output resolution is available at full engine speed.

Another distinguishing feature of the AR-405 is that users have a choice of two finishing options. One is a three-tray finisher with multi-position stapling and offset stacking. The top two trays (one for face-up output, the other face down printing) have a capacity of 500 sheets each and the offset lift tray can hold up to 1,500 sheets. The second option is a lower cost, two tray finisher. The top 250-sheet exit tray can handle documents up to 11" x 17", and the lower 750-sheet tray (for 8 1/2" x 11" only) offers an offset stacker with single position stapler.

The AR-405 is designed for walkup and semi-centralized environments with a duty cycle requirement of 160,000 copies per month. The unit has a maximum paper capacity of 5,050 sheets, starting with two standard automatic feed 500-sheet paper trays and a standard 50-sheet bypass tray. Options include two 500-sheet drawers in a deck and a 3,000 sheet large capacity tray.

Printer Expansion Kit

Developed by Sharp Laboratories of America, Sharp's Camas, WA-based research and development subsidiary, the AR-PB2 embedded print controller is designed to exploit the advanced document handling and finishing features found on the AR-405.

When the Sharp IMAGER(tm) is connected to the network with the new AR-PB2, it offers several benefits, including:

-- Lower cost of ownership compared with separately purchasing a

copier and a 40 ppm network printer; -- Lower cost for consumables than most network printers; -- Productivity gains realized by being able to create, print, sort

and staple completed documents in one step from a desktop computer; -- High resolution output at 1200 dpi-quality via smoothing

technology (RET)

The AR-PB2 print controller is powered by a 150 MHz RISC processor and supports PCL5e and PostScript 2 page description languages, as well as Windows 3.1, 95, 98, NT 4.0, and MacOS 7.0 and higher operating systems. Its 16 MB of memory is expandable to 80 MB, and connectivity is supported by a standard bi-directional parallel port and optional network interface.

The optional network card connects the AR-405 via Token Ring, Ethernet 10BaseT/10Base2 or Ethernet 10/100BaseT network topologies and supports SNMP, TCP/IP and IPX protocols and Novell Netware 3.1X, 4.0, AppleTalk and UNIX network operating systems.

Network Scanning

Delivering on its promise to help create work environments in which people are empowered to accomplish more with technology that fully utilizes the potential of the office network, Sharp has teamed with Axis Communications to offer the AXIS 700 Network Scan Server optimized for the AR-405. When the AR-405 is connected to a company's network via the AXIS 700, users can scan documents, photographs, reports and other information directly into the network from the AR-405 and send them anywhere--from individual users to corporate distribution lists.

The AXIS 700 uses Axis Communications' ThinServer(tm) technology to operate completely independent of any file server or PC. Designed as an HTTP (Web) server with E-mail (SMTP) and file (FTP) clients, the AXIS 700 is optimized for intranets and the Internet. It works within Windows, UNIX, NetWare and Macintosh environments and compliments existing enterprise information solutions such as fax servers, groupware, workflow and document management applications.

Pricing and Availability

The AR-405 is available now through Sharp's nationwide network of dealers at a suggested retail price of $12,295. The AR-PB2 printer expansion kit is available at a suggested retail price of $1,995, or $2,349 when bundled with an Ethernet network interface card. The AXIS 700 Network Scan Server will be available in March at a suggested retail price of $1,495.

For more information on Sharp's full line of advanced digital document systems, contact the Business Products Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07430, or call 201-529-9600. For on-line information, visit Sharp's Web site at www.sharp-usa.com.

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core technologies that are playing an integral role in shaping the modern office environment. Sharp's leadership is shown through its number one ranking in the U.S. facsimile market since 1987, its number three position in U.S. copier sales, and the development of cutting-edge laser printing technology. Along with the introduction of the IMAGER(tm) series of digital document systems, Sharp's Business Products Group has created the concept of the Networkplace(tm), a work environment where people are empowered to accomplish more with technology that exploits the potential of the office network. To support its more than 50 product lines, Sharp Electronics employs approximately 3,100 people nationwide.