EFI Controller Upgrade Transforms Konica 7033 and 7040 Copiers into High-Speed Networked Scanners; New Controller Available in the U.S. from Office Solutions Providers

Business Wire, Feb 18, 2000

Business Editors &High-Tech Writers

FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 2000

Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (Nasdaq:EFII), the world leader in enabling networked printing solutions, announced today a version 2.0 upgrade to its X2e embedded controller is now being shipped to Konica Corp., Japan.

The enhanced controller, which is designed for connection with Konica's 7033 and 7040 black-and-white copiers, offers users many new productivity enhancing features.

&uot;By adding high-speed scanning functionality, these Konica 33 and 40 page-per-minute (ppm) copiers become more valuable, all-in-one networked tools,&uot; said Ryan Dover, senior manager, Sales, EFI. &uot;Users gain the ability to rapidly scan multiple-page documents and store and manage those documents on a PC or server. This, and other Fiery features, help enhance the flexibility and productivity of the Konica digital print solution.&uot;

A range of control settings gives users the ability to optimize scans for image, text, or a combination of both. The new upgrade offers users selectable 400, 300, and 200-dpi scanning resolution and a number of different image densities. While scan time is dependent on the setting, the high-speed recirculation document feeder in the 7033 and 7040 gives these black-and-white copiers the performance edge when compared to the typical flatbed scanner.

The X2e upgrade also features Fiery(R) FormOverlay(TM), a fast variable data/forms overlay solution which gives users the ability to individualize any black-and-white form, such as business letters, invoices, and marketing materials. This EFI solution processes master, non-variable data only once, which significantly increases throughput.

Fiery Driver(TM) is the new user interface designed by EFI to simplify the printing process. This interface offers short-cuts to common settings, provides visual document feedback, and enhances control for Windows users. Fiery Driver's intuitive interface makes accessing the copier/printer's specific functions easy by providing quick access to frequently used features.

The X2e upgrade also offers booklet-making functionality, which supports the finishing capabilities of the copiers and gives end users flexibility in the way they present their ideas. An EFI feature called Unlock and Print limits authorization to print documents to those possessing the appropriate password.

Fiery X2e Technology

The Fiery X2e solution provides users with greater throughput, job control, and workflow flexibility than with standard printers or other print controllers. The X2e is among the first black-and-white controllers to support Adobe PostScript 3, PDF, and PCL for advanced page and text handling features.

For the majority of files, the X2e drives the Konica 7033 and 7040 at maximum rated speeds of 33 and 40 ppm respectively.

In addition, the X2e delivers superior productivity, effortless control, and networkability through a number of exclusive EFI technology innovations. RIP-While-Print(R) technology allows the controller to simultaneously process and print pages while Continuous Print(TM) prevents the engine from cycling down, which reduces downtime and increases throughput.

Fiery WebTools(TM) expand desktop printing capabilities via the Internet or a corporate intranet, enabling remote users with any Java-enabled browser to retrieve printer status information and change job parameters from their desktops. The new version supports such advanced WebTools features as Thumbnail Preview and Document Merging.

Fiery WebSpooler(TM) provides an intuitive graphical user interface for queue management, including quickly reprinting jobs and changing job priorities. Additionally, within Fiery WebSpooler, users can benefit from the job log feature for accurate tracking of print jobs.

The Fiery Downloader(TM) utility allows users to download PostScript and PCL files, as well as fonts directly to the Fiery, which accelerates the printing process. All Fiery utilities for the X2e controller are cross-platform, supporting both Mac OS and Windows clients.

Seamless network operability is provided with EFI's NetWise(TM) network architecture, delivering broad, flexible network support for fast and easy connectivity in a variety of environments. The X2e supports TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, and AppleTalk protocols, with Ethernet 10/100BaseT connections as standard.

TCP/IP and IPX/SPX are supported over Ethernet and Token Ring networks, with native support for Novell NetWare Directory Services (NDS). NetWise also provides peer-to-peer printing, enabling Windows 95/98 and NT printing using SMB over TCP/IP connections. Moreover, NetWise utilizes Auto IP and IPX Auto Frame for simplified Fiery setup.

NetWise allows Windows users to easily print to the X2e without using a dedicated network server or secondary print utility such as LPR Spooler.

For sales information about EFI's version 2.0 upgrade to its Fiery X2e controller for Konica, call 650/357-3414. Additional information is also available on EFI's web site at www.efi.com/partner/konica.html.