Latest Generation EFI Fiery Drives Sharp's New Flagship Color MFP Document Systems; Industry-Leading Embedded Fiery Controller to be Available for Sharp MX Series Color MFPs

Business Wire, May 16, 2006

PHILADELPHIA -- Sharp Document Solutions Company of America (SDSCA) and EFI (Nasdaq:EFII), the world leader in digital controllers, superwide format printers and inks, and print management solutions for commercial and enterprise printing, today announced the availability of the Fiery integrated controller designed for the newly launched Sharp MX-3500N, MX-3501N and MX-4501N Workgroup Color Document Systems. The Fiery enables the Sharp models to unite network users with a powerful, fully integrated document printing workflow that delivers exceptional color, productivity, flexibility and security. The Fiery-driven Sharp models will be shown in Sharp On Demand booth #1642 and are an ideal solution for environments ranging from corporate workgroups and small-medium businesses to print-for-pay and creative groups.

"The Fiery controller is renowned for its precision color, consistent high quality output and workflow innovation," said Mike Marusic, vice president, marketing, Sharp Document Solutions Company of America. "Customers choosing the Fiery-driven MX Series will immediately experience optimal performance and increased efficiencies that improve their bottom line."

Highlights of the Fiery embedded controller designed for the new models include:

Great "Out of the Box" Color

In designing the Fiery embedded controller designed for the Sharp MX Series color MFP, EFI recognized the importance of consistent corporate color and ease of use in achieving professional-level color in "Power Office" environments. This Fiery controller features EFI Fiery ColorWise(R), the EFI in-RIP color management system, delivering color that is consistent across applications, computer platforms, color spaces, and color file formats. ColorWise includes automated functionality and expert controls for managing color, productivity and automating color document workflow. The EFI Color Profiler is available as an option for finer control over color and print quality as is Spot On, which provides the ability to measure and manage spot colors, particularly relevant in achieving corporate colors.

Improved Productivity

The Fiery embedded controller includes Fiery SmartRIP(R) technology, the EFI software architecture introduced in next-generation Fiery servers that combines intelligent processing with the efficient utilization of the latest in hardware to significantly accelerate RIPing performance, ensuring the fastest possible processing speeds for all hardware configurations. The Fiery's Office Accelerator technology dramatically speeds printing of Microsoft Office and Adobe applications. Particularly beneficial in repetitive workflows, EFI Hot Folders and Virtual printers are optional applications that further automate printing.

Increased Flexibility

Fiery NetWise(TM), features an innovative design that virtually guarantees easy connectivity and ensures seamless integration in any network environment including "peer-to-peer" (SMB) support for Windows(R) workstation printing, and LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) support for directory or a global address book access.

Robust Security

The Fiery embedded controller incorporates strong security utilities ranging from limiting who has access to the controller with the user authentification feature to securing the data itself.

"The Fiery technology designed for the new Sharp flagship MX series will yield exceptional value for customers, who will increase the number of 14 million Fiery users worldwide" adds Frank Mallozzi, senior vice president, worldwide sales and marketing, EFI. "On Demand attendees visiting the Sharp booth will see demonstrations that showcase the Fiery as the ideal server solution for the Sharp MX Series color MFP, enabling users to maximize its capabilities."

Availability

EFI solutions designed for Sharp systems will be shown at Sharp On Demand Booth #1642 and will be available this summer through Sharp North American direct sales, authorized dealer and value-added reseller channels.

About Sharp

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the Mahwah, N.J.-based marketing and sales subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core technologies that are integral to shaping the next generation of home entertainment products, appliances, networked, multifunctional office solutions, solar energy and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS(R) Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit(TM) digital audio products, SharpVision(R) projection products, Carousel(R) microwaves, IMAGER(TM) digital multifunctional systems, and Notevision(R) multimedia projectors. Sharp Electronics Corporation employs approximately 2,000 people throughout the U.S. supporting more than 50 product lines.

About EFI

EFI (www.efi.com) is the world leader in digital controllers, superwide format printers and inks, and commercial and enterprise print management solutions. EFI's award-winning solutions, integrated from creation to print, deliver increased performance, cost savings and productivity. The company's robust product portfolio includes Fiery(R) color print servers; superwide digital inkjet printers, UV and solvent inks; print production workflow and management information software; and corporate printing solutions. EFI maintains 23 offices worldwide.