New Frontier-Based A4 Workgroup Printers From Sharp
January 22, 2010 - Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) has expanded its Frontier Series with two new A4 workgroup laser printers, the color MX-C400P and monochrome MX-B400P, both rated at 40 ppm. The printers are based on Sharp's Frontier MFP counterparts, and are designed for mid-volume business workgroups.
The new printers employ the same engine, print controller, supplies and maintenance items, paper drawers and finishing items as Sharp's A4 MFPs. They have a recommended monthly print volume of 5,000 to 8,000 pages, and use separate toner and imaging drums.
Noted Gary Bailer, Associate Director for A4 MFPs at Sharp Imaging, “Because these new printers utilize the same engine as our Frontier MFPs, end-users who don’t need scanning and copying capabilities will still get the same powerful controller, output quality, throughput, paper handling, connectivity and security features, but at a fraction of the cost. These products provide our dealers with the ability to provide a full, end-to-end Frontier solution that will greatly reduce an end-user’s cost of ownership. By blending the cost per copy between fully-networked MFPs and printers, offices operate more efficiently and manage their document processing more effectively.”
Customizable Business Solutions with Sharp OSA Technology
The printers also support Sharp's third-generation open-development platform, Sharp OSA Version 3.5, so that they may be integrated with network-based applications. Sharp OSA technology enables dealers and developers to create fully networked and customized document solutions for many business needs. With Sharp OSA technology, businesses can securely connect devices with a wide range of enterprise applications, including document management applications, reporting functions and internally developed programs.
Sharp says its OSA technology makes accessing an application from the printer a similar experience to using a computer workstation, minimizing steps and time to complete tasks.
The MX-C400P and MX-B400P also come standard with Application Communication and External Accounting modules, providing an added level of customization and flexibility via a high-resolution graphical user interface (UI) and support for additional protocols, such as HTML and JAVA.
Network Security
Both printers incorporate the Sharp Security Suite, which meets the requirements set forth in the IEEE 2600-2008 standard. The printers also support IPv6 and full IPsec. The Sharp Security Suite can be enhanced with data-security kits that protect document data using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption and secure data erase, which can be used to overwrite the 80-GB hard drive up to seven times. Other security includes IP/MAC address filtering and SSL encryption, as well as both local and network user authentication.
Simplified Workflow
Both the MX-B400P and C400P include a “Direct Print” function, so that users can access and print documents stored on a server directly from the printer. Users may also access and print documents online that might be stored on an FTP server, USB drive, or stored on the printer’s hard drive. The printers incorporate a 4.3" Q-VGA color display, and print at 1,200 x 1,200 dpi resolution.
Global Product Development Process
Sharp says it employs a global product-development process in which management, business development, R&D, product development, marketing, manufacturing, training and customer-service teams work together during each stage of the product-development process. This gives Sharp a 360-degree view of the MFP market, allowing the company to form a common platform strategy in which the core components of its product line are designed, developed and manufactured together. Components, software and processes are engineered to be shared across engine platforms, making Sharp’s products “look and act” similarly across virtually all segments of the market.
As noted, the new MX-C400P and B400P utilize the same supplies as Sharp's Frontier MFPs, consisting of three consumables that Sharps says maximizes the life of each supply item, since all consumables don't have to be replaced when only one component is depleted.
Each printer can be equipped with up to four paper drawers for a maximum paper capacity of 2,100 sheets, and feature automatic paper-size sensing for paper sizes up to legal.
Suitable For Managed Print Services
Sharp says its new MX Series printers will also help dealers enhance their MPS services. When placed in a mixed platform/blended CPC environment, MX Series printers are ideal for offices that don’t have a great need for copy and scan capabilities, but still want to maximize their print volume. With Sharp Security Suite and networking features, the printers can also be used alongside Sharp mid-volume MFPs.
“Managing these printers becomes much easier when you consider the networking features they provide," notes Sharp's Bailer. "These printers can be installed in almost any work environment seamlessly and will provide connectivity, remote management and security options that are comparable to full-featured MFPs. This results in decreased downtime and maintenance costs, and a much more efficient system for managers to monitor usage.”
The MX-C400P and MX-B400P will be available exclusively via authorized Sharp dealers and direct sales.
For more information about the complete line of Sharp document solution products, contact Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, New Jersey, or call 800-BE-SHARP. For online product information, visit Sharp’s Web site at sharpusa.com or sharpusa.com/documents.