OKI Data unveils new MFPs 26 June, 2007 By Liam Lahey

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Beginning with the C5550n MFP, which prints up to 32 pages-per-minute (ppm) in black and white and up to 20ppm in color, the machine provides 1200x600 dpi print quality and media flexibility including 8.5-inch by 47.25-inch banner capability.

"In-house color is becoming more prevalent in office environments as businesses are demanding superior color quality at a low cost, without having to sacrifice functionality and speed," said Mike Gaofola, senior marketing manager, color MFP, for Mount Laurel, N.J.-based OKI Data Americas. "The C5550n is designed to provide all-in-one functionality with convenience features that enhance workflow performance and increase the effectiveness of business communications. Users will also have the ability to further reduce costs by consolidating standalone office equipment into one space saving device."

The unit also features walk-up analogue fax and scan-to-functionality in addition to printing, copying, and software solutions Nuance OmniPage 14se for OCR functionality and Nuance PaperPort 10se for document management.

OKI Data also unveiled the C8800n series digital color printer for small to mid-sized workgroup environments. The line also includes the C8800dn and the C8800dtn. These mid-grade machines offer several features including print speeds of 26ppm color and 32ppm monochrome, large-format printing of up to 11-inch by 17-inch in high-definition color, parallel, USB, and Ethernet connectivity, the ability to print direct from PDF files, and a compact footprint.

Meanwhile, the C3530n A4 MFP ($799) provides four-in-one functionality vis-à-vis color printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. This SMB targeted MFP provides print speeds of 16ppm color and 20ppm monochrome, scan speeds of 10ppm color and 20ppm black and white at a 300dpi, or 5ppm color and 10ppm monochrome at a 600dpi. Moreover, the C3530n is built with walk-up analogue fax capabilities, a USB host interface, PC independent scanning to email and LDAP support for synchronizing with corporate email directories.

Lastly, the B2500 series mono MFP, designed for small workgroups and SOHOs, includes the B2520 and B2540. The B2500 line offers print speeds of 17ppm mono, 32MB memory, a USB flash drive and USB interface, color and mono scanning capabilities, optional wireless connectivity, full fax functionality, and a full QWERTY keyboard (on the B2520 and B2540), and scan-to-email or network functionality (on the B2540 only).

"The B2500 series MPF will allow our customers to work easier, faster, and smarter to support their business needs," said Gus Piccin, general manager, Canadian operations, for Mississauga, Ont.-based OKI Printing Solutions. "It expands our offering within the monochrome MFP category, joining the B4545 MFP which we launched at the end of 2006."

Michelle Warren, senior analyst, Indaba division, for Info-Tech, said OKI Data faces a potential challenge with SMB and enterprise workgroup customers in that the Nuance software isn't compatible with the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system.

"It is an issue for those environments that have adopted Vista, or who are looking to do so in the next couple of months," she said. "OKI is working on a fix for Vista, and they are aiming to get that out later this year.

"The timing could work for users who are waiting to adopt Vista. I suspect we will see more of an uptake on Vista adoption at the end of 2007 and into 2008."

Insofar as the SOHO environment goes, those who have moved towards the Vista OS already would be negatively affected by this lag time.

"[SOHOs] should check with their solution provider before investing in a printer without Vista support," she added.

The color MFP battle is heating up for vendors such as OKI Data, particularly in the SMB space given that segment is said to be embracing in-house color printing more readily than in recent years.

With that in mind, Warren said channel partners would play an important role in OKI's penetration into the SMB market.

"One of the multiple benefits of the channel when targeting the SMB market is its reach its ability to reach out into the thousands of small businesses ... and get products and services, into their hands. This is especially important with OKI as its products carry a higher price point, coupled with advanced features, compared to the consumer devices," she said. "As a result, the sale requires the seller to transfer detailed information as to how to use the product, and what features are available."

OKI has developed strong partnerships within the IT channel, she continued, and also within the office supplies channel, both of which have contributed to its past successes.

"There is a market for the products, as more and more small businesses bring their printing in-house and this trend is expected to continue," she said. "The printer market is also quite competitive. This is the major obstacle for OKI. However, they have a recognized brand name, and they offer strong support, not to mention a focus on the corporate market, which enables them to become specialists in a particular area, which bodes well for them as they push forward into this market segment."