New Panasonic Departmental MFP Gets Thumbs-up from BERTL Inc. for Func

    Business Editors/High-Tech Editors

    SECAUCUS, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 2005--

    All Three MFPs in the New WORKiO Series Come with out-of-the-Box Network Printing, Multi-User Acrobat PDF-Making Capability and the Latest Version of Panasonic's Document Distribution Software

    Panasonic introduces three versatile multifunction products (MFPs)--WORKiO DP-3530, DP-4530 and DP-6030--that include connectivity enhancements, making them compatible in a range of environments. Outstanding price-performance is a key benefit of the DP-3530, DP-4530 and DP-6030, which can copy and print up to 35 ppm, 45 ppm and 60 ppm, respectively, fax and scan.

    Storage and Communication

    BERTL(R), a pioneer in the field of independent analysis, evaluated the DP-3530, DP-4530 and DP-6030 (the devices mirror one another except in speed and accessories), and commended Panasonic for "adding increased functionality and durability." BERTL evaluators also had this to say: "Panasonic is one of a few select manufacturers able to deliver copying and network scanning without the added expense of a printer controller. Because the Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 ships with a live network connection, you simply add the scanning option for it to become a fully featured electronic storage and communication center."

    Latest Document-Routing Software

    The DP-3530, DP-4530 and DP-6030 are compatible with the latest version of Panasonic's document-routing software, Panasonic Document Distribution System (DDS) 1.5. DDS 1.5, which comes with expanded capability to create text-searchable PDF files, provides what BERTL refers to as a "simple and functional method of managing scanned files, and other files on the desktop." The software also offers post-reception processing capabilities such as noise reduction, skew correction, automatic file naming and the ability to convert a scanned image to a PDF file along with OCR text extraction.
    DDS 1.5 automatically distributes scanner (TIFF format), PSTN fax or Internet fax data when it is received, to any or all of six pre-defined destinations. Using the document-routing software, system administrators can create new templates, edit existing ones, add new items to the device address book, view documents stored in a web folder and access various reporting options. Address books can be imported and exported in XML or CSV formats.

    Section 508 Compliance

    Businesses requiring office equipment that is accessible to employees with disabilities can purchase the optional printer stand, which lowers the height of the DP-4530 and enables users in a wheelchair to easily access the MFP.

    Double Exposure

    Healthcare facilities; insurance companies; educational institutions; and any other type of business that routinely copies ID cards, driver's licenses or insurance cards can benefit from the double exposure feature, which allows both sides of a document to be copied onto the same side of a sheet of paper. And when used with Panasonic's Digital Skyshot, those vexing black borders that generally appear when copying small documents with the platen cover up are eliminated.

    Standard Printer Drivers

    According to the BERTL report, "An advantage over many printers in its class is the Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530's standard Windows/GDI printing; PCL5e, PCL6, and Adobe PostScript3 are options."

    New Security Features

    The HDD Erasure function provides three security levels--basic, hard disk deletion and a secure mailbox--for documents stored on the hard drive.
    Both drivers also offer secure print features, which require users to input a PIN code in order to release print jobs from the printer.

    Single-Source Training

    The WORKiO DP-3530, DP-4530 and DP-6030 feature a print driver that provides a common user experience across most WORKiO MFPs and reduces the learning curve for these digital-imaging systems. Once trained on any model in the new series, users can operate any member of the WORKiO family in the 15 to 60 ppm range.

    Noteworthy Standard Features

    BERTL evaluators earmarked several of the DP-4530's standard features as noteworthy: concurrent copy--holds up to 12 copy jobs in memory at a time; tandem copy--two DP-4530s can be linked together in order to work jointly on a job; remote copy--jobs can be sent to WORKiO MFPs located elsewhere on the network; proof copy--outputs one set of a multi-set job for proofing prior to outputting the remaining sets.
    The BERTL report said the test lab's evaluators "liked the built-in printing and fast finishing capabilities. Other good points of the Panasonic WORKiO DP-4530 include its built-in Windows/GDI print option, DDS multitasking scan option, PDF-making utility, and low cost scan to email/file upgrade options."
    In their report, BERTL evaluators summed up the WORKiO DP-4530 as "a more robustly built version of its predecessor" that's "a good choice for an office looking for network print capability, scanning and overall ease of use right out of the box. We would put it on a 'Must Look' short list for 40cpm shoppers."
    The DP-3530, DP-4530 and DP-6030 carry MSRPs(1) of $10,995., $12,995. and $17,995., respectively.

    ABOUT PANASONIC

    In the United States, Panasonic Digital Document Company, Unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, markets a broad line of digital imaging systems, computer peripherals and office system products designed specifically for business use. Products available include fax and Internet fax machines, digital copiers, network multifunction devices, document management systems, scanners, electronic whiteboards, color and monochrome laser printers and impact printers. Headquartered in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE:MC) of Osaka, Japan. For more information, visit http://www.panasonic.com/office.

    All brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

    (1) Manufacturer's suggested retail price. Resellers must decide for themselves the prices at which our products are actually advertised and sold.

    EDITOR'S NOTE:

    End users may obtain sales information by contacting Panasonic at 1-800-742-8086 or 201-348-7000, or by visiting http://www.panasonic.com/office. Please do not publish the editorial contact telephone number. If you wish to review this or any other Panasonic document-imaging product, please contact Chris Florentz at 215-592-8601, or at chris@bartgil.com.
    Product images can be downloaded from Panasonic's extranet site at b2b.Panasonic.com. Username: images, Password: images. Select Image Gallery from the dropdown menu, select a Product Category, choose the appropriate image file.

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CONTACT: Panasonic, Secaucus by Barton Gilanelli & Associates Chris Florentz, 215-592-8601 chris@bartgil.com

KEYWORD: PENNSYLVANIA NEW JERSEY INDUSTRY KEYWORD: GOVERNMENT HARDWARE SOFTWARE INTERNET E-COMMERCE PRODUCT SOURCE: Panasonic

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