News Release for Archive 2007

Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Canada) Ltd.
Date Posted: 08 November 2007

Konica Minolta Unveils Three New Colour MFPs

bizhub™ C353, C253 and C203 Enables Small- to Mid-Size Departments and Workgroups to Benefit From Economical Colour Printing

TORONTO, ON, GRAPHICS CANADA SHOW - November 8, 2007 -- Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Canada) Ltd., (Konica Minolta), a leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies from the desktop to the print shop, today announced the introduction of three new multifunctional peripheral products (MFPs - print, copy, fax, and scan all in one system) designed to provide outstanding colour output for colour environments and as replacement units for monochrome products. The bizhub C353, bizhub C253 and bizhub C203, which are ideal for small- to mid-size departments and workgroups, feature many of the same extensive security, printing, copying and scanning features found on Konica Minolta bizhub MFPs geared toward large organizations.

All three newly unveiled networked MFPs enable organizations to have a centralized "hub" that allows them to improve their workflow efficiency and document management with a comprehensive and cost-effective colour solution. The bizhub C353, bizhub C253 and bizhub C203 devices offer outstanding standard security capabilities, so that confidentiality and protection against data theft is available at all levels.

"There's a common perception that colour printing solutions are typically for larger organizations only. Today we're proving that to be false with the launch of three new additions to the bizhub line - the C353, C253 and the C203," said Marie Novakis, director, product planning and market development, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Canada) Ltd. "These new systems prove just how easy and cost-effective it is to make the move to colour printing, or to upgrade to higher-quality solution. Best of all, these new products leverage Konica Minolta's complete platform of new imaging and networking products across numerous printing segments."

The trio targets Segments 1, 2 and 3 offering up to 35 colour pages per minute and improved productivity across the board - whether it's duplex copy, scan speed, or warm-up time. Additionally, both the bizhub C353 and bizhub C253 are capable of supporting colour output environments such as graphic arts, marketing, and advertising departments that require advanced colour management capabilities that an EFI Fiery Controller provides.

Additionally, Konica Minolta was among the first in the market to support the XML Paper Specification (XPS) file format and Devices Profile for Web Services (DPWS). XPS, the Windows Vista file format, allows users to more accurately and productively reproduce the layout and colour of the original document on the printed image. The bizhub C353/C253/C203 Series contain a native XPS interpreter designed and developed by Konica Minolta, as an extension of the Konica Minolta Emperon™ print technology, designed to take full advantage of this exciting new document format.

DPWS, Microsoft's new Windows Vista protocol, makes it possible to deliver improved network connectivity, allowing the user to search and install MFPs and print devices more easily. In addition, the technology provides an optimized user experience for sending and receiving documents on the network.

"Our close integration with Windows Vista provides the optimal user experience that comes from using a Microsoft certified integration strategy," added Novakis. "This extends to drivers and overall system integration. Our customers enjoy the fact that our award-winning line of MFPs and network printers work seamlessly with the XPS file format, and will quickly notice the added benefits and convenience provided by our integration with WSD protocols."

bizhub C353/C253/C203 Innovations and Advancements

• InfoLine™ status reporting with new LED lights.
• Biometric Authentication Unit provides high detection accuracy; vein patterns of a finger are scanned, encrypted and stored and are used to distinguish individuals.
• Scan-to-WebDAV.
• Scan-to-USB Memory.
• Encrypted Network Printing.
• Windows Vista Driver Support.
• Support for IPv6 next generation Networking Protocol.
• Toner Save Mode.
• ICC Profile Support with Emperon controller.
• Web Print Assistant.
• Emperon Controller enhancements include higher processing speeds, unification of printer drivers (PCL/PS), advanced user box editing and storing capabilities and user box thumbnail preview.
• Encrypted network printing support allows print data to be encrypted via the print driver.

With all three systems, customers will be able to more easily manage their workflow due to the versatile, modular and highly productive multifunctional capabilities such as scanning and faxing for input and document archival (scanning), print and copy modes for output and PageScope Utilities for managing the data as well as managing the network. In addition, their data and the device itself will remain secure and will only be accessible by authorized users.

Standard Features

• Simitri® HD Colour Polymerized Toner for superior colour print quality.
• Next-generation security with award-winning Hard Drive Overwrite security function, Job Erase, Account Track, IP Address Filtering, LDAP Authentication, optional Biometric Authentication Unit and other high-level standard security features.
• 8.5-inch colour LCD display control panel to preview data and display thumbnail images to view the job before it prints. The panel can be tilted both vertically and horizontally for enhanced Section 508 compliance.
• Reversing Automatic Duplex Unit (ADU) for double-sided colour and B&W printing and copying at 100% productivity with speeds up to 35 opm.
• Network scanning: Email, FTP, SMB (Desktop), User Box (HDD), WebDAV, TWAIN, and WS-Scan.
• PCL6 (emulation), PS Level 3 (emulation), and XPS (XML paper specification) printing.
• bizhub Send Feature allows documents to be scanned to SMB, Email, FTP, FAX, and User Box simultaneously.
• High image stabilization threshold.
• 1,150 sheet standard paper capacity.
• Thick paper support for all trays; up to 68 lb. paper; up to 160 lb. cover through the bypass.
• High toner yields.
• Ability to restrict colour output.
• Environmentally Friendly.
• HDD Overwrite.
• User Authentication.
• Tilting and swiveling control panel provides optimum personal preference or special needs accessibility.

Options and Accessories

• Biometric Authentication Unit (AU-101) for added security and one-touch printing.
• Modular Finisher (FS-519) for corner and 2-position stapling.
• Punch Kit (PK-515) for 2-/3-hole punching capability.
• Saddle Kit (SD-505) for half-fold and saddle-stitching up to 60-page booklets.
• Mailbin Kit (MT-502) for printer addressable output.
• Job Separator Tray (JS-505) for separating print, copy, fax, and report output.
• Large Capacity Tray holds up to 2,500 letter-size sheets for a total paper capacity of 3,650 sheets.
• Desktop faxing capabilities with optional fax kit.

The bizhub C353, bizhub C253 and bizhub C203 are available now through Konica Minolta's North American direct sales, authorized dealer and value-added reseller channels. Konica Minolta Canada's recent price reduction on the full bizhub line entitles Canadian customers to savings of up to ten per cent on the suggested retail price. For additional details and specifications for the bizhub C353, C253 and C203, please visit www.konicaminolta.ca/bizhub.

About KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS (CANADA) LTD.

Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Canada) Ltd. brings together the strengths of its two founding companies and is dedicated to providing customers with comprehensive solutions for their document imaging, creation, production, and management requirements. KONICA MINOLTA offers companies and organizations the essentials of imaging suited for small office environments through large production operations with a full line of digital colour and black and white printers/copiers, multifunction peripherals, desktop laser printers, plain-paper facsimile machines, as well as software and network solutions.

An industry leader in business solutions, imaging technology, and multifunction products, KONICA MINOLTA delivers world-class service through its extensive network of direct sales offices and authorized dealers throughout Canada. For more information, please visit www.konicaminolta.ca.