OKI and Toshiba announce joint development of multifunction technology

On the back of a 2012 agreement to jointly develop multifunction products, OKI Data and Toshiba Tec have announced the first range to enter the market which incorporates technologies from both companies. The new A4 and A3 Colour Multifunction Products (MFPs), designed specifically for business printing, will be available globally, with the companies targeting sales of 30 000 units worldwide over the coming year.

According to Paul Francois, OKI product manager at Comworth, “A key part of the agreement was the use of the Digital LED print engine. For years, these have powered OKI devices, playing a central role in their key selling points: speed and reliability.”

In addition, the new MFPs are equipped with Toshiba Tec's Open Platform controller technology, which enables systems integrators to develop additional solutions that enhance workflow integration. Furthermore, the MFP leverages Toshiba’s expertise in touch panel technology, showcasing a large, 9-inch (23cm) colour touch screen panel for one touch user-friendly operation.

While single-function printers continue to fulfil specific roles within business, Francois says the drive towards more efficient and lower-cost printing is supporting demand for the wider use of MFPs across all sizes of business. This is behind expectations that demand for A4 colour MFPs in the global market is expected to expand by approximately 10% year-on-year.

“Customers want print control, document management and easy integration of these devices into their environment. These new high performance OKI colour MFPs are designed to meet these specifications and are ideal for the mid to large workgroup segment,” Francois notes.

He adds that MFPs are increasingly being considered for relatively new areas of application, which include retail stores and service related industries. “Additionally, providers of Managed Print Services will find the new devices an ideal platform for winning new clients. The reliability and longevity associated with the digital LED print engine, combined with Toshiba Tec’s Open Platform technology, makes this range an ideal platform for the provision of cost-effective ‘pay per print’ services.”

Shipments to Europe and Americas are scheduled to start from early April, while the products should reach the APAC region by the second half of 2013. Francois says Comworth will distribute the devices as part of the OKI lineup for which it holds the sole New Zealand agency.

www.oki.co.nz