Sharp Introduces New Line of Monochrome Workgroup Document Systems Built on Award-Winning Platform

MAHWAH, NJ--(Marketwire - May 6, 2009) - Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) today introduced three new monochrome models that leverage Sharp's award-winning color-series platform and provide enhanced workflow capabilities while delivering superior image quality. Sharp's new MX-M503N/M453N/M363N workgroup document systems are the first of seven new monochrome models that will be introduced this year to provide enhanced functionality for mid- to high-volume workgroups.

In addition to award-winning Sharp features such as a large color touchscreen; standard retractable keyboard; and the Sharp OSA® development platform, dealers will also appreciate the common architecture between these new MX monochrome models and Sharp's MX color series models. This new design approach minimizes the need to stock two different sets of options.

"Sharp's MX line of MFPs is changing the game with advanced integration features such as Sharp OSA technology, robust web-based device management and remote front panel capabilities to enhance serviceability," said George Grafanakis, senior manager, product planning and marketing, SIICA. "Add to that a brilliant high-resolution color touchscreen display for enhanced ease-of-use plus a standard retractable keyboard and users have a fully integrated document system that greatly streamlines workflow. These new monochrome models fit perfectly in to the Sharp product lineup, giving dealers and end-users more options when integrating an end-to-end solution that meets their workgroup document requirements."

Designed for Exceptional Performance and Reliability

Featuring an 800 MHz true multi-tasking controller that delivers copy, print and fax jobs continuously, and can also process network scanning jobs while existing jobs are output, the MX-M503N/M453N/M363N models are extremely versatile. These MFPs are manufactured with Sharp second generation micro-fine toner technology, which provides more uniform image coverage and a lower consumption rate than conventional toners, resulting in crisp, high-quality output that is also economical.

These new models feature automatic duplexing, electronic sorting and integrated offset stacking; an on-board paper capacity of up to 5,600 sheets; and a 100-sheet duplex single pass document feeder with color Scan2™ technology standard. Sharp's award-winning Scan2 technology enables users to scan two-sided documents in a single pass, speeding up workflow, reducing misfeeds and improving reliability.

A New Standard for Ease-of-Use

The MX-M503N/M453N/M363N models offer a standard, retractable keyboard that is designed to streamline data entry and simplify e-mail address and subject line entries. This sturdy keyboard offers users a familiar, ergonomic interface and makes these models convenient portals to the network, saving time on jobs that may require user authentication or include repetitive scanning and archiving of documents.

The brilliant 8.5" high-resolution touch-screen color display offers intuitive menu navigation with razor-sharp graphics that makes operating simple and easy. Coupled with Sharp's easy-to-use Document Filing System, users can store and quickly recall frequently used files such as forms and reports intuitive, graphics-driven displays making it easy to search for saved documents via thumbnail images rather than file names. An advanced Image Check feature even allows files to be previewed on-screen for verification.

The Sharp MX-M503N/M453N/M363N document systems also feature the latest version of the Sharp OSA development platform. With the standard application communication module, the new MX Monochrome Series becomes the gateway to providing fast, flexible access to documents and network applications. Sharp OSA technology leverages the high-resolution display of these new Sharp MFP models to enable customized user interfaces that support richer graphics, web-based HTML, JAVA and Flash clips for the integration of motion video. Sharp OSA technology also features Open USB capability, allowing developers to provide a broader range of access control, such as the ability to log in via a card swipe and the ability to authenticate via Chip/Smart Card (CCID).

Unparalleled Device Management Capabilities

These new models also include the new Sharp printer administration utility (PAU version 5.0), which incorporates a Remote Front Panel feature that allows an IT administrator to remotely take control of the device's front panel and see exactly what the end user is seeing. The IT administrator can remotely change settings, show the user how to perform a function, or diagnose and often rectify problems without deploying a technician.

The capabilities of PAU version 5.0 are fully integrated into Sharp's intelligent Device Management (iDVM), which for the dealer can transform many service support functions from an onsite task to a remote task, leading to enhanced productivity and profitability, as well as reduced costs. Developed and marketed with MWA Intelligence (MWAi), a leading provider of M2M (machine-to-machine) solutions and tools, iDVM also enables the dealer to automate meter read collection and integrate the data into their ERP system providing an enhanced, streamlined billing process. It will also allow service providers to remotely access service logs, receive real-time service alerts and consumable levels notification, update firmware, and clone device settings, dramatically improving user uptimes and service support levels.

Supporting the Newest Security Standards

With Sharp's latest award-winning, multi-level document and network security suite, customers can be assured that their information is secure. These models meet the new IEEE-2600™ -2008 security standard for MFPs as well as offer advanced, web-based device management for administrator level and user level login control. Sharp also offers an optional data security kit that encrypts document data using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) methodology. This same kit also erases temporary memory on the hard drive by overwriting the encrypted data up to seven times.

Sharp Best of Breed Engineering

The MX-M503N/M453N/M363N are the result of Sharp's unique approach to designing and building office products. The company employs a global product development process in which management, business development, R&D, product development, marketing, manufacturing, training and customer service teams all work collaboratively 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. The culmination of this approach is a line of award winning products universally praised for exceptional reliability and superior performance.

All three models are now available. For information about the complete line of Sharp MFP products, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07495-1163, or call 1-800-BE-SHARP. For online product information, visit Sharp's Web site at sharpusa.com.

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of one-of-a-kind home entertainment products, appliances, networked multifunctional office solutions, solar energy solutions and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS® Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit™ digital audio products, SharpVision® projection products, Insight® Microwave Drawer® appliances, Plasmacluster® air purifiers, and Notevision® multimedia projectors. For more information visit Sharp Electronics Corporation at www.sharpusa.com

Sharp, Sharp OSA and related trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation and/or its affiliated companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contact Information: CONTACT: Karl Pawlewicz Crenshaw Communications Phone: 646-484-4523 Email: karl@crenshawcomm.com www.crenshawcomm.com Chris Loncto Sharp Electronics Corporation Phone: 201-529-8680 Email: lonctoc@sharpsec.com