Sharp(R) Frontier Series Powers Company Into the Color MFP Segment 3'S Top Position in Leading Market Research Firm's US Quarterly Hardcopy Peripheral Tracker
First Quarter Shipment Results Show Sharp's Dramatic Market Foray Has Resulted in Increased Market Share as Well as Higher Overall Market Sales
MAHWAH, NJ--(Marketwire - June 5, 2009) -
Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of
Sharp Electronics Corporation, today
announced that they have finished with the highest overall United States
market share for 31-44ppm* color MFPs** in Q1 2009. This data was made
available by IDC, a premier global
provider of market intelligence, and shows a dramatic increase in unit
sales by Sharp over last year; particularly in the A4 subcategory of the
same speed range, where SIICA was able to capture major market gains in
less than two quarters.
Sharp's strong performance in the category was bolstered by the
introduction of the company's award-winning Frontier Series
A4 MFPs. According to the report, in just less than two full quarters,
Sharp was able to move from having no presence in the color A4 31-44ppm
color MFP segment, to a 40% share. This explosive growth, coupled with
continued strong sales in the A3 sales, helped Sharp gain the largest
percentage of overall 31-44ppm color MFP* sales for Q1 2009. In fact, the
entry of the new Frontier Series helped to nearly double the total number
of A4 31-44ppm color MFP units sold by all manufacturers between Q1 2008
and Q1 2009.
"Despite a challenging economic climate, Sharp continues to innovate and
introduce new products that revolutionize the way companies work," said Ed
McLaughlin, president, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America.
"This innovation can not be overlooked, and companies are finding products
such as our Frontier Series help them work more efficiently and
economically. In addition, dealers have found that the A4 Frontier line is
fitting in nicely into their customers' workgroups without taking away from
A3 sales. It speaks volumes about how smart our dealers are and the need
for truly innovative new products as we continue to move forward."
Sharp introduced the MX-C311, MX-C401, DX-C311 and DX-C401 models as part
of the Frontier Series MFPs in Q4 2008 and the DX-C310 and DX-C400 in Q1 of
2009. These units feature digital color copier, network printer and
scanner capabilities in a single MFP, and a unique design that makes them
aesthetically pleasing when placed directly in the workgroup. Sharp's
newest A3 devices include the MX-4100N, MX-4101N, and MX-5001N, which were
introduced in Q1 2009.
With Frontier, Sharp has successfully leveraged the Sharp OSA®
development platform to change the MFP from a print/copy device into an IT
document management system. Sharp A3 and A4 MFPs feature Sharp OSA
technology, making them truly customizable; a brilliant 8.5" touchscreen
panel for easy operation; and Sharp's award-winning security suite, which
provides a multi-tiered system that protects data at every step of the
document cycle. Sharp A3 MFPs also feature a retractable keyboard as a
standard feature -- something not found on any other A3 MFP.
McLaughlin continued to say, "Sharp remains dedicated to producing a wide
range of high quality MFPs that are changing the competitive landscape and
giving our dealers the most comprehensive product line 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.
*Based on letter speeds for Segment 3
**Source: IDC US Quarterly Hardcopy Peripheral Tracker, Q1 2009 for Laser
Multifunction (print and at least one other function) and Single-Function
Printers shipments.
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.