Ricoh Launches Pro C720/C720s Color Production System

Ricoh Launches Pro C720/C720s Color Production System

New Light Production Digital System Offers Affordable Alternative for Color Printing, Scanning, Copying and Document Storage
WEST CALDWELL, N.J., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh Americas Corporation, a leading provider of digital office equipment, announced today the official launch of the RICOH® Pro C720/C720s, a production class multi-functional color system, the latest addition to Ricoh's Pro series of products, designed specifically for the production environment. This flexible system is targeted at corporate and commercial professional print environments with demanding application needs. The Pro C720/C720s has a robust duty cycle of 320,000 images per month, and runs at 72 pages-per-minute (PPM) regardless of paper weight.

The RICOH Pro C720s allows customers to complete a wide range of applications within one system. The Pro C720s offers high-resolution scanning, copying, and automated distribution to multiple destinations, including e-mail, URL, and FTP. It also allows customers to store files on a document server so you can reprint them without re-ripping the files.

Central to the operation of the RICOH Pro C720/C720s is a server-based EFI Fiery® Print controller. The Fiery platform optimizes the Pro C720/C720s with top speed, quality, advanced color management, and integrated work-flow utilities that provide the customer with complete control over digital file processing at every stage of production. The Fiery is an open, flexible solution addressing the demanding requirements of Commercial Printers, In-Plant Print Shops, and Central Reproduction Departments (CRDs). The Fiery controller is a standard component of the Pro C720/C720s and includes a number of value-added workflow and job automation utilities such as Fiery Graphic Arts Package, Standard Edition, EFI Hot Folders, Fiery WebTools, and more.

Additionally, the RICOH Pro C720/C720s offers a wide range of advanced in-line finishing options that can be configured to customers' exact requirements, providing enhanced flexibility and efficiency. Options include a high capacity stacker which enables longer unattended print runs, and an array of document handling and finishing options.

The Pro C720/C720s is engineered to provide maximum uptime and reliability to customers in demanding print environments. It is ideal for print-for-pay shops, CRDs and other environments that need to take on more color jobs, increase revenue, and lower cost. The Pro C720/C720s incorporates Trained Customer Replacement Units (TCRU's) that enable operators to replace key components of the system, providing improved productivity. In addition, Ricoh bundles remote diagnostics, troubleshooting and online consumable ordering through the included @Remote diagnostic solution.

The Pro C720/C720s feature large capacity trays that incorporate air-assist paper feeding for sheets up to 13" x 19.2". The Pro C720/C720s handles media basis weights from 16lb bond to 110lb cover and prints at rated speed regardless of basis weight.

"With the economy still on the rebound we're continuing to develop cost-effective solutions that help our customers improve their bottom lines. We've had very good customer experiences with the C900, and the Pro C720 builds on the reliability and quality of the same platform," said Carl Joachim, vice president of Marketing for PPBG, Ricoh Americas Corporation. "We've made good inroads in the production color market over the past year, not only with the Pro C900, but also with our solutions and professional services that address emerging applications such as Web2Print and VDP."

Order taking for the C720/C720S will be effective immediately, with availability scheduled for February 2010. The product will be available through US channels of distribution that include Ricoh Business Solutions, IKON and authorized independent dealers. Additional distribution within the Ricoh Americas group is planned through Ricoh Canada Limited and Ricoh Latin America.

For more information on the C720/C720s and other PPBG products and solutions, please visit www.ricoh-usa.com/ppbg/.

About Ricoh's Production Printing Business Group:

The Production Printing Business Group (PPBG) of Ricoh Americas Corporation is dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art, high-speed production systems that provide efficient document workflows with high-volume production printing and finishing. Incorporating superior engineering, service, reliable technology, and extensive software and finishing options, PPBG helps production centers to cost-effectively modernize and streamline their operations to meet today's rapid turnaround and high-quality demands.

Ricoh Americas Corporation, founded in 1962, is headquartered in West Caldwell, NJ and is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., the 73-year-old leading supplier of office automation equipment and electronics, with fiscal year 2008 sales in excess of $20 billion.

Information about Ricoh's Production Printing Business Group can be accessed on the World Wide Web at www.ricoh-usa.com/ppbg/.

All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies.

Ricoh Web Site: www.ricoh-usa.com

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Downtown Print and Copy standardises on Xerox

Downtown Print and Copy, based in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, has standardised on Xerox equipment following the purchase of a DocuColor 5000AP to replace an ageing DocuColor 2060 and a wide-format 6204 to replace an Oce plan printer. The new machines were installed in August and operational the same day.

‘The DC5000AP has placed us at the forefront of quality, production and ultimately service,’ says David Scholtz, owner of Downtown Print and Copy. ‘For example,
we are able to produce 500 full colour business cards printed on 300gsm in only 40 seconds. Our customers are now getting the best quality and turnaround time and at the right price.’

Downtown Print and Copy has a 10-year relationship with Xerox equipment, supplied and serviced by local Bytes Document Solutions’ authorised dealer, Digi Copiers.

Prior to its latest acquisitions the Eastern Cape business, with 24 employees between its head office in central Port Elizabeth and branches in Walmer and Lorraine, had four DC12 colour copiers and printers with EFI Fiery and Splash RIPs, two DocuTech 6135 production black and white printers, an 8100 plan printer, a DC3535 colour copier and printer, two WorkCentre Pro 45 copiers and printers, a DigiPath Make Ready pre-press system, and a DC252 colour copier and printer with a Creo RIP.

‘We chose Xerox because they have always looked after us as a business, they are professional, skilled and competent in their field,’ said Scholtz. ‘We have looked at other offerings which were cheaper but, because we are in the print-for-pay market, if the solution does not work we are out of business. Xerox equipment seems to be made to last and from our past experience we know that it does.

‘We standardised on Xerox because we believe that the product and solution are the most powerful at this stage of the game and most important, the after-sales service delivered by Digi Copiers is on par with Bytes Document Solutions standards which is recognised as the best in the industry,’ he said.

Downtown Print and Copy has also seen an uptick in business in its short run operations following its latest acquisitions.

The newest machine, the DocuColor 5000AP, has in addition enabled the business to increase the run lengths of jobs due to the lower running costs of the system.

‘Anyone with a need for colour printing will put the DC5000 to good use, while the 6204 meets the needs of the architecture and design industry,’ said Scholtz. He added that the newest systems are easy to understand and operate and require no specialised training.

‘Downtown Print and Copy has operated in Port Elizabeth for the past 28 years,’ said Paul Haglich (pictured above). ‘They have a huge amount of experience in the industry, long-standing clients because of the service they bring to market, and it’s a huge feather in our cap that they have standardised on our equipment.’

Click here for more Downtown Print and Copy standardises on Xerox

Printing decreases for first time in U.S.?

Printing decreases for first time in U.S.? According to researcher, Jake Wang, of IDC:

- “Starting with the fourth quarter of 2008, we saw a definite drop in printer page outputs”
- IDC uses computer software to monitor the use of 700,000 printers and MFPs in the U.S.
- “It was like going over a waterfall.”
- Total of 1.5 trillion pages for the year, or 5,000 sheets of printouts per man, woman & child.
- Predicts drop of 10% in 2010.
- “When an economy sheds million of workers, there are that many employees who aren’t
doing the printing”
- “I’m thinking fewer contracts are signed. Fewer documents sent from one person to another”
- Expects increase in 2011 after the recovery.
- Forrester Research predicts that electronic bank statements will start declining in 2010.
- In 2007, the Securities & Exchange Commission stopped requiring corporations to mail out printed annual reports to shareholders.

Indigo 5500 sold to ProGraphics

- Hewlett Packard announced that it sold an Indigo 5500 production color system to ProGraphics Communications, a printshop in Atlanta, GA.

In addition, it sold an Indigo 7000 system to L&D Mail Masters, a print shop in New Albany, IN.


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bizhub PRO and magicolor Products Recognized for Overall Performance and Achievement

Ramsey, N.J. - December 16, 2009 - Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), a leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop, today announced that Better Buys for Business has named Konica Minolta a 2010 Editor's Choice Award winner in the Color Laser and Business Ink Jet Printer Guide, iGuide and High-Volume Copier & Multifunctional Guide. Selections were based on rigorous analysis of all current competitive models for inclusion in comprehensive product guides.

The Better Buys for Business recognized Konica Minolta with the following awards:• magicolor® 4650/4650DN, magicolor 1600 Series (magicolor 1600W, magicolor 1650EN, magicolor 1680MF, and magicolor 1690MF) and magicolor 7450 II grafx as Editor's Choices in the 2010 Color Laser and Business Ink Jet Printer Guide• bizhub PRO® 1050e and bizhub PRO 950 as Editor's Choices in the 2010 High-Volume Copier & Multifunctional Guide• bizhub PRO C65hc, bizhub PRO 1200 Series, and bizhub PRO 1051 as Editor's Choices in the 2010 iGuide in the High Volume Printer, High Volume Copier category(s)

In addition to featuring award winners, each of the Better Buys for Business 10 annual product guides includes: product features and technology; vendor profiles; full specifications; and pricing information.

"Konica Minolta's presence in the color printing and copying sector continues to grow with strong upgrades to an already fine lineup of products," said Steve Hannaford, editor-in-chief, Better Buys for Business. "In the light production areas especially, the company has established its credentials as a market and technology leader."

"Moving into 2010, we continue to be focused on delivering the most innovative and high-quality solutions and products," said Kevin Kern, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. "Recognition from Better Buys for Business is always an honor and further demonstrates this commitment. Our award-winning product lines of bizhub MFPs, bizhub PRO digital presses and magicolor printers continue to distinguish themselves from competitors and ensure that customers can always count on Konica Minolta for a wide range of industry-leading digital imaging technology."

About Konica MinoltaKonica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. is a leader in advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop. For the second consecutive year, Konica Minolta was recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys. For more information, please visit http://www.countonkonicaminolta.com/ and follow Konica Minolta on Facebook and Twitter.
Konica Minolta ContactJames NorbertoKonica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.+1 201.825.4000mailto:201.825.4000PR@kmbs.konicaminolta.us

Konica Minolta is a trademark of Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. magicolor and bizhub PRO are registered trademarks of Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

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Weekend Print Production Notes

- Staff at three Sappi paper mills went on strike in Europe. Union workers in Finland and The Netherlands are upset over allegations of serious safety issues, and demand a one year wage increase of 1.5%, despite the poor economy.

- According to Jim Cohen, Executive VP of Consolidate Graphics:
- print shop revenues are down 25%-50%
- Before, 9/11/2001, there were 50,000 printing companies
- By 2003, there were only 35,000
- Predicts that by 2010, there will only be 20,000
- Own 70 different printshops
- 66 of the printshops they own, have digital presses
- Own 70 HP Indigos
- Own 30 Kodak NexPress’s
- Own 25 Xerox iGen’s
- Own some Xeikon’s

- Kodak announced it sold a NexPress S3000 production color system to Contac Services, a print shop in Canada.

- Fuji claims it has 41 iGen production color systems installed now in Australia.

- According to Tenon Recovery, an insolvency specialist, 9 out of 10 printshops are in danger of collapse due to the economy.

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EFI MicroPress Powers Konica Minolta bizhub PRO 1200 Series of Digital Presses

Dec. 9, 2009 – Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), a leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop, and EFI™ (Nasdaq: EFII), a world leader in customer-focused digital printing innovation, today announced that the EFI MicroPress® RIP and production workflow solution is driving the bizhub PRO® 1200 Seriesof monochrome digital presses. This technology combination enables mid-to-high volume digital print environments to maximize their Konica Minolta equipment investment by providing a high-performance, feature-rich document solution for the control of many pre-press processes.

The newest series in Konica Minolta’s award-winning line of monochrome digital presses combines long-run reliability and image quality with fast output speeds – 120 ppm on the bizhub PRO 1200 and bizhub PRO 1200P, and 105 ppm on the bizhub PRO 1051.

“Our bizhub PRO 1200 Series is built to be a professional replacement for offset systems in the digital era, so we once again joined forces with EFI, a leader in digital RIP and workflow technology, to drive these systems,” said Kevin Kern, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. Inc. “Delivering unmatched flexibility, speed, efficiency and customized capabilities, the bizhub PRO 1200 Series is further proof of how customers can count on Konica Minolta for their entire spectrum of production print needs.”

With EFI MicroPress, users will realize increases in efficiency and reduction of costs through streamlined and automated workflows, allowing for even more productivity and greater engine utilization. EFI MicroPress supports the latest industry standard file formats, with the power to natively process PostScript®, PDF and XPS, resulting in faster, more accurate output. The offering takes advantage of powerful hardware to provide production print environments with the fastest, most capable, late-stage editing solution available. Addressing last minute job changes without reverting back to a native file or requiring changes to the production workflow saves operators time and increases efficiency. EFI MicroPress is scalable to manage up to 12 digital print engines, providing a seamless growth path to support expanding future production workflow demands.

“Today’s production print providers are constantly facing the challenge of delivering high volumes of documents with complex requirements in a short time,” said John Henze, vice president of marketing, Fiery division, EFI. “The combination of EFI MicroPress and the new bizhub PRO 1200 digital presses help alleviate these headaches, ensuring high-quality output at top speed to meet the most demanding customer requirements.”

About Konica Minolta

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. is a leader in advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop. In 2009, Konica Minolta was named Supplier of the Year by both the Allegra Network and the National Association of Quick Printers (NAQP). For more information, please visit http://www.CountOnKonicaMinolta.com and follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/KonicaMinoltaUS.

About EFI

EFI (www.efi.com) is a world leader in customer-focused digital printing innovation. EFI’s award-winning solutions, integrated from creation to print, deliver increased performance, cost savings and productivity. The company’s robust product portfolio includes Fiery® digital color print servers; VUTEk® superwide digital inkjet printers, UV and solvent inks; Rastek™ UV wide-format inkjet printers; Jetrion® industrial inkjet printing systems; print production workflow and management information software; and corporate printing solutions. EFI maintains 23 offices worldwide.

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