RAMSEY, N.J., July 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) today introduced the bizhub(TM) C351. An ideal replacement for Segment 3 monochrome and color printers/copiers with its copy and print speeds of 35 pages-per-minute (ppm) B&W and color, the bizhub C351 captures the full essence of the bizhub concept by blending the ability to digitally share and distribute B&W and color documents with the ability to control security.

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Built on the same platform as the bizhub C450, the C351 delivers the following standard features: the bizhub OP open platform, PCL6/PS3 emulation, networking, 38 originals-per-minute (opm) color and B&W scanning, a 40 GB hard disk drive, Hard Disk and User Box functionality, the ability to handle up to 140 lb. index paper from all trays, automatic duplexing, Konica Minolta Simitri(R) Color Polymerized Toner, User Authentication, and network management tools through the PageScope software suite.

"With the introduction of the groundbreaking bizhub C350, Konica Minolta delivered an affordable, feature-rich color MFP, specifically designed for the office workgroup environment," said Kevin P. Kern, vice president, product planning and development, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. "We took the bizhub concept up another level with the introduction of the bizhub C450, featuring bizhub OP and analog fax functionality. The new bizhub C351 brings together the best of these products for our customers who are looking for a high-speed, high-value, high-performing Segment 3 device that will easily integrate into their current document workflow system."

bizhub OP

Konica Minolta's bizhub OP brings a new level of performance and reliability to the C351 by delivering a common user experience, increased manageability, superior print performance, improved scanning functionality and enhanced security.

The three major components of bizhub OP are the bizhub Architecture, the Emperon Print System and bizhub Open API. The bizhub Architecture removes the need for separate functional boards through the utilization of common system software that drives all functions -- copy, print, scan and fax. The new architecture also eliminates hardware-based functions, and shares the device's CPU and memory for a seamless MFP user experience. The Emperon Print System provides Konica Minolta C351 customers with total integration of their document output management with a consistent user interface and functionality across future Konica Minolta products. In addition, the bizhub Open API (available at the end of 2005) will enable control of both the print and scan functions from external applications.

Enhanced Imaging and Paper Handling

Featuring 256 levels of grayscale per pixel, 600 x 600 dpi copy resolution and 600 x 1800 dpi enhanced print resolution, the C351 produces clear text, sharp edges and consistent color. The C351 uses Konica Minolta Simitri(R) Color Polymerized Toner, which maintains the uniformity of the toner particles for more even distribution, significantly better halftone definition and better solid fills.

With these image quality features, plus a monthly maximum duty cycle of 100,000 impressions; standard paper capacity of 900 sheets, including a 150- sheet intelligent bypass tray; expandable paper capacity up to 3,400 sheets; and the ability to handle up to 140 lb. index paper through all trays, the C351 is an ideal solution for the busy office workgroup environment.

Optional Faxing and Printing Capabilities

Optional 33.6Kbps Super G3 FAX capabilities are also available for the new C351. The optional fax functionality includes: transmissions in B&W, JBIG data compression, up to 600 x 600 fax TX resolution, separate scanning, duplex TX and RX, mixed original faxing, PC faxing and memory reception.

For graphic-intense environments options include: the IC-402 Image Controller (EFI) with True Adobe(R) PostScript(R) 3 support, graphic arts functionality (Auto Trapping, Hot Folders and standard Spot-On Color Matching), EFI Impose(TM), EFI Densitometer, ColorWise Pro Tools and the EFI Color Profiler Kit.

Advanced Security and Data Handling Features

Because of the importance of document security and document handling in today's office environment, the C351 supports Hard Disk Drive Overwrite and Job Erase, which automatically overwrites the hard disk drive after each job. The C351 also offers User Authentication with NDS capability to protect a user job by prohibiting its modification or deletion. With User Authentication, it is possible to enable or disable each user's access to the device based on function -- copy, print, scan, fax and hold job control.

The C351's User Box feature supports each of the device's functions -- copy, print, scan and fax. With a total of 1,000 user boxes and the ability to store up to 3,000 documents, users can manage individual User Boxes, create public and private User Boxes, assign passwords, and restrict the number of files stored.

Finishing Options for Maximum Productivity

For added productivity and efficiency, Konica Minolta has enhanced the finishing options available for the C351. The new FS-603 Booklet Finisher, with its sorting, stapling and saddle stitching, as well as optional two- and three-hole punching capabilities, allows users to create up to 60-page booklets. The C351's new FS-507 Staple Finisher features sort, group, corner staple, standard two- and three-hole punching functionality, as well as an optional output tray for analog faxes.

PageScope Suite Provides Document Processing and Network Management Functions

In addition, C351 users have access to PageScope, Konica Minolta's powerful family of integrated software applications and utilities that help businesses manage their documents and devices. Included in this suite of products is PageScope Net Care, which provides network administrators with detailed information about the operating conditions of all output devices containing a Management Information Base (MIB) on a network from any Web browser.

Also included is PageScope Web Connection, which allows users to instantly check device conditions on all network-connected Konica Minolta printers/copiers from their desktop. By using the information available from Net Care and Web Connection, businesses can lower management costs and maintain the optimum operability of their devices.

Highlighted bizhub C351 Features * bizhub OP open platform, including the bizhub Architecture, Emperon Print System and the bizhub Open API (available at the end of 2005) * Copy and print speeds of 35 ppm B&W and color * 38 opm B&W and color scanning speed * Konica Minolta Simitri(R) Color Polymerized Toner * Network scanning standard integration, including Scan-to-Email, Scan-to- FTP, Scan-to-URL, Scan-to-HDD, TWAIN scanning, and Scan-to-SMB * Ability to handle up to 140 lb. index paper from all trays, automatic duplexing included * 512 MB standard memory * 40 GB standard hard drive * 600 x 600 dpi copy resolution; 600 x 1800 dpi enhanced print resolution * 900-sheet standard/3,400-sheet maximum paper capacity * HDD Overwrite, Job Erase and User Authentication * Optional Automatic Document Feeder * Optional Super G3 FAX * Optional IC-402 Image Controller (EFI) with standard Spot-On Color Matching for graphic-intense environments * Multiple advanced finishing options, including the FS-507 Stapling Finisher with sort, group, corner staple, and standard two- and three- hole punching capabilities; and the FS-603 Booklet Finisher with the ability to create up to 60-page booklets and the option to add two- and three-hole punching capabilities Pricing and Availability

The C351 is available through Konica Minolta's North American direct sales, authorized dealer and value-added reseller channels. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the C351 is $13,000.

About Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc., offers a broad range of multifunctional digital imaging solutions inspired by its bizhub(TM) brand of powerful solutions that serve as the central resource for document scanning, in-house printing, copying, faxing and electronic archiving and distribution. From high-quality color and monochrome bizhub systems for workgroups and small offices, to advanced high-volume bizhub PRO(TM) production printing systems for large corporations and print-for-pay services, Konica Minolta is leading the industry toward integrated, networked hardware/software solutions that are more simple, reliable, and cost-effective. Complementing its bizhub solutions, Konica Minolta also offers desktop laser printers, microform digital imaging systems, wide-format printers and scanning systems for specialized applications.

Headquartered in Ramsey, New Jersey, Konica Minolta delivers expert professional services and experienced, responsive client support, in addition to the world-class service provided through its extensive network of direct sales offices, authorized dealers, resellers and distribution partners in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and South America. For more information, please visit Konica Minolta at http://www.kmbs.konicaminolta.us/

All terms, product and company names used in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners, and are hereby acknowledged.

Corporate Contact: Dan Gallagher Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. +1 201-825-4000 [email protected] Media Contact: Irene Savage/Tristam Wallace HARPELL +1 781-210-0938/+1 781-210-0944 [email protected]/[email protected]

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CONTACT: Dan Gallagher of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.,
Inc., +1-201-825-4000, [email protected]onicaminolta.us; or Irene Savage,
+1-781-210-0938, [email protected], or Tristam Wallace, +1-781-210-0944,
[email protected] both of HARPELL

Web site: http://www.kmbs.konicaminolta.us/