Canon introduces the world's first 'MEAP' colour multifunction device capable of running embedded software applications -- the imageRUNNER iR C3220

Sydney, 7 September 2004 -- Canon Australia, a leader in networked imaging solutions, today announced the release of the world's first colour multifunction device that's capable of running embedded software applications.

The imageRUNNER iR C3220 replaces one of the most successful office products in Canon's history, the iR C3200. This new model takes the device that has made high-speed, high-quality colour printing a reality for any size office a step further -- incorporating Canon's Multifunctional Embedded Application Platform (MEAP).

This innovative new technology enables the iR C3220 to be customised to suit any organisation or digital document workflow.

"The introduction of MEAP takes our best-selling office colour product and makes it even better. It turns this leading multifunction device into a complete, flexible communications and document management hub," said Kevin Ferrari, Market Segment Manager -- Office, Canon Australia. "It really has the potential to significantly improve the way we send, store and retrieve information."

Maintaining the fast 32-pages-per-minute print engine (colour and monochrome), advanced high-quality printing technology and flexible configuration options of its predecessor, the iR C3220 will appeal to an extensive range of demanding workgroups.

With the addition of the J2ME Java-based MEAP open-platform technology, software applications can be easily embedded directly into the device. By using such an application, the device can be tailored to suit the business so that it changes what it does with different documents accordingly.

"A simple example of this in practice could be the processing of application forms in a financial organisation. With an appropriate MEAP application on the device, loan applications could be scanned and electronically routed into the appropriate workflow for processing and approval automatically. In essence it means the device could be made to know the difference between a home loan, personal loan or credit card application and what to do with each. The possibilities for tailoring the technology to a particular industry or organisation via MEAP applications are endless," said Mr Ferrari.

The iR C3220 is available in several printer/copier or printer-only versions. When it's configured with the Canon Multi-PDL print controller system, the iR C3220 is ideal for corporate workgroups that need high-quality colour output for presentations, corporate reporting or any documents that require a professional finish. This system includes the Ultra Fast Rendering (UFR) print driver, developed by Canon Information Systems Research Australia (CISRA), the company's local R&D centre. When configured with the EFI imagePASS C1 print controller, the iR C3220 is ideal for intensive Postscript and graphic arts environments.

Another feature available for this new model is Canon's advanced Universal Send functionality. It makes it possible to scan, save and send documents in any one of five file formats including JPEG, TIFF, MTIFF, security-enhanced encrypted PDF and compact PDF, in a single step. The PDF Compact Mode automatically reduces high-quality colour scans to a mere tenth their original size while also offering the encryption facility.

Like the iR C3200, the new iR C3220 is a powerful server in its own right. Boasting dual 250MHz processors, 1024 megabytes of RAM and a 40GB hard-disk drive, it's able to store large full-colour documents for easy printing.

Sophisticated finishing options are another feature that is proving very popular in offices -- including options like offset staple finishing, saddle-stitching and automatic booklet making. "Revolution is, perhaps, a word that's over-used in technology circles, but the combination of technologies in the iR C3220 really does have the potential to significantly change the way we work for the better," said Mr Ferrari. "The iR C3220 is one of the biggest advances in office technology I've seen in the last 10 years."

The iR C3220 is available throughout Australia via Canon's direct and indirect sales channels. For further information, contact Canon Australia on 1800 444 199.

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About Canon

Canon Australia (canon.com.au) was established in Australia in 1978 and is a subsidiary of the US$29.9 billion Canon Inc. group. The company is an industry leader in professional and consumer imaging solutions with a comprehensive product line that includes: printers, scanners, fax machines, video cameras, cameras and lenses, video conferencing, image filing systems, networked multifunction devices, digital and analogue copiers (colour and black & white). Canon Australia also operates its own lease finance service, Canon Finance Australia, which facilitates "one stop" shopping for customers wanting to lease or finance their equipment solutions. Canon Inc. is a top patent-holder of imaging technologies with a local R&D centre -- CISRA (Canon Information Systems Research Australia) -- based in Sydney.

Media contact:

Steven Noble Associate Director, Technology Hill & Knowlton 02 9286 1238 snoble@hillandknowlton.com.au