Epson launches all-in-one machine for corporate market

The introduction of Epson Philippines Corporation's (EPC) series of multifunctional color laser printer could be a threat to copier companies, as the company has developed a machine that will provide an all-in-one solution.

Epson has recently launched in Cebu its first laser printer product, which can also function as a copier at the same time. This product is primarily targeted to corporate market.

Epson's AcuLaser CX11N is designed to bring full office color-printing solution in high-performance all-in-one machine which is expected to upgrade the productivity level in an office.

In a press conference Epson head for corporate channel management department Joselito D. Vitug said the introduction of this machine could be a threat to some copier companies in terms of pricing, as the all-one machine is priced at the level or lower than the cost of a copier machine.

This is the first time that Epson entered into the laser printer segment. This Japanese printer manufacturer is known for its inkjet colored printer products.

Based on the IDC report, colored laser printer demand in the Philippines this year will be much higher than inkjet products. This is one of the reasons Epson entered in the laser printer market.

In 2006, an average of 30,000 consumers are expected to be needing or demanding laser printer products, 28,000 of which are requiring monochrome printers (or black and white), while the rest will needing colored laser printers.

There is also high demand for printers which can perform 11 to 20 ppm (page per minute), IDC report revealed.

However, Vitug said the Philippine market in general is inclined to settle to one to 10 ppm because these printer products are more affordable.

"To use three different machines to print, scan and copy is no longer efficient enough for many offices to be productive in today's business environment," Vitug said.

"The multifunction and network ready Epson AcuLaser CX11N carries with it crucial attributes that offices need to lower cost, support the bottom line and drive productivity," he added.

He stressed that users of the new Epson AcuLaser will experience increased productivity as only one machine, instead of three to be installed.

It's "Flying Start Technology" ensures first-page-out speeds of 17 seconds for color and 12 seconds for monochrome, at 25ppm monochrome and 5ppm color printing.

"This all-in-one machine dramatically reduces waiting time for printouts," he emphasized.