New InfoPrint 5000 Printers Unveiled
February 24, 2009 Alex Woodie
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IBM and its printing partner, Ricoh, last week unveiled three new models in the InfoPrint 5000 family of full color, continuous web printers. The new models feature double the speed and greater print data stream compatibility compared to previous models, which should be welcomed by the printer’s demanding customers. Driven by the POWER processor architecture, the InfoPrint 5000 has defined IBM’s high-end printing solutions since it was unveiled. The platform was specifically designed for companies that place very high demands on their printing environment, such as service bureaus, direct mailers, and book printers. With the introduction of the InfoPrint models AS3, AD3, and AD4, IBM and Ricoh have doubled the maximum print speed of the first generation AS1, AD1, and AD2 models from 209 feet per minute to almost 420 feet per minute at the same resolution. The companies have also added native support for applications that utilize PostScript and PDF data streams and Encapsulated PostScript and PDF objects embedded in AFP/IPDS data streams. The InfoPrint AS3, AD3, and AD4 are scheduled to become available April 24. Two years ago, IBM announced a deal to sell its Boulder, Colorado, printing division to Ricoh for $725 million. As part of that deal, the two companies would jointly operate a third entity, called the InfoPrint Solutions Company, for a period of three years, after which Ricoh would gain full control over the assets. For more information, see www.infoprintsolutionscompany.com.
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