Sharp

ORLANDO, FL, May 7, 2008 -- Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) today opened its 2008 National Dealer meeting in Orlando with a number of new introductions aimed at presenting its dealers with new business opportunities and moving both Sharp and its dealers into the next frontier of opportunity. Sharp is debuting a groundbreaking line of A4 MFPs and printers with a unique, broad set of features, functionality and sleek appearance that will make them the hub of today’s workspace. Sharp will also introduce the next evolution of the Sharp OSA™ platform and surrounding programs, which will help dealers and developers realize new business opportunities.

Sharp opened the meeting by taking a look back at the last 5 years of dealer meetings. The company highlighted the revolutionary products and technology innovations that had been introduced at previous dealer meetings – products that have gone on to win numerous awards and critical acclaim and innovations that have changed the face of the market. The company then took a deeper look at one of those market changing technologies, the Sharp OSA platform, with a diverse panel of customers, including Stewart Title Corp, The Biltmore Hotel, Plumbers Supply, Corp., and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, who are running their businesses more efficiently thanks to customized solutions made possible by Sharp OSA technology.

Orlando, FL —(May 6, 2008) – Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, and MWA Intelligence, Inc., today announced a strategic relationship to deliver enterprise-level remote asset management capabilities to Sharp customers. With this powerful alliance, MWA Intelligence – a leader in enterprise-class M2M (machine-to-machine) and M2P (machine-to-people) solutions and services – will develop and market innovative workflow automation solutions for Sharp’s best-in-class MFPs to enable businesses to optimize productivity, operational efficiency and customer service.

MAHWAH, N.J., April 8, 2008 – As Americans do their taxes, a majority are unaware that they may be putting personal and financial information required on tax returns in jeopardy.  According to a recent survey by Sharp Electronics Corporation, almost half of all Americans are unaware of the danger of using insecure public copiers and printers, leaving themselves at risk for data theft if a copier is not equipped with data security measures. The survey, conducted by Roper on behalf of Sharp in February 2008, polled 1,004 adults regarding their perceptions of digital copier security.

Another survey item of note indicated that 60 percent of Americans don’t know about the ability of a digital photocopier to store a document image on the hard drive, which could be later retrieved by a hacker.

From Buyers Lab.

March 28, 2008 - Sharp recently announced that it has expanded its Toner Cartridge Recycling Program to include Sharp toner from all Sharp models, including MFPs. According to Sharp, users go to www.sharpusa.com/recycle and enter the type of shipping method they wish to use (a bulk container for up to 10 toner cartridges, the original toner box or the customer’s own packaging), the type of Sharp model, the estimated weight of the package, and basic contact information.

Customers then print out the shipping label to place on the package. The recycled toner can then be picked up by UPS or dropped off at the nearest UPS location, where it will be shipped to one of three recycling centers nationwide. For those with bulk orders, cartons made of recycled cardboard are sent via UPS. Sharp’s recycling Web site says that this service is only for Sharp toner products and that Sharp will charge customers for all costs associated with the shipping and recycling of any non-Sharp product received.

MAHWAH, N.J. --(Business Wire)-- Mar. 18, 2008 Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) today announced that it is continuing to expand its direct regional sales operation with the opening of a new Sharp Business Systems branch in Charlotte, North Carolina. Sharp Business Systems of the Carolinas opened today as the seventh branch of the division.

SIICA purchased Charlotte, North Carolina-based Copy Data Network to launch Sharp Business Systems in the North Carolina area, serving both North and South Carolina. The Copy Data Network management team has served the market for almost 20 years, gaining a reputation for superior service and commitment to its customers. All 300 employees of Copy Data Network have been asked to join the Sharp team and will provide seamless service to new and existing customers across the Carolinas -- the largest employee base to join a SBS branch to date.

MAHWAH, NJ, February 25, 2008 -- The Biltmore Hotel, a luxury spa and golf hotel resort located in Coral Gables/Miami, has implemented a groundbreaking, customized technology system to reduce costs and streamline workflow on the company's copiers. Developed using Sharp OSA^TMtechnology, the new system helps control employee usage and enhances the capabilities of the hotel's multifunctional color copiers, saving equipment costs and providing real time usage reporting to management.The Biltmore Hotel was facing the challenges of a typical major enterprise, including high print and manpower costs due to everyday office transactions taking place across different sectors, with numerous departments and employees utilizing stand-alone office equipment lacking back-office access and control. The hotel saw an opportunity to control color copy costs and reduce the number of copiers and printers throughout the facility, while improving workflow as well. Sharp Business Systems provided a networked, personalized solution, using Sharp OSA technology, that allows for control over color copy costs and usage, but also fits the Biltmore's existing data infrastructure. Sharp provided a networked solution that enabled access to the company's Active Directory servers, a Microsoft® standard that provides centralized user authentication services for Windows® based computers. "We didn't want to reinvent the wheel so we worked with Sharp to develop a system that could grow with the business," said Marc Stidham, CIO, Biltmore Hotel. "By enabling hotel employees to scan information directly from the copier's LCD panel via Active Directory, the information goes straight into our own database software, reducing headaches and downtime." With the purchase of 14 color Sharp multifunctional copiers - models MX-3501N and MX-4501N - the ability to copy in both black-and-white and color across the network became a reality. However, in order to control employee usage, the machines were programmed to allow authentication to designated employees approved to make color copies or prints. This eliminated the costs of thousands of pages that could potentially have been copied throughout the company. Additionally, with Sharp OSA technology, the IT department can create individual user authentication codes as well as monitor usage remotely over the network. The IT department can run individual department reports (accounting, human resources, hospitality, etc.) outlining the amount of color prints/copies, black-and-white copies, faxes and scans that are made. This capability provides a real-time snapshot for evaluating equipment usage by different departments, and making necessary changes or adjustments. In addition to saving on cost-per-copy, the Biltmore Hotel is using Sharp OSA technology to enhance the company's scanning capabilities and integrate the ability for network scanning to email, eliminating the need for separate office scanners. This allows an employee to scan a document on the copier and send it directly to a recipient's email address or to their own email address. By utilizing the Sharp OSA-enabled devices, the hotel has greatly reduced the number of printers throughout their facilities, going from 46 printers down to 13. The Biltmore employees and management are using Sharp copiers for all document printing. Now, departments only need a quarter of the total budget previously spent on laser printer toner. "Our customers want tailored solutions that help them do business more efficiently," said Luis Gonzalez, President, Sharp Business Systems of South Florida, the Miami-based office equipment dealer. "Using Sharp OSA technology, we were able to offer the Biltmore Hotel a solution that would adapt to their business and solve their immediate needs to manage copier costs and speed workflow." Sharp OSA Technology Sharp OSA technology is a development platform designed for seamless integration with network applications. Designed to deliver the power of customization to the customer, Sharp OSA technology allows enterprises to leverage their back-end systems right from the MFP control panel. The technology manages the inherent interoperability of Web services design to enable Sharp, its dealer network and ISV partners to better meet customer needs. Sharp OSA technology is available now for Sharp's MX series models MX-M350, MX-M450, MX-M550, MX-M620, MX-M700, MX-2300, MX-2700, MX-3500, MX-3501, MX-4501, MX-5500, MX-6200, MX-6201N, MX-7000 and MX-7001N. For more information about the complete line of Sharp document solution products, contact Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07430, or call 800-BE-SHARP. # # # Sharp OSA and all related trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation and/or its affiliated companies. Microsoft, Windows Vista and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

MAHWAH, NJ, January 8, 2008 -- Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America’s multifunctional peripheral (MFP) copier product line has been honored with the coveted “Product Line of the Year” award from Buyers Laboratory Inc. (BLI), a leading global provider of test reports on document imaging products. Cumulative test results in laboratory evaluations deemed Sharp’s entire MFP product line, both mono and color, to be best overall across the board. Additionally, for its exceptional reliability and superior performance, Sharp’s MX-M1100 has been named “Pick of the Year” in the high speed Segment 6 while the MX-M700N/U has been awarded “Pick of the Year” for “Outstanding Segment 5 Monochrome MFP” (81- to 90-PPM range), recognized for its class-leading security and set up. “This outstanding recognition from BLI validates our business strategy and proves our commitment to bringing exceptionally reliable, highly productive and easy-to-use products to market,” said Ed McLaughlin, president, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America. “This accomplishment embodies the close collaboration between our product planning teams in the U.S. and Japan and reflects the dedication of our dealers and factory in providing superior products that answer market demands. It also validates our strategy behind Sharp OSA™ technology in offering advanced MFP functionality and flexibility to provide applications tailored to the end user’s needs.” BLI bestows the “Line of the Year” award once annually to the company whose product line, as tested in BLI’s rigorous two-month laboratory evaluation, is determined to be the best overall based on cumulative test results. BLI tests each product in critical performance areas, including reliability, copy and print image quality, copy and print productivity and efficiency, ease of use and overall value. “To determine “Pick of the Year” winners, we test products thoroughly to ascertain which deliver the most extensive functionality and best reliability, handle multiple jobs simultaneously in a networked environment and deliver good output quality,” says BLI Lab Manager Pete Emory. “The exceptional results that Sharp’s MFPs have achieved over the last year for products in all categories during our exhaustive testing process demonstrate that business users can count on Sharp business products for high-quality performance.” With the “Pick of the Year” award for the MX-M1100, the entire Sharp high-speed production series has been honored with this distinction. The MX-M1100 is recognized for its ability to create one million impressions with no unscheduled maintenance and only three misfeeds, as well as the unit’s excellent multitasking abilities, superior scan functions and outstanding overall ease of use. The MX-M700N/U received the “Pick of the Year” award for its network setup and remote administration features, as well as the feedback provided to end users via the bundled drivers and utilities. The Sharp MX-M1100 and the MX-M700N/U MFPs combine reliability, superior scan functions, outstanding ease of use and multitasking performance while offering impressive print and copier speeds of 110 PPM and 70 PPM respectively. The M1100 and the M700N/U MFPs support the innovative Sharp OSA technology platform for seamless integration with network applications, as well as Sharp’s award-winning* security suite. The innovative Sharp OSA development platform opens the door to a broad array of value-added functionality and flexibility to deliver the power of customization to the customer. Sharp OSA technology leverages the inherent interoperability of Web services design to enable Sharp, its dealer network and ISV partners to meet customer needs effectively. For more information about the complete line of Sharp document solution products, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J., 07430, or call 800-BE-SHARP.

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* In 2006 Sharp received the BERTL’s BEST “Most Secure MFP Range” award, and its color MX Series was the first color product line to achieve BERTL Five Star – Exceptional status throughout the entire line. © 2008 Sharp Electronics Corp Sharp and AQUOS are registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation All other marks are the property of their respective holders.

Mahwah, NJ, January 8, 2008 -- Sharp Electronics Corporation today announced the expansion of Sharp Business Systems (SBS) of Arizona with the addition of Uni-copy Digital Business Systems. As SBS Arizona marks their one-year anniversary, this development allows the branch to strengthen its core business, while strategically growing its resources to continue to successfully support a market that spans across Arizona and New Mexico. Uni-copy brings a strong community background and relationship with Sharp to the SBS Arizona branch. Founded in 1966, Uni-Copy has been in the industry for just under 41 years and has been a Sharp dealer for 27 years. SBS Arizona will provide seamless service to new and existing customers and will continue to honor existing equipment and contract agreements. The expansion brings the employee base of SBS Arizona to nearly 100, furthering its local resources to better serve the Arizona and New Mexico markets. Sharp Business Systems of Arizona continues to be managed by president Rich Ferraro. “As the first established branch of Sharp Business Systems we are excited by this expansion and look forward to gaining valuable insight and resources from the Uni-Copy team. Our long-term commitment is to focus on outstanding local service while delivering the best-in-class document products and solutions to our Arizona- and New Mexico-based customers,” said Ferraro. Sharp Business Systems Strategy Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) plans to establish more than 20 local Sharp Business Systems branches during the next few years. “Sharp Business Systems will help Sharp continue to grow and strengthen Sharp’s distribution in key markets nationwide, already proving successful in San Diego, San Francisco, South Florida, Indianapolis and most recently the expansion of Arizona,” said Ed McLaughlin, President, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America. “Our direct branch strategy will augment our strong independent dealer channel by enabling Sharp to better understand customer needs and then translating that into outstanding products and support for our dealers.” About Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, markets the advanced, color MX Series multifunctional peripheral (MFP) systems and a full product suite of workgroup and production MFPs that help companies manage workflow efficiently and increase productivity. Sharp^® MFPs feature the Sharp OSA™ development platform, which seamlessly integrates network applications to create a personalized MFP that can meet virtually any business need, and Scan² technology, which scans two-sided documents in a single pass to enhance scanning reliability and preserve document integrity. To keep documents safe from unauthorized users, Sharp leads the MFP industry in security by offering the most secure suite of MFP applications.* For more information about the complete line of Sharp document solution products, contact Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07430, or call 800-BE-SHARP.

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Sharp, Sharp OSA and related trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation and/or its affiliated companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. *In 2006 Sharp received the BERTL’s BEST “Most Secure MFP Range” award and its color MX Series was the first color product line to achieve BERTL Five Star – Exceptional status throughout the entire line. © 2008 Sharp Electronics Corp. Sharp and AQUOS are registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation All other marks are the property of their respective holders.