Xerox Aims for Faster, Better, Safer MFDs

Looking to help small and mid-sized businesses combine secure and speedy copying, printing, faxing and scanning in a high-volume multi-function device, Xerox today announced the WorkCentre Pro 123 and 128.

The WorkCentre Pro 123 and 128 operate at either 23 or 28 pages per minute, respectively. Also new, according to Joy Lipari, manager of product marketing at Xerox, is a first-copy-out time of less than five seconds and support for 110 pound cover stock (i.e., index card). The 123 and 128 also have the capability to automatically sense the size of the paper and adjust the user interface according, Lipari said.

The 1200-dpi resolution WorkCentre Pro 123 and 128 offers a 20GB hard drive for document, support for both PCL 6 and Adobe Postscript 3, a maximum paper capacity of 3,100 sheets.

Scan It, Then Send It Anywhere
In an attempt to help business mix their paper documents with their electronic systems, the new products also offer Xerox’s FreeFlow SMARTsendT software, which is designed to convert, distribute and route scanned documents in any format to e-mail, desktop, file server, document management system, mailboxes or fax.

The WorkCentre Pro 123/128 also include new security features designed to help SMBs protect sensitive information. For example, the Image Overwrite Protection feature deletes images on the device’s hard drive either immediately or on demand, Lipari said. Network authentication restricts access to scan, e-mail and network fax features. Secure Print and Secure Fax hold jobs until an authorized user releases them for printing.

Lipari said features such as these are important in environments such as a doctor’s office that needs to ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations for patient privacy.

Smart Thinking
Xerox announced today the launch of SMART eSolutions, which Lipari describes as free remote device monitoring software that simplifies the administration of MFDs on the network.

Many companies have service contracts in which they are billed by Xerox or a Xerox dealer on a per-click basis (the fee typically covers repairs and maintenance and consumbles). If you are familiar with that arrangement, you know about having to report meter readings. XeroxMeterAssistant is designed to eliminate customer involvement in collecting and reporting those reading.

The WorkCentre Pro 128 is built to deliver big-time scanning and finishing features designed to small businesses.

Also part of the SMART eSolution program, SuppliesAssistant is designed to automatically orders supplies such as toner cartridges or drums. Lipari said what makes this service particularly useful is that it doesn’t wait until the device is longer operating properly to take action.

SMART eSolutions client software is available either as an integrated component of Xerox’ CentreWare Web device management software or can be downloaded for free offering from Xerox. The software, Lipari said, doesn’t require a dedicated PC.

Pricing for the WorkCentre Pro 123 and 128 systems start at $10,289.

Dan Muse is executive editor of internet.com’s Small Business Channel and EarthWeb’s Networking & Communications Channel.