Sharp today introduced the next model in its dynamic Frontier Series: the MX-B401. The MX-B401 is the first monochrome Multifunction Printer (MFP) in the Frontier family of A4 MFP products, and has been designed to blend simplicity with multi-tasking productivity and advanced functionality.

With the ability to print up to 40 black-and-white pages per minute, the MX-B401 provides crisp output with greater ease and efficiency. The MX-B401 includes hallmark Sharp features that bring its level of functionality to new levels, including an 8.5 inch (diagonal) W-VGA color touchpanel display, the award-winning Sharp OSA platform, and remote-access capabilities that can significantly reduce operating costs and downtime. With Common Controller Architecture, the MX-B401 provides uniform functionality and operability as found in Sharp's award-winning MFP line, helping to reduce training costs and increasing user adoption.

"The Frontier Series continues to break new ground in the A4 space with IT-friendly remote management features, Sharp OSA technology, and a brilliant color LCD display,"said Gary Bailer, associate director A4 MFPs, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America. "In particular, the compact size and robust feature set of the MX-B401 make it ideal for offices that might not need ledger size paper and are looking for an alternative to a bigger, bulkier A3 model. This is another high-quality Frontier model that gives both dealers and end-users more options when integrating an end-to-end solution that meets their workgroup document requirements."

Remote Access Capabilities
As with other Frontier models, the MX-B401 incorporates Sharp's newest developments in device management, with Remote Front Panel capability that provides the IT administrator or helpdesk professional with the ability to see exactly what the end-user is seeing. They can remotely change settings, show the user how to perform a function, or diagnose and often rectify problems without deploying a technician to the device. This unique MFP capability dramatically reduces unit downtime and support costs.

Customizable Business Solutions with Sharp OSA Technology
The MX-B401 supports the third generation of the Sharp OSA development platform, turning the product into a gateway for document-based business communications by integrating the devices with network-based applications. Sharp OSA technology enables dealers and developers to create fully networked and customized document solutions to meet virtually any business need. With Sharp OSA technology, businesses can securely connect devices with a wide range of enterprise applications, including document management applications, reporting functions and internally developed programs.

Sharp OSA technology provides enhanced customization and flexibility, easier viewing through advanced controls, and play back of flash clips to provide a fuller user experience. Users will find this makes accessing an application from an MFP a similar experience to using a workstation, minimizing steps and time to complete tasks.

Network Security
The multi-tiered, award-winning Sharp Security Suite is included in the MX-B401, which means it meets the requirements set forth in the IEEE-2600-2008 standard, as well as IPv6. The Sharp Security Suite can be enhanced through data security kits that protect document data using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption and secure data erase, which can overwrite the hard drive up to seven times. The units also offer several layers of added security such as IP/MAC address filtering, SSL Encryption, and IPsec (IP Security) protection. They also offer local and network user authentication to ensure only authorized access to the devices.

From Superior Process Comes Superior Product
All of the models in Sharp's new Frontier line are the result of Sharp's unique approach to designing and building office products, thinking and acting differently from any other vendor. The company employs a global product development process in which management, business development, R&D, product development, marketing, manufacturing, training and customer service teams all work collaboratively during each stage of the product development process. This gives Sharp a 360-degree view of the MFP market, allowing the company to form a common platform strategy in which the core components of Sharp's product line are designed, developed and manufactured together. Components, software and processes are engineered to be shared across engine platforms, making Sharp's products "look and act" similarly across virtually all segments of the market. This makes Sharp workgroup MFPs and printers easier to operate, maintain, and sell.

With a sleek body lines, chrome accents, and a brilliant color display, the textural exterior of the MX-B401 nicely complements the contemporary office setting. The same as other models in the Frontier Series, the MX-B401 features a space-saving and "wingless" inner staple finisher that keeps the profile compact, creating a slim footprint and enabling it to fit in to spaces typical MFPs cannot.

About Sharp
Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of one-of-a-kind home entertainment products, appliances, networked multifunctional office solutions, solar energy solutions and mobile communication and information tools. For online product information, visit Sharp's website at sharpusa.com/documents.