Ricoh Introduces HotSpot Multifunction Printers

Document management solutions and services specialist Ricoh announced the launch of Ricoh HotSpot technology for Ricoh multifunction printers. HotSpot MFPs offer mobile users the ability of printing remotely; the company is targeting business travelers, sales reps, educational facilities, medical offices and others who require access to files while on the road.

Providing a hard copy output solution for laptops, handheld devices and Web- enabled smartphones, HotSpot MFPs enable users to print across the Internet without the need for a device-specific driver or special software. PrinterOn powers mobile printing solutions for the appliances. By sending documents, Web pages and e-mails to a remote server, the data is converted into a printable file for the HotSpot MFP and is transmitted to the device. A secure release code is then sent to the user who enters the code at the MFP LCD panel when ready to print.

With the addition of built-in HotSpot capability on Ricoh MFPs, customers can access additional mobile resources. HotSpot technology can also be added to existing MFPs through a network device that can be installed; no drivers or network connectivity is needed to print to HotSpot devices. The announcement follows the recent launch of the Ricoh HotSpot Printing application for the BlackBerry smartphone that allows users access to more than 2,000 publicly available printers.

"Launching the HotSpot feature for the MFP is a critical step as Ricoh expands its mobile printing offering," said Matt Sakauchi, vice president of Ricoh’s office printer business group. "Offering a secure, Web-connected option that allows users to print from their smartphones to any Ricoh HotSpot-enabled device gives Ricoh customers a competitive advantage to better conducting their business quickly and efficiently in an ever-changing marketplace."

Earlier this year, the company released the Aficio SP C430DN and SP C431DN color laser printers. The Aficio SP C430DN/SP C431DN offers two printer engine options, allowing users to choose what print speed best suits their business. The SP C430DN turns out full color and monochrome prints at 37 pages per minute (ppm), while the SP C431DN addresses busier workgroups with a color and black and white output speed of 42 ppm. Users can install up to three optional 550-sheet paper feed units for a maximum 2,300 sheet capacity that supports up to 120-pound index.

For increased security, the SP C431DN comes standard with additional features, including an 80GB hard drive and 768MB of RAM for increased document storage and queuing, Enhanced Locked Print-NX (ELP-NX) for password-protected print release on any ELP-NX enabled networked device, and Card Authentication Package (CAP) for device access via swiping of user identification cards.