M2 PRESSWIRE-9 September 1999-HEWLETT-PACKARD: HP delivers simple, integrated printer connectivity for USB customers (C)1994-99 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD
RDATE:090999
* New HP JetDirect Connectivity Card Provides Connectivity Support for USB, Serial and LocalTalk Clients and Hosts
Hewlett-Packard Company today expanded its industry-leading HP JetDirect print-server family with a solution that enables printers to be connected to PCs with a broad range of connectivity options.
The HP JetDirect Connectivity Card for USB/Serial/LocalTalk enables users who were once unable to connect and share printer resources due to port incompatibility to have an integrated printer connectivity solution that supports a wide variety of environments, from iMacs to UNIX(R) system workstations. Simple installation allows users to "plug in and connect" any HP LaserJet printer with an EIO (Enhanced Input/Output) slot to PCs in mixed, non-networked environments.
Connecting printing resources is a common need among all users, from home users to enterprise customers. The JetDirect Connectivity Card is a low-cost connectivity option that enables users in a wide variety of environments to connect to EIO-slotted HP LaserJet printers. For instance, the connectivity card enables USB customers to connect to new Windows(R) 98 PCs and Macintosh workstations, including the iMac.
The JetDirect Connectivity Card also provides an easy way to connect other clients or hosts, such as UNIX systems and mainframes with serial ports and legacy Macintosh computers with LocalTalk ports.
The HP JetDirect Connectivity Card enables all three interfaces to be used simultaneously without any loss in PC or printer performance. Print jobs are automatically queued into the connectivity card's 2MB of memory, which allows the PC to be freed up quickly for users.
"The HP JetDirect Connectivity Card delivers reliable, cost-effective printer connectivity to a broad base of customers," said Kirstine Mayall, JetDirect Product Manager. "By adding USB, serial and LocalTalk support to our connectivity portfolio, we're continuing to provide our customers with simple and powerful solutions to fit virtually any computing environment."
Driving Adoption of USB
The new JetDirect Connectivity Card addresses the needs of today's users who need to access printers via USB ports. The USB port enables simple printer connectivity with PowerMacs and Windows 98 PCs. USB also lets users connect many peripherals at one time. Many USB PCs come with two USB ports. Special USB peripherals, called USB hubs, have additional ports that enable users to "daisy chain" multiple devices to a single PC.
"The market is moving toward USB at an incredible pace," said Paula Bursley, senior analyst at Dataquest, a Gartner Group company. "Printer connectivity solutions will be a necessary ingredient to fuel the next wave of growth."
About USB
The USB specification, a standardised peripheral connection developed by industry leaders, supports multiple-device connectivity, improves the performance of the peripheral connection and allows for digital multimedia integration. USB supports multiple peripheral devices, allowing users to run printers, scanners, digital cameras and speakers simultaneously from a single PC.
Pricing and Availability
The HP JetDirect Connectivity Card is GBP89 and is expected to be available Sept. 1 through retailers and HP-authorised distributors and resellers, as well as online via the HP Shopping Village at www.shopping.hp.com.
According to industry analysts, HP is the recognised leader in connecting and managing printers on networks. Since 1991, HP has sold more than 12 million HP JetDirect internal and external print servers, and provides the industry-leading printer-management software, Web JetAdmin, making it the world's leading supplier of network printing solutions.
About HP
Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services for business and home -- is focused on capitalising on the opportunities of the Internet and the proliferation of electronic services.
HP had computer-related revenue of $39.5 billion in its 1998 fiscal year. HP plans to launch a new company consisting of its industry-leading test-and-measurement, semiconductor products, chemical-analysis and medical businesses. These businesses represented $7.6 billion of HP's total revenue in fiscal 1998. With leading positions in multiple market segments, this technology-based company will focus on opportunities such as communications and life sciences.
HP has 123,000 employees worldwide and had total revenue of $47.1 billion in its 1998 fiscal year. Information about HP, its products and the company's Year 2000 program can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.
UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group. Windows is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Please send readers' enquiries to: Customer Information Centre Hewlett-Packard Limited Cain Road Bracknell Berks RG12 1HN
or telephone enquiries to: Customer Information Centre 0990 474747 Quote PR ref: 7863
CONTACT: Kirstine Mayall, JetDirect Product Manager, Hewlett-Packard Tel: +44 (0)1344 360 000 e-mail: kirstine_mayall@hp.com Paula Simmons/Jeremy Smith, Beattie Media Tel: +44 (0)171 930 0453 e-mail: jeremy_smith@beattie-lon.co.uk Richard Parkinson, Commercial PR Manager, Hewlett-Packard Tel: +44 (0)171 333 5629 e-mail: Richard_Parkinson@pa-consulting.com
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