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Dell Seeks Copier-Market Disruption Too with New A4 Models , New Print-Fleet Management Solution

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Dell Color Smart Multifunction Printer - S3845cdn

Dell’s Color Smart S3845cdn A4 copier/MFP.

Dell today announced two new enterprise-level Color Smart A4 models, the S3840cdn ($599.99) standalone printer and S3845cdn ($999,99) MFP, both of which are designed to work with Dell’s new OpenManage Printer Essentials (OMPE) Web-based solution for faster setup and more efficient print-fleet monitoring.

Orlando Lacayo, Dell global product manager, told CRN that the introductions are part of Dell’s strategy to go after the market for A3 copier/MFPs that print and scan on at least up to 11″ x 17″ media (while A4 printers typically print and scan on up to 8.5″x 14″ media). Lacayo told CRN: “The reality is most companies don’t need A3, but copier companies continue to sell them. Only 1 to 3 percent of all pages printed are on A3. It’s a tiny fraction, but there’s a push to sell them because they’re very expensive and you can make more money on them than you can on A4.”

Lacayo also told CRN: “The A3 and A4 worlds are colliding. For copier companies that have been around a long time, A3 is declining, so the A3 companies are trying to make up revenue loss by getting into the A4 space.”

The S3840cdn is a color, single-function laser printer, while the S3845cdn is a color MFP that allows users to copy, scan and fax, with both models designed for mid-size to large businesses with heavy-duty use, such as banking institutions, schools, and government offices.

Both printers come with an adjustable five-inch capacitive touchscreen control panel that tilts for easier viewing. Users can print up-to-date documents and forms stored in Microsoft SharePoint On-Premise folders with direct access from the printer, as well as print wirelessly via an optional wireless adapter. Both devices feature native 1,200 x 1,200 dpi resolution, while the S3845cdn MFP also features a single-pass, dual-head Duplex Automatic Document Feeder (DADF) for copy, scan, and fax.

OpenManage Printer Essentials (OMPE) Print-Fleet Management

Dell’s OMPE is a print-management solution that’s said to “significantly decreases fleet setup time and allows quick and easy fleet management.” Dell says that with it, software installation and download time is reduced by up to 60 percent, and printer discovery is up to eight times faster than with Dell’s previous print-management solution. It also says that OMPE now reduces hard-drive space requirements with a smaller software package, and a copy configuration also allows IT managers to clone printer settings across fleets for simpler setup.

According to the firm, a centralized, easy-to-use dashboard provides real-time print job and error information, and the ability to generate custom reports and ticket integration with service-desk platforms. Reports and alerts may be scheduled to be generated on a regular basis and sent via email, ensuring that IT managers are kept updated on print-fleet information.

Dell also says that proactive management tools keep printer firmware up-to-date, and also track and predict toner depletion, as well as automatically send notifications regarding warranty expiration. IT managers can view, change settings, and control printers remotely from a PC using the new Embedded Web Service (EWS) interface. EWS also helps IT staff to clone the printer settings of one device to multiple devices within an organization.

Proactive Security Features

Both of the new Color Smart printers come with built-in Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for data-encryption and greater security. Proactive firmware updates are said to keep fleets up-to-date automatically. Secure-print release requiring the user enter a four-digit PIN, plus Embedded Web Server access control, local and remote user authentication, and physical security features, such as lock slots for paper-input trays, are all available for a full suite of customizable security options.

Eco-Friendliness

Both Color Smart printers also feature Energy Star qualification, Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliance, and EPEAT Silver registration, and are available now at Dell.com.

For more information on the S3840cdn printer, visit Dell here, here for the  S3845cdn MFP, and here for more information on Open Manage Printer Essentials.

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