By Edmund Dante Hamilton, Editor
Internet Webpages Newspaper, Inc.
© Copyright 2007. Internet Webpages Newspaper, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Q. The Xerox 490 is priced at $1.8 Million USD per engine. Assuming a duplex configuration, that cost would be $3.6 Million USD. From a price standpoint the Xerox 490 is only slightly less in cost than Kodak VersaMark’s VX5000e, which was around $4.2 Million USD. How does the Xerox 490 compare to the VX5000e in terms of speed, quality, web width and overall footprint? Is the per page unit cost lower than $0.02 than the reported Kodak VX5000e or higher?
A. The new Xerox system has four distinct advantages over inkjet systems like Kodak VersaMark systems. First, image quality is better than ink jet (600 x 600 dpi), and it provides high quality “Business” color well suited for high-density bar codes, graphics and halftones.
Second, it performs at a constant high speed of 226 fpm, regardless of area coverage or substrate weight, as well as printing at the same speed for monochrome and full color.
Third, its dry toner, xerographic process (versus water based inks) provides the widest paper weight and substrate latitude, as well as no bleed through for light weight stocks. No special paper is required for this application flexibility. Fourth, it is operationally advantaged, as it is easy to learn and maintain.
Additionally, it has automated color consistency and management with no offset operator skills needed. It also has more inline finishing choices – integrated end to end. All of these operational advantages also contribute to less paper waste. There are many variables that comprise per page unit cost and our new printer will be competitive with inkjet. Pricing will be available as we get closer to the launch of the product in specific countries in 2008.
Q. Kodak announced a newspaper publishing system that combines the VX5000e system with finishing equipment from Hunkeler, which is currently bundled with OCE’s digital newspaper network print provider solution and the new OCE 9000 4-color systems, aimed at delivering personalized periodicals and newspapers in particular. Does the Xerox 490 have a finishing component specifically for newspapers that can offer the same functionality as the Hunkeler finishing system used in the OCE and Kodak systems mentioned above? If not Hunkeler, are you exploring systems from vendors such as Kern and others? And when will you have a finishing solution in place designed for newspapers and larger format magazines such as tabloids that currently don’t fit into standard size finishing systems offered in the marketplace today?
A. Hunkeler is a current Xerox Partner whose products are used on a number of continuous feed solutions at customer sites for some years now. Xerox will explore the use of the same Hunkeler cutter, folder, stacker system that is suitable for newspaper applications with our new color continuous feed system.
Q. On page 10 of the remarks from Ms. Ursula Burns, Xerox President, she states in the first paragraph: “Additionally, print providers can produce jobs such as promotional direct mail pieces that include personalized coupons. Loyalty campaigns that incorporate custom membership cards. And, newsletters and newspapers that have tailored content by region.” Has the Xerox 490 actually tested any runs with real newspapers? If not how can a publisher arrange to have a test run on the Xerox 490 to determine if the quality level claimed in the press release is actually high enough on detail photos in black and white and color images? Will there be a demo unit available in the USA so publishers can see the Xerox 490 in action to make a determination on it’s capabilities, and if so, when will this become available?
A. Xerox has a well established process for testing a core set of paper stocks and substrates for all of our production devices. Substrates have been validated that determined the printer’s specified range of 40 to 160gsm paper stock. This falls well within the typical range of paper weight used in newsprint applications.
As a matter of due diligence Xerox always recommends testing all mission critical applications in our applications test lab before installation. Xerox will also have a demonstration system available in the upcoming months at our Gil Hatch Center for Customer Innovation located in Webster, N.Y.
Q. The news remarks from Ms. Ursula Burns (Xerox President) also indicated that “The Xerox 490/980 printer is immediately available in geographies covered by Fuji Xerox, and is available for order taking in a phased-approach beginning in Europe during the first half of 2008 followed by North America.” Why was this press not announced in September at Graph Expo 2007 in Chicago, Illinois USA and instead at IPEX South Asia India? Xerox is based in the USA isn’t the USA market a natural consideration for such a device? Or is the international marketplace more suitable? I’d like to know how this decision was arrived, or was it that the system was not ready for launch until IPEX?
A. It is common practice to take a phased approach in rolling out products – either by market or by sector or geography. As a multinational company with competency
centers around the globe this product was co-developed with Fuji Xerox. It was
determined that the product would be launched in the Fuji Xerox territories first
followed by Europe and then North America.
Q. Does the Xerox 490 print from PPML input the kind that would be output from software such as XMPie’s plugins uDirect and PersonalEffect? How tightly integrated will the Xerox 490 be with existing variable data printing software on the market or will it just support XMPie and lock out all other players that are not in the Xerox camp?
A. The Xerox 490/980 Color CF device has an onboard controller that supports input of IPDS, PDF and Postscript and VIPP PDLs and data streams. XMPie is not a required workflow component… There are many workflow and variable data solutions on the market that emit these PDLs and data streams. Xerox will work with customers to help select the most efficient solution for the customers applications.
Q. Typically these type of devices are “seeded” with a major player in the industry usually a very high value customer. This customer acts as the “showcase” print provider and this builds momentum for others to come on board. Has Xerox already arranged to seed this unit with any existing USA print providers such as DME in Florida or any of the major national printers such as RR Donnelley, Quebecor, Quad Graphics, etc?
A. Xerox has a policy of maintaining the confidentiality of our customers whether they are targeted as early adopters or for seed type of units.
Q. How soon will Xerox make available – if not presently available – a total cost of ownership or specifics about the toner costs, service contracts and fees associated with day-to-day operations of the Xerox 490 so business models can be developed that will help print service providers determine if they can afford to undertake an investment in this unit?
A. As the product nears the launch dates for order taking and installation in specific geographies around the world more detailed pricing information will be made available.
Q. For instance if I purchase a Xerox 490 and deploy it here in Chicago, Illinois USA, what group at Xerox will be responsible for servicing the unit? Would that be a team here in Chicago or in New York?
A. As with all production class printer solutions from Xerox, the servicing of these devices is managed at the local geographical level with a specified training regime for the local customer service engineers. Yes the service team resources would come from the current local production systems service team.
Q. Will Xerox offer any kind of financial incentives for purchasing this unit, and if so what will they be? Will there be financing through Xerox or a third-party leasing company? What is the process for placing an order for this unit?
A. Xerox will continue to offer a variety of contractual and financial services to acquire this device similar to all of our other high end production printing solutions. Orders will be placed with representatives from your local Xerox field sales/service office.
Q. Will the Xerox 490/980 be on display at DRUPA?
A. Yes, drupa will be the forum for Xerox Corporation’s premier showing of the product.
