Internet Functionality; Wireless, Real-Time, Active Alert Messaging; Advanced
Networking Capabilities Highlight Latest Enhancements to the Ultimate Mission-
Critical Printer
VERNON HILLS, Ill., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Zebra Technologies Corporation
(Nasdaq: ZBRA), the worldwide leader in bar code printing, today introduced
the new XiIII industrial label printers -- the first bar code printers to
combine the power of wireless messaging and the Internet with the mission-
critical reliability and durability of Zebra's top-of-the-line Xi(TM) Series
bar code printers.
The XiIIIs continue to feature a rugged 12-gauge steel frame and all-metal
casing to provide the durability to stand up to the most punishing operating
environments. All Xi Series printers are designed to perform in any mission-
critical application including 24-hour duty cycles.
"Effective mission-critical printing is a combination of the most
dependable equipment and a swift response to any errors," said Zebra vice
president of product management Jack LeVan. "The Xi Series has always set the
industry standard for mission-critical durability and reliability. The new
XiIIIs raise the bar further by enabling system administrators to leverage
wireless messaging and the Internet to stay in constant contact with their
printers."
The First Printer That "Talks to You"
Zebra's XiIII printers are not only the most reliable printers available,
they are also the smartest. While most bar code printers require
administrators to manually send an alert probe to see if there are any errors,
the XiIII printers are the first printers capable of initiating communication
with other devices to provide network administrators with error messages in
real-time.
Zebra's ZebraNet(TM) Alert system uses the power of the ZebraNet
PrintServer II to keep network administrators in constant contact with
networked XiIII printers from anywhere in the world. Should a printer run out
of media or ribbon, it instantly notifies the network administrator by issuing
a detailed error message through e-mail or to a wireless mobile device, pager,
text-messaging-capable cellular phone or Zebra's ZebraNet Alert Printer
Management Utility for Windows(TM) 95/98/NT.
Internet-Based Printer Management
The advanced architecture of the XiIII includes an embedded Web server,
enabling on-site or remote printer configuration using a common Web browser
such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer. Using the ZebraNet
WebView utility, a system administrator can log on to any printer's password-
protected Web page via its IP address, and set up or adjust its
characteristics such as burn temperature, printing resolution, print speed,
etc., using pull-down menus of that printer's possible settings.
Because this is a Web-based solution, system administrators or system
integrators can set up and manage multi-site or multi-national printing
operations from one centralized location. Even where a fixed TCP/IP
connection is not available, users can access and modify printer features
through common dial-up SLIP or PPP connections.
Easy Network Configuration
XiIII printers equipped with the ZebraNet PrintServer II are the most
network-ready industrial printers available. Plug-and-play compatibility with
both wired and wireless Ethernet networks results in a typical network set up
that takes minutes instead of hours. The advanced electronics of the XiIIIs
make network configuration simple by enabling network administrators to
configure the network from the printer's front panel, saving the tiresome and
time-consuming process of walking back and forth between a system
administration terminal and a printer to configure and verify a network
connection.
Additionally, once the printers are networked, system administrators can
use the Internet functionality of the XiIII and ZebraNet WebView to establish
and maintain consistent printing worldwide. XiIII printer configurations,
including burn temperature, saved formats, fonts and graphics can be "cloned"
and applied to other printers enabling quick multi-site printing adjustments
to keep up with changing compliance-labeling requirements or other factors.
The XiIIIs also feature several mechanical improvements to make media
loading quicker and more intuitive. In addition to an enhanced ribbon take-up
spindle that frees spent ribbon with a simple twist, the XiIIIs also utilize a
new dust-free media hanger that ensures an ideal printing environment within
each printer. Access to the printer can also be improved with the addition of
a new folding media door-a user option that reduces the printer's required
workspace.
The latest Xi Series printers will be demonstrated at SCANTECH '99,
Rosemont (Chicago), Ill., U.S.A., October 5-7, 1999; and Scan-Tech Expo
Europe, Cologne, Germany, November 16-18, 1999.
A white paper detailing the features and benefits of ZebraNet Alert and
ZebraNet WebView is available upon request.
Zebra Technologies Corporation manufactures and distributes Zebra - and
Eltron-brand on-demand bar code label printers, secure ID printing systems and
plastic card printers used in automatic identification and plastic card
personalization applications worldwide. The company also offers software and
related supplies, including more than 300 label and ribbon combinations.
Zebra's customers include more than 70 percent of the FORTUNE 500. The
company's stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol ZBRA.
Information about Zebra products can be found at http://www.zebra.com.
SOURCE Zebra Technologies, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.zebra.com
CONTACT:
Press, Tracy L. Shryer, 847-792-6725, e-mail,
tshryer@zebra.com, or Financial, Douglas A. Fox, 847-792-6735, or
e-mail, dfox@zebra.com, both of Zebra Technologies Corporation
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