November 13, 2001
Zebra Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq:ZBRA), the worldwide leader in bar code printing, today announced a new suite of connectivity options for networked and wireless printing applications in healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, security, travel and warehousing and distribution.
>From internal wired or wireless Ethernet and ZebraNet(R) connectivity accessories, to Bluetooth(TM)- and 802.11b-enabled printers, Zebra connectivity solutions make it easier than ever to setup, manage, print to and monitor Zebra's full line of on-demand thermal printers.
"Flexible connectivity, including internal Ethernet and wireless networking, is the next phase in the evolution of bar code label printing," said Zebra director of printer connectivity and network solutions Jeff Kaufman. "As businesses change, as networks expand and legacy systems are integrated, it's important to us that we make it easy for systems administrators to easily install, manage and monitor Zebra printers via multiple network protocols. With our Unix-based utilities or wireless internal Ethernet cards, Zebra printers can be moved easily to the point of application, reducing downtime and increasing overall productivity."
Internal ZebraNet(R) PrintServer II: Now Available on Zebra 2844 Desktop Printers
An internal ZebraNet PrintServer II is now available on Zebra's recently announced 2844 printer, bringing affordable internal Ethernet to the desktop line. The internal design eliminates the need for a bulky external print server. The 10Base-T Ethernet network connection allows the printer to output tags or labels on command from any computer device on the network.
It is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Microsoft Windows(R) 95/98/Me/NT/2000, Unix/Linux, and Novell NetWare(TM), as well as TCP/IP or IPX network protocols.
"The 2844 with internal Ethernet provides a new solution for systems administrators who want to experience the benefits of a complete connectivity suite at an affordable price point," said Zebra director of product management for desktop printer products Kerri Thomas Baker. "Our customers can now enjoy many of the benefits of Zebra's PrintServer II utilities such as basic View and Alert features--making network configuration and monitoring simple."
The internal ZebraNet PrintServer II has a U.S. list price of $249. When combined with either the direct thermal LP2844 or the thermal transfer TLP 2844 printer, it offers a very affordable and compact networking solution for less than $1,000.
ZebraLink(TM): The Ultimate Printer Connectivity and Control Solution
Systems administrators can also benefit from the Alert, WebView and ZBI features of the ZebraLink printer connectivity and control solution that provide real-time, wired or wireless control of bar code printer operations and data management.
-- Alert: initiates messages to text-capable, networked cellular phones, pagers, PDAs and e-mail to provide systems administrators with error messages in real-time.
-- WebView: provides users with extensive printer control and management abilities using any standard Web browser such as Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer.
-- ZBI (Zebra Basic Interpreter): enables users to print labels
from nearly any data source, including electronic data interchange (EDI) data streams, peripheral devices and most computer platforms.
ZebraNet(R) Wireless Card Socket: The Industry's First for Tabletop Printers
The ZebraNet Wireless Card Socket is the industry's first internal wireless option for tabletop bar code printers. Available on Zebra's XiII and XiIII Series printers and the R-140 RFID printer/encoder, it features:
-- Internal integration, eliminating the need for a bulky wireless bridge and external power supply.
-- Simple configuration and ease of use on 802.11b or Symbol(R) Spectrum24(TM) wireless Ethernet networks.
-- Initial compatibility with six PCMCIA card-based radios from major manufacturers including Lucent Technologies, Symbol Technologies and Cisco Systems.
-- Upgrade flexibility to change wireless network cards as company networks evolve.
The ZebraNet Utilities: Wireless View is also included, which features Auto Discovery. This automates setup from a PC computer running Windows by locating and configuring new printers on the wireless network.
"The ZebraNet Wireless Card Socket revolutionizes the way tabletop bar code printers are configured," said Zebra product manager for wireless networking systems Matt Banach. "Using standard, wireless PCMCIA cards, end users no longer have to deal with the hassles of re-configuring and re-cabling their network printers when moving a production line. Our wireless networking option enables customers to move their tabletop bar code printers to virtually any location in the facility--without downtime."
Bluetooth(TM) and 802.11b for Wireless Mobile Printing
Zebra is also introducing Bluetooth and 802.11b "Wi-Fi" connectivity in its mobile printers and accessories. Bluetooth is the first global standard for low-power, short-range radio connectivity with mobile devices. The Cameo, Encore and new modular QL 320 printers will all have Bluetooth radio options, as will a new version of the Zebra Portable Radio (ZPR) accessory.
The ZPR clips on to Symbol SPT1700/1800 (Palm(R) O/S) or PPT2700/2800 (Windows(R) CE) handheld devices to add short-range radio connectivity without adding weight or bulk.
Zebra's Bluetooth solution offers:
-- Full compliance with the latest Bluetooth 1.1 specification.
-- Open architecture for flexible connectivity to any Bluetooth-enabled handheld terminal.
-- Data transmission speeds of up to one Mbps.
-- Secure connections via encryption and authentication.
-- Rapid printing to multiple printers via point-to-multipoint connectivity.
Zebra mobile printers also now support 802.11b network environments. The Encore 3N, Cameo 3N and the new QL 320 mobile printer will all be featured at Frontline Expo with 802.11b Wi-Fi-compatible network connectivity.
"With our new Bluetooth and 802.11b radio options, Zebra offers a full compliment of wireless networking and communication solutions," said Zebra director of marketing for mobile printers Bob Danahy.
Zebra's new connectivity solutions will be demonstrated in Zebra Technologies Corporation's booth number 442 at Frontline Expo 2001 (Lakeside Center, McCormick Place, Chicago, Ill.) on November 13-15.
Zebra Technologies Corporation (Vernon Hills, Ill.) manufactures and distributes Zebra(R)-brand on-demand thermal bar code label printers and Eltron(R)-brand secure ID printing systems and plastic card printers used in automatic identification and plastic card personalization applications worldwide.
The company, with an installed base of more than two million printers, also offers software and related supplies, including more than 1,000 label and ribbon combinations. Zebra's customers include more than 75 percent of the FORTUNE 500. Information about Zebra bar code products can be found at www.zebra.com. Information about Zebra Technologies Corporation can be found at www.zebracorporation.com.
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