Brother Gulf targets 50 per cent growth in Color Inkjet Multi-Function Devices business in 2007 with new line up

As a first step towards consolidating its market share, Brother Gulf has announced the launch of a whole range of innovative colour inkjet Multifunction Centres (MFCs) in the regional markets under the MyHome and MyOffice Series segments. Meanwhile, Brother also announced that it recently manufactured the 10 millionth unit of its colour inkjet MFC, which underlines the demand for this product globally.

Brother's new range of colour inkjet MFCs incorporates the latest in ink droplet technology that ensures true-to-life photo printouts every time. Consumers prefer MFCs - printers that come with built-in scanners and fax modems, and double as copiers and fax machines - as these offer a cost-effective solution with a single machine requiring one set of consumables as against investing in several machines that need different sets of consumables. These devices occupy far less space than that required to accommodate several Single Function Devices (SFDs) and are therefore ideally suited for modern, small offices and homes where space is a major constraint.

"Brother's expertise in MFCs has been driving the global IT industry for a number of years. We are now poised to consolidate our position in the Middle East region through a more focused approach to the market by providing top-of-the-range MFCs. We are confident that the new product line up will boost the company's market share of colour inkjet MFCs in the region," said Yoshihisa Tsuji, Managing Director, Brother Gulf.

"The new range of MFCs will have the trademark quality and efficiency features that have become synonymous with Brother's products, offering longer lasting prints with brighter colours and sharper images. Brother has been constantly innovating in the area of MFCs and the results are reflected in the highly advanced systems. Many of these products have succeeded in blurring the lines between professional and home-user quality, and have made it affordable for consumers to own high quality equipment that gives professional results at affordable prices," added Tsuji.

The new generation of colour inkjet printers in the MyHome Series is made up of the DCP130C, DCP330C and DCP540CN (all three are in the 4-in-1 category), MFC240C and MFC440CN in 6-in-1 category and MFC665CW in 9-in-1 category that are most suited to the needs of home users. These models offer users a versatile and cost-effective solution for speedy and economical printing, scanning and copying.

Targeting the home segment, DCP130C and DCP330C models have been designed to be more compact, enhanced and upgraded with new features including higher print speed; the continuous paper feed mode with Dual Purpose tray (Photo Tray); easier cartridge accessibility and easy replacement and PictBridge. The innovative PictBridge connectivity enables users to directly print photos which are stored in digital camera. The DCP330C comes with 32 MB memory card slots and a 2-inch colour LCD, which enables the user to see the particular document or picture that needs to be printed. This feature is especially useful while printing photographs from digital cameras and digital memory cards.

Similarly, the easy-to-use MFC440CN model comes with a built-in Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) and Network Card that supports network printing, scanning and Photo Capture Centre in addition to the standard memory of 32 MB and extra Photo Tray capable of printing 4" X 6" size photographs. The top-of-the line MFC665CW offers users wireless connectivity, a 2.5 colour LCD and fax review feature, making this printer ideal for personal use in the home or office in an ADSL environment. The unique fax review feature allows the user to choose and delete the unwanted faxes or print the important ones. With an integrated handset, speakerphone, and answering machine, this model is also equipped to handle multiple needs and connectivity options in a network-enabled home or home office.

The MyOffice Series caters to the different needs of modern SOHOs with the line-up of three MFC models, MFC3360C, MFC5460CN and MFC 5860CN. These models are designed for small and medium sized offices/business segment users and therefore, these models have a more rugged build, and are equipped with a 33.6 kbps high-speed modem. The new models offer printing, faxing, copying, scanning, direct photo print, mono PC fax sending. While the MFC3360 has an integrated handset, and speaker phone, the MFC 5460CN and the MFC 5860CN are Network ready.

Brother's entire new range of colour inkjet MFC's come with Innobella ink cartridges and photo papers. Innobella Ink and Paper are fade resistant thus ensuring that prolonged exposure to light and ozone will not cause printouts to fade with time. Innobella Ink also contains carefully selected chemicals to prevent clogging of the print head for smoother operation. This ensures reliability and durability of the MyHome Series and MyOffice Series. With a unique chemical formulation coating the paper surface, printing with Innobella Glossy Photo Paper will result in high quality prints with richer colours, sharper images and better definition. Photographs can now be printed at home, without the high costs of a Photo printer.

"After surveying customers' needs and carrying out rigorous research and development, Brother began developing its most innovative range of colour inkjet MFCs. With the new hardware, software and genuine consumables in the MyHome and My Office Series, Brother aims to be the preferred choice of colour inkjet More-in-One's for users in the Middle East," concluded Tsuji.