Still Wondering if A4 Will Impact the Industry?

Sharp(R) Frontier Series Powers Company Into the Color MFP Segment 3'S Top Position in Leading Market Research Firm's US Quarterly Hardcopy Peripheral Tracker

First Quarter Shipment Results Show Sharp's Dramatic Market Foray Has Resulted in Increased Market Share as Well as Higher Overall Market Sale

-- 06/05/09 -- Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, today announced that they have finished with the highest overall United States market share for 31-44ppm* color MFPs** in Q1 2009. This data was made available by IDC, a premier global provider of market intelligence, and shows a dramatic increase in unit sales by Sharp over last year; particularly in the A4 subcategory of the same speed range, where SIICA was able to capture major market gains in less than two quarters.

Sharp's strong performance in the category was bolstered by the introduction of the company's award-winning Frontier Series A4 MFPs. According to the report, in just less than two full quarters, Sharp was able to move from having no presence in the color A4 31-44ppm color MFP segment, to a 40% share. This explosive growth, coupled with continued strong sales in the A3 sales, helped Sharp gain the largest percentage of overall 31-44ppm color MFP* sales for Q1 2009. In fact, the entry of the new Frontier Series helped to nearly double the total number of A4 31-44ppm color MFP units sold by all manufacturers between Q1 2008 and Q1 2009.

"Despite a challenging economic climate, Sharp continues to innovate and introduce new products that revolutionize the way companies work," said Ed McLaughlin, president, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America. "This innovation can not be overlooked, and companies are finding products such as our Frontier Series help them work more efficiently and economically. In addition, dealers have found that the A4 Frontier line is fitting in nicely into their customers' workgroups without taking away from A3 sales. It speaks volumes about how smart our dealers are and the need for truly innovative new products as we continue to move forward."

Sharp introduced the MX-C311, MX-C401, DX-C311 and DX-C401 models as part of the Frontier Series MFPs in Q4 2008 and the DX-C310 and DX-C400 in Q1 of 2009. These units feature digital color copier, network printer and scanner capabilities in a single MFP, and a unique design that makes them aesthetically pleasing when placed directly in the workgroup. Sharp's newest A3 devices include the MX-4100N, MX-4101N, and MX-5001N, which were introduced in Q1 2009.

With Frontier, Sharp has successfully leveraged the Sharp OSA® development platform to change the MFP from a print/copy device into an IT document management system. Sharp A3 and A4 MFPs feature Sharp OSA technology, making them truly customizable; a brilliant 8.5" touchscreen panel for easy operation; and Sharp's award-winning security suite, which provides a multi-tiered system that protects data at every step of the document cycle. Sharp A3 MFPs also feature a retractable keyboard as a standard feature -- something not found on any other A3 MFP.

McLaughlin continued to say, "Sharp remains dedicated to producing a wide range of high quality MFPs that are changing the competitive landscape and giving our dealers the most comprehensive product line available."

For information about the complete line of Sharp MFP products, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07495-1163, or call 1-800-BE-SHARP. For online product information, visit Sharp's Web site at sharpusa.com.

*Based on letter speeds for Segment 3

**Source: IDC US Quarterly Hardcopy Peripheral Tracker, Q1 2009 for Laser Multifunction (print and at least one other function) and Single-Function Printers shipments.