In keeping with contemporary `less is more` thinking, the small office home office (SOHO) sector has mushroomed the world over. Owned and operated by self-motivated professionals, most of these enterprises stand to benefit from the operating efficiencies facilitated by the advanced technology designed with today`s businesses in mind including office automation, telecommunication and information technology systems.
The good news for SOHO enterprises is that Panasonic southern Africa`s leading electronics brand offers a comprehensive range of products to create a state-of-the-art business environment on any scale. "Panasonic is the only organisation in South Africa able to offer a single-branded, one-stop-solution for all business requirements," says Jan Holtzhausen, managing director: Panasonic Systems Company. "Our product portfolio includes copiers, fax machines, PBX`s, telephones, printers and projectors. We also offer airconditioning systems."
Importantly, many of Panasonic`s products are networkable, too. "Our focus is on providing holistic electronic solutions to meet the specific needs of any business," continues Holtzhausen. "To this end, we are devoted to understanding the current and future requirements of our product end-users whether they be large corporates, SOHO enterprises or anything in between and to devising complete solutions that facilitate an easier lifestyle for employers and employees."
Focusing specifically on the potential needs of SOHO enterprises, Holtzhausen details the range of suitable Panasonic products as follows:
Office automation copiers
Available in four models, Panasonic`s WORKiO digital copiers offer exceptional speed and efficiency; superior detail reproduction; 2 200-sheet paper feed plus 50-sheet by-pass; and extensive reduction/enlargement capabilities (25% to 400%). Small and compact, the WORKiO copiers feature a space-saving internal document output tray; and are network-ready for high-resolution printing. Each model can be built-up using optional extras such as finishing (electronic sorting and stapling); duplexing (double-sided copying); and additional paper trays.
Other options include A3-size printer/scanner functionality; dual-line Super G3 fax transmission; and Internet fax facilities the latter enabling users to send a hard-copy document via the copier to an e-mail address anywhere in the world at the cost of a local call. Choose from
* WORKiO DP-150 15 pages per minute; A4 4-in-1 (copier, printer, fax and scanner)
* WORKiO DP-2000 20 pages per minute;
* WORKiO DP-2500 25 pages per minute, LCD touch panel operation; or
* WORKiO DP-3000 30 pages per minute, LCD touch panel operation. Duplex unit, two paper trays and parallel printing are standard features on the DP-3000.
Fax machines
Panasonic offers a wide range of thermal and plain paper fax machines, several of which include telephone answering machine interface, on-hook dialling and speakerphone facilities.
There are two thermal fax options, both featuring a 4-page/minute transmission speed and 10-page document feeder, namely
* KX-FT21SA A basic entry-level model, with no paper cutter or answering machine interface.
* KX-FT67SA A more sophisticated model that includes a digital answering system, polling function and broadcast transmission facilities.
The Panasonic plain paper fax range comprises eleven models, of which three operate on thermal transfer film. Standard features of these three include broadcast transmission, quick scan functionality (where the document is saved to memory prior to transmission), enhanced copier capabilities (document reduction and enlargement), polling, collating, and speed dialling. Choose from
* KX-FP81SA 5 ppm, telephone answering machine interface;
* KX-FP85SA 7.5 ppm, digital answering system with duplex speakerphone;
* KX-FM131SA A multi-function machine offering telephone, fax (7.5 ppm), telephone answering machine, printer, scanner, copier and PC Fax facilities.
Then there`s the KX-FL503SA, a compact laser fax machine designed for desktop operation. Transmitting at up to 8 seconds per page (average 7.5 ppm), the KX-FL503SA features Panasonic^1s unique easy dial system, 10 ppm printing at high resolution, enhanced laser copier functions (enlargement, reduction, multiple copy collating), 120-page document memory, and an extensive telephone directory,
Telecommunication PBX
Ideally suited to SOHO enterprises requiring a flexible telecommunication system with a high degree of sophistication is the Panasonic KX-TA308 Advanced Hybrid System. Capable of supporting three outside lines and eight extensions, the system can be expanded easily to six outside lines and 24 extensions. A variety of communication devices that use conventional telephone lines can be connected via the system, including cordless phones, standard telephones, answering machines, computer modems, door-phones and door openers, credit card verifiers, and fax machines.
The KX-TA308 also provides a range of advanced features, including voice mail integration, call forwarding, and extension group functionality. Direct inward system access (DISA), uniform call distribution (UCD) and caller identification are optional extras. In addition, the system offers several cost management tools such as calling activity reports, toll restrictions, electronic `locking` and limiting call duration. Telephone instruments When it comes to telephone instruments, any one of Panasonic`s cordless telephones is suitable for the SOHO business environment, providing instant accessibility and excellent user mobility.
Holtzhausen advises that the top-selling new generation models, all of which have illuminated keypads and handset locators, include
* KX-TC 1005 SAB;
* KX-TC M416 SAB, which has a built-in digital answering machine;
* KX-TC 1025 SAB, which features a keypad on both the handset and the base, and a speaker phone on the base.
He adds that DECT technology has been introduced to the range in order to fulfil the extended range needs of the business community, in the form of the KX-TDC 951 SAB cordless telephone.
Information technology printers
The Panasonic KX-P7100 Laser Printer, launched in South Africa in January 2002, has brought affordable, high-quality laser printing within reach of even the smallest SOHO enterprise. Capable of printing 14 pages-per-minute at 600 x 600 dpi, this compact machine has a built-in Auto Duplex Unit (ADU) for automated double-sided printing. It also has 2-up/4-up capability, allowing several documents to be printed on a single sheet of paper either two or four at a time. Easy to install and simple to operate, the KX-P7100 has USB interface as a standard feature.
Data storage
Providing the ultimate solution in data and audio-visual storage solutions is the all-new Panasonic LF-D321E DVD Burner. This DVD Forum approved machine features a DVD-RAM/R Drive, thereby providing the media compatibility and application flexibility to cater for diverse storage needs from home movie authoring and editing to PC and enterprise data storage and photograph/image archiving.
Describing the LF-D321E as the universal storage solution for multimedia applications, Holtzhausen says that the LF-D321E reads and writes the full range of rewritable DVD-RAM discs and burns DVD-video onto DVD-R disc. "It can also read existing DVD formats including DVD-ROM, DVD-R, and DVD-Video as well as all CD media; and is fully compatible with 90% of the current range of DVD-Video players, recorders and DVD-ROM drives," he says.
Professional presentations
Marketing and sales presentations are no less important for SOHO enterprises than for larger corporations. Panasonic`s range of professional presentation equipment addresses this need, including projectors (both wired and wireless) and the unique Panaboard technology.
Among the latest additions to the Panasonic portable projector range is
PT-712NTE An easy-to-operate machine featuring wireless transmission technology capable of transmitting images up to 100 metres (ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces); excellent image quality (1600 ANSI, XGA resolution); and large image projection capabilities, even in small rooms. Panasonic`s proprietary Wireless Manager software is standard, allowing users to list and select slide-like images for projection; and to transmit captured images from a PowerPoint file.
Panaboard, Panasonic`s electronic print board range, includes several different-sized models catering for the diverse needs of businesses. The range received a boost towards the end of 2001 with the introduction of the KX-BP800 Interactive Panaboard.
This exciting new product offers full integration capability, linking the Interactive Panaboard seamlessly to the PC platform while enabling simultaneous projection of professional presentations at locations across the globe. The system`s advanced technology allows one to
* Add hand-written notes to projected presentations on the Interactive Panaboard using an array of colourful electronic pens;
* Capture and save these hand-written notes onto PC for further distribution;
* Access applications and windows using and an electronic pen on the board.
An integrated printer is supplied with the KX-BP800, offering both multiple copy printing and printing direct from PC.
airconditioning
The combination of advanced technology, aesthetically pleasing designs and a variety of functional features ensure exceptional dependability from Panasonic`s range of airconditioners.
For SOHO enterprise needs, Holtzhausen recommends the installation of the company`s room airconditioning units. These are categorised in two types:
* Window-type units, ideally suited to domestic, small office and compact industrial applications;
* Midwall split units, designed for up-market commercial office environments and domestic applications. Compact and modern in design, both wired remote and infrared midwall split units are available. All models include advanced filter systems that remove tobacco, mites, dust and pollen; as well as eliminating viruses and bacteria.
For the larger SOHO infrastructure, especially an open-plan office, Panasonic`s under ceiling or cassette split package airconditioning units are also effective.
"Our ambition is to be a totally integrated solutions provider for the entire business sector," concludes Holtzhausen. "This means keeping pace with and anticipating the needs of all business categories. We`re very much aware of the SOHO environment and are tailoring our products accordingly."
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