Linux canon printer driver

Canon U.S.A. and Codehost Announce Full Feature Linux and Unix Printing for imageRUNNER, CLC, and Wide Format Devices

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. & CULVER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 21, 2003

Extensive Document Finishing Capabilities Now Available for Linux

and Unix Users

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), and industry leader in networked imaging solutions, and Codehost Inc., a leading provider of software solutions for manufacturers within the printing and imaging markets, today announced the availability of Codehost's BrightQ(TM) suite of Linux and Unix-based printing tools for use with specific models of Canon's imageRUNNER line of multi-function devices, CLC Color Laser Copier/Printers, and wide format printers.

BrightQ supplies systems administrators, IT and OEM support personnel, and anyone who prints via Linux and Unix with an easy-to-use, graphically-rich, printing environment, and easy-to-configure and support service protocol suite. The turnkey package allows end users to take full advantage of available Canon imageRUNNER advanced finishing capabilities, such as single and multi-position stapling, automatic 2/3 hole punching and saddle-stitch booklet making, and support for Z-folding and document insertion via additional accessories, while still capitalizing on the strengths of their Linux and Unix applications. Specific Canon CLC devices and the BJ-W9000 wide format printer will now also be able to print on Linux and Unix.

"Canon U.S.A. is very pleased to be the first to market with BrightQ, which helps strengthen the range of operating systems that our highly successful imageRUNNER, CLC, and wide format lines can print through," said Dennis Amorosano, director and assistant general manager of Canon U.S.A.'s Integrated Business Systems Division. "The intuitive BrightQ interface, coupled with Canon's industry leading document handling and finishing capabilities, significantly advances the printing power available to Linux and Unix users, thereby more effectively supporting their application requirements."

"Codehost is excited about the launch and the future of this product within Canon's product lines," said President and CEO of Codehost, Sam Bizri. "We will continue to work diligently to provide Canon customers with products and services of the highest quality to support their Linux and Unix initiatives."

BrightQ(TM), in addition to providing Linux and Unix printing to Canon's imageRUNNER line, will also provide a turnkey print driver interface, support for industry standard printing protocols, and a queuing system that is simple, intuitive, and cohesive across Unix operating systems and Linux distributions. Other key components of BrightQ(TM) include Codehost's BrightInstall, an installation tool that enables systems support personnel to easily install, configure, and support their Unix/Linux customer base, BrightQ(TM) configuration tool, and the BrightQ(TM) Print Job Manager. BrightQ(TM) offers support for most major UNIX operating systems and Linux distributions.

The BrightQ drivers for specific models of Canon's imageRUNNER, CLC, and wide format printer lines are immediately available for free download from a special Web site developed by Canon U.S.A. and Codehost at http://canon.codehost.com.

About Codehost Inc.

Founded in 1999, Codehost has emerged as the leader in Linux and UNIX software development for leading manufacturers of printers and multi-function devices. With an expertise in a number of operating system platforms, hardware architectures, embedded technologies and peripheral devices, Codehost strives to establish long-term relationships with OEM's to support and grow their market share, while helping them enter emerging market segments.

BrightQ(TM) was chosen as a finalist for the Best Desktop Office Solution award during the LinuxWorld 2002 in San Francisco. You can learn more about BrightQ(TM) and additional Codehost products and services by visiting www.codehost.com.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #41 on the BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2002, with global revenues of $24.5 billion. Canon U.S.A. employs approximately 11,000 people at over 30 locations. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.

Note to Editors: All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.