Users of Digital Cameras, Cell Phones and Laptops Will Be Able to Print Effortlessly Without the Use of Cables

TOKYO, March 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh Company, Ltd., one of the world's leading manufacturers of imaging equipment, today announced that it is partnering with Ericsson, Axis Communications and Wireless Solutions Sweden, to demonstrate Bluetooth wireless printing as a technology showcase in the Ricoh Europe B.V. booth at CeBIT 2001, held in Hannover, Germany, from March 22 through 28.

The purpose of the demonstration is to highlight scenarios that the companies believe will soon be commonplace, in which a user is able to print on demand without the need for a cable to connect the consumer device to the printer. This cable-free environment, which is made possible by the new Bluetooth(TM) wireless technology, has numerous applications. For example, a cell phone user could walk up to a printer in an airport lounge or kiosk and print out a personalized newspaper with the push of a button.

Ricoh will supply the printer, kiosk terminal and digital camera used in the demonstration; Ericsson will provide a cell phone, the R520m, which enables Bluetooth communication to the printer; Axis Communications will contribute their Bluetooth Access Point; and Wireless Solutions Sweden will deliver the Bluetooth compact flash card that enables the devices to communicate with each other.

``Using numerous mobile devices, people are becoming increasingly mobile. They are not tied to their desks,'' said Hideko Kunii, Senior Vice-President of Ricoh. ``One of the major requirements of those mobile users is the ability to print information any time, any where, and from any device. Wireless communication technology is a solution as it removes the need of cables to connect devices.''

``The cell phone is one of the most important devices in 21st century,'' said Bo Albertson, Marketing Director at Ericsson Mobile Communications. ``Through mobiles, we can access a variety of information from the Internet or through information stored in each device. In this increasingly mobile Internet world, it is vital for consumers to be able to print from their mobile phones and key to do that in a simple, cablefree way is Bluetooth(TM) wireless technology,'' says Albertson.

``With Bluetooth Access Points we are able to show the advantages of a Local Mobile Network. Wireless printing, as in this scenario, is a good example of the many useful applications that are developed for Bluetooth networks,'' says Torbjorn Ward, General Manager Division Mobile Internet at Axis Communications.

``The world is changing quickly to be convenient, fast and rich for mobile users,'' said Par Bergsten, president of Wireless Solutions Sweden. ``We have the key components like Compact Flash cards ready for shipments now, and it's time to show real solutions for mobile users.''

The Bluetooth(TM) wireless technology is set to revolutionize the personal connectivity market by providing freedom from wired connections. It is a specification for a small-form factor, low-cost radio solution providing links between mobile computers, mobile phones and other portable handheld devices, and connectivity to the Internet. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), comprised of leaders in the telecommunications, computing, and network industries, is driving development of the technology and bringing it to market. The Bluetooth SIG includes promoter companies 3Com, Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Lucent, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia and Toshiba, and more than 2000 Adopter/Associate member companies.

Bluetooth is a trademark of Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson, and is licensed to RICOH, Axis Communications and Wireless Solutions. Ricoh is a registered trademark of Ricoh Company, Ltd. All other trademarks are hereby acknowledged.

About Ricoh Company, Ltd.

Ricoh Company, Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of office automation and imaging equipment with a lineup that includes copiers, printers, facsimile machines, personal computers, CD-Recordable and CD-ReWritable drives and media, and related supplies and services. Ricoh is also a pioneer of digital imaging equipment as well as computer-connected and digital multifunctional document systems, and advanced electronic devices.

About Ricoh Europe B.V.

Ricoh Europe B.V., the European headquarters of Ricoh Company, Ltd., is located in Amstelveen, The Netherlands,and is responsible for marketing, sales and service of Ricoh products in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In Europe, Ricoh has three manufacturing companies: Ricoh UK Products Ltd. Telford, UK; GR Advanced Materials Ltd., Stirling, UK; and Ricoh Industrie France S.A., Colmar, France. In addition, Ricoh Europe's European network comprises 14 sales subsidiaries and affiliates. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, revenues from Ricoh's European operations totaled $2.5 billion, accounting for 17.9% of the company's global revenues.

About Ericsson

Ericsson is the leading communications supplier, combining innovation in mobility and Internet in creating the new era of Mobile Internet. Ericsson provides total solutions covering everything from systems and applications to mobile phones and other communications tools. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for customers all over the world. For more information about Ericsson, visit the Website at www.ericsson.com/pressroom.

About Axis Communications AB

The Axis Communications Group, with the parent company Axis Communications AB, is a leader in network connectivity and emerging wireless Internet based services. The company is at the forefront of developing network appliance solutions that enable people and organizations to get easy and immediate access to devices and services. Axis Communications is one of the global leaders in several key thin server and network device markets, such as printer, storage and video connectivity, and is doing pioneering work in the rapidly expanding markets of wireless and mobile communications.

Founded in 1984, Axis Communications employs more than 500 people worldwide, including the 50 percent owned subsidiary, Netch Technologies. The group had a turnover of approximately 695 MSEK in the financial year 1999/2000. Axis Communications is headquartered in Lund, Sweden and has a total of 28 offices throughout North America, Asia and Europe. Axis Communications is a publicly traded company on the OM Stockholm Exchange O-list.

Information about Axis Communications can be found at http://www.axis.com

About Wireless Solutions Sweden AB

Wireless Solutions Sweden AB (WSS), which has its head office in Stockholm, develops products and systems for wireless communication. The company works with a broad technology base such as WLAN, Telemetry and Bluetooth. Through the HomeWave and BizzWave product families, WSS is alone in being able to offer complete W-LAN and Bluetooth product families for offices and homes. WSS's intention is to collaborate with large OEM companies which have marketing and distribution channels. The market for these is particularly industry, offices, work locations and private homes but also markets such as inventory-handling, alarms, healthcare and finance. The market for wireless solutions is as large as the number of cables currently attached to all computers, telephones and hands-free sets in the world. The company was formed in 1998 and has been included in the Allgon Group since 1999. Wireless Solution Sweden's' website: www.wireless.se -- Allgon's website: www.allgon.se