New Orleans, United States: Datacard Group introduced a new high-speed laser printer for its automated card delivery solutions Tuesday at the CardTech/SecurTech 2002 Conference in New Orleans. The new high-speed, high-quality print package will help card issuers improve print quality on card carrier forms and deliver one-to-one marketing messages without slowing the issuance process.

The Hewlett-Packard(R) Laserjet 9000 printer is now available as an option for the company's two flagship card delivery systems, the Datacard(R) High-Speed UltraForm(TM) Module and the stand-alone Datacard(R) High-Speed UltraForm(TM) Mailer.

"Printing highly personalized messages on card carriers is one of the most effective ways for card issuers to capitalize on one-to-one marketing," said Kent Shields, senior vice president and general manager of Datacard's hardware division. "Our new high-speed printer allows our customers to print customized messages quickly and cost-effectively."

"The superior image quality of the new printer also enhances the appearance of card carriers," Shields said. "Sharp text and crisp graphics clearly help card issuers project an image of quality, value and professionalism."

The Laserjet 9000 printer features include 50 page-per-minute print speed, 600 dpi image resolution and software-selectable trays for accessing multiple paper stock. When added to the High-Speed UltraForm systems, the printer processes up to 1,200 envelope-ready card carriers per hour in simplex printing mode, and up to 700 carriers per hour in duplex mode. A rugged, reliable design makes the Laserjet 9000 printer a match for demanding high-volume card issuance environments.

"When we first introduced our modular, high-volume card issuance systems, we promised to continually introduce new modules and new capabilities for our customers," Shields said. "This new printer is a perfect example of that innovation. It fills a broad market need for speed, image quality and reliability in the card delivery process."

Datacard Group provides software, systems and professional services needed to build profitable card programs. The company's solutions portfolio also includes a complete line of secure digital
identity systems and card personalization systems. Datacard Group is privately held and based in Minnetonka, Minn. Datacard Group serves customers in more than 120 countries. (www.datacard.com)