Petr Kramerius, Regional Manager at Infosource
May 2024
Konica Minolta has announced the successors to its bizhub i-Series multifunctional printers (MFP) and single-function printers (SFP). This next generation of devices prioritizes ease of use and directly tackles concerns around security in the workplace with its advanced firmware upgrade which delivers greater protection against malicious activity.
The extensive range features 21 devices:
A4 COLOR:
bizhub C3301i, bizhub C3321i, bizhub C3351i, bizhub C4001i, bizhub C4051i
A4 BLACK & WHITE:
bizhub 4051i, bizhub 4701i, bizhub 4751i
A3 COLOR:
bizhub C251i, bizhub C301i, bizhub C361i, bizhub C451i, bizhub C551i, bizhub C651i, bizhub C751i
A3 BLACK & WHITE:
bizhub 301i , bizhub 361i, bizhub 451i, bizhub 551i, bizhub 651i, bizhub 751i
Ease of use
Every new bizhub 1 Series model has an improved and more intuitive user interface. Applications can now be grouped into folders by theme or by frequency of use, similar to smartphones, for quick access. For increased user convenience, regularly used functions, which previously needed to be installed via the Konica Minolta MarketPlace, are now preinstalled as standard.
The new models simplify the login process for customers using Microsoft Azure (Microsoft Entra ID) or Google Workspace, and offer the ability to connect to their files or folders with the use of single sign-on (SSO).
In a time of declining printing volumes due to digitalization, the new series offers an option to add four trays or a maximum of three optional trays for the A4 devices. This increases paper capacity, ensuring that more different media can be processed in one print job and reducing the frequency with which media needs to be replenished.
The Automatic Media Detection function (optional for some models and standard in others) has been improved. This function uses ultrasonic sensors and optical sensors to enable the device to automatically detect the type of paper (plain, thin, thick, envelope, recycled, coated, index and colored) being printed on, resulting in a smooth paper feed.
Enhanced security
Recent reports indicate that only 11% of organizations with 250-499 employees and 27% with 500- 999 employees have complete confidence in the security of their print infrastructure. In response, the new bizhub i-Series printers are designed to provide enhanced visibility and information on security-related topics.
A new Authentication Attack Detection function helps organizations to block unauthorized access attempts. Brute force attacks are a preferred method for cyber criminals and have reportedly grown by 160% a year. If such an attempt is made, the new function informs the IT admin so they can take appropriate action.
If organizations select Bitdefender protection, additional layers of security are added for different target groups. This features prevents the spread of malware to other networked devices. In the case of threat detection, the antivirus software notifies the IT administrator with enriched information about the type and origin of the threat.
