Zebra Offers Simplified Way To Ensure Access, ID Protection

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The P120i is easy to use with plug-and-play drivers included for Windows 2000 and XP, and the printer is compatible with most applications. It automatically detects the type of ribbon installed and configures itself for use. A top-loading card input feeder holds up to 100 30-mil cards, and blank cards can be loaded without halting the printing process; a transparent cover lets users see how quickly cards are being consumed. The printer also allows single-card feeding where cards are inserted into the front of the printer, processed and fed back to users from the front of the printer. An integrated cleaning roller frees users from having to do any regular maintenance. Not cheap, yet still affordable, the P120i card printer has a suggested retail price of $2,895.

Basic cards contain only printed information, including bar codes, but the P120i also can create cards that store digital information with the addition of an optional magnetic-stripe encoder. With this option installed, the printer can encode magnetic-striped cards, which can store personal information such as the remaining balance on a gift card or a hotel guest's check-out day on a key. The magnetic-stripe encoder is a factory-installed option that costs $500.

Applications for the P120i printer are unlimited. For access-control and identification purposes, the printer works with proximity, magnetic-stripe and smart cards, which now are being used by many schools and businesses. Personalized gift cards can be created on the fly so customers don't have to wait. For example, Wal-Mart has begun using Zebra card printers to offer customizable gift cards with personal photos, phrases and business cards printed on them. Gift givers can have their picture printed on a card so that the recipient can easily tell who the card is from. When given away at weddings and baby showers, for example, guests can receive a simple parting gift that is also a keepsake. Business cards printed on gift cards make great giveaways at trade shows.

For protection purposes, the P120i can be specifically configured to prevent the unauthorized making of cards. The 300-dpi printer can print full-color, single-sided cards in 30 seconds and full-color, dual-sided cards in 35 seconds.

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The P120i printer is easy to set up. It has a USB 1.1 interface that, while not state of the art, is fast enough for card printing. A USB cable is included. Small and light enough for easy transport, the P120i printer measures just 7.9 inches wide by 8.5 inches high by 12.9 inches deep, and weighs less than 10 pounds. Supplies for the printersuch as color and monochrome print cartridges, cleaning kits and various styles of blank cardsmust be purchased from Zebra. Cards with and without magnetic stripes, embedded holograms, opacity marks and color-shifting inks are available.

The printer comes with Windows drivers that provide compatibility with most Windows-based applications. But the printer is also directly supported by a wide range of third-party applications that are specifically designed for card printing. For testing purposes, Zebra supplied a sample copy of NFive's CardFive card-design software. This comprehensive package covers everything from designing graphics to encoding magnetic stripes. Zebra's Web site contains a detailed list of third-party software packages that will work with the P120i, but note that Zebra doesn't sell or provide support for any of these apps.

Like most hardware vendors, Zebra offers a channel program, which is broken into three tiersSilver, Gold and Elite.

Silver-level partners must commit to at least $100,000 yearly in purchases from the company. That will probably close the door on potential partners looking to build vertical market opportunities for the burgeoning SMB market.

Unfortunately, Zebra's partner-level requirements and margins are marked confidential, which prevents a full analysis of the channel program. Prospective partners will have to wrangle that information out of Zebra to determine if the company is a good fit for their business model.