IBM REAFFIRMS LINE MATRIX TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENT WITH PRINTRONIX

Following the June 18 extension of its technology agreement with Printronix Inc. (NASDAQ: PTNX), IBM today unveiled the Infoprint 6500, its next-generation line matrix printer series. The Infoprint 6500 is part of IBM's long-standing relationship with Printronix, the leading integrated supply-chain printing solutions.

"We're proud of our 12-year-long relationship with IBM," said Robert A. Kleist, president and chief executive officer, Printronix. "Earlier this month, IBM recognized our RFID printing technology as the best available for their Infoprint 6700 RFID-ready thermal bar-code printers. Today's announcement means IBM will continue to leverage Printronix's technology leadership in the line matrix market as well."

"By continuing our technology relationship with Printronix, we're able to give our worldwide customer base access to the preeminent line matrix technology available," said Doug Oathout, vice president, IBM Printing Systems Division. "With the dynamic combination of IBM and Printronix technology powering the Infoprint 6500, users will be able to keep up with the demands of back office and data-processing applications."

IBM, which is Printronix's largest customer, first engaged Printronix as a technology partner in 1993. IBM's extension of its contract is evidence of its assurance in Printronix as a provider of industrial printing technologies. Earlier this month, Printronix also announced that IBM added Printronix's worldwide leading RFID encoding technology to its product portfolio.