Seiko Instruments Inc Seiko Instruments USA Inc Graphic Devices and Systems Division 1130 Ringwood Court San Jose California 95131 Fax (408) 922-5840 Phone (408) 922-5800 News Release FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Landman Seiko Instruments USA, Inc. (408) 922-5950 Rebecca Fuller Franson & Associates (408) 453-5220 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEIKO INSTRUMENTS USA TO SELL COLOR PRINTER FOR MACINTOSH EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH VARS, DEALERS SAN JOSE, Calif. (Feb. 2, 1990) -- Seiko Instruments USA, Inc. said today it will sell a desktop color printer for the Apple Macintosh computer exclusively through value-added resellers (VARs) and dealers. The first products offered under the new program is the QD-5500 series of desktop color printers for the Macintosh. Other Seiko Instruments products will be added as they are introduced. The Graphics Devices and Systems Division of Seiko Instruments USA is placing emphasis on selling its desktop presentation products through reseller channels; a direct sales force sells its other products. The company expects to sign as many as 150 dealers and VARs in the next six months. SEIKO DEALER/VAR PROGRAM "Rapid changes in the color computing market demand that companies balance their sales activities through direct and reseller channels," said Andrew Wei, general manager for the Graphics Devices and Systems Division. "We expect our resellers to prosper from the programs that aim to take advantage of the high-growth, high-margin opportunities in the color peripherals market." All Leads to Resellers Unlike reseller programs of some peripheral suppliers that primarily benefit direct sales forces, the new program extends the reach of both dealer and VAR sales forces. "We will not compete with our dealer and VAR partners," said Wei. "If a Seiko Instruments sales representative learns that a major account wants to buy desktop color printers, he will channel the lead to the appropriate reseller. "Generally, those firms with direct sales forces keep major accounts or large orders," Wei added, "and those without a direct sales force often do not have the resources to pursue major contracts." SEIKO VAR/DEALER PROGRAM Reseller Oualification and Benefits The program will limit the number of VARs and dealers by geographical region, area of specialty, or both. Seiko Instruments USA is seeking dealers and VARs that meet the following qualifications: - a demonstrated success in at least one major application area within major accounts; - maintenance of an outside sales force; - a commitment to invest in demonstration tools; - and participation in joint marketing programs. Seiko Instruments assigns an account manager to each reseller, who can make joint sales calls on major accounts, provide training and general sales support. A marketing support group is available to provide technical and application support. Additionally, Seiko Instruments USA offers a Scoop program, which allows VARs and dealers to recoup a percentage of their promotional expenses. Qualification packets are available from the Graphics Devices and Systems Division of Seiko Instruments USA in San Jose, Calif. For more information call 1-800-873-4561, or contact Seiko Instruments at 1130 Ringwood Court, San Jose, CA 95131. Seiko Instruments USA, Inc. is a subsidiary of Seiko Instruments, Ltd., a major international manufacturer of high-quality graphic devices. The San Jose-based Graphic Devices and Systems Division markets, supports and services these products in the United States and Canada.