Our innovations: 1970s
1970
In the same year that IBM Corp. began charging separately for hardware and software, Oki Electric established a software department. Until then the various separate divisions had been writing their own software.
1972
OKI Printing Solutions launched the DP100 line printer as a peripheral for medium-size and smaller computers, the OKITYPER 360 innovative cylinder type printer with 30 characters per second and the OKI Electro Printer (ELP), 8000 lines per minute ultra fast non-impact printer based on ink mist technology.
A newspaper publisher who visited the Oki Data Communications Equipment Exhibition some time earlier in November 1972, was extremely interested in the print head of a thermal printer on display. This provided Oki with the incentive to produce a facsimile machine utilizing a thermal head.
1973
Oki Data Corporation USA was established as a joint venture in New Jersey, USA.
OKITYPER 8000, OKI Printing Solutions' first Serial Impact Dot Matrix printer and the world's fastest at 80 characters per second was introduced.
1974
As a result of the facsimile developments made in 1972, the OKIFAX600 was delivered in 1974 when approximately 20 Japanese companies were competing in the domestic market.
The DT-101 printer, a cylinder type telecommunications terminal printer was launched and shipped.
Oki Electric entered the private sector in 1974 when it developed the KC series electronic switching system and it was installed in the Fuji Bank Business Centre. It went on sale in 1977 and became very popular in Japan.
Building on its success, Oki Electric developed a multi-function electronic switching system called OMNIPAX. An entirely original system, it was developed using equipment already widely used in Oki Electric terminals. OMNIPAX made it possible to construct leased line networks connecting telephones, facsimiles, and data communications inside companies. Its broad appeal was for users concerned with cost-saving and rationalizing measures in the backdrop of the long-term recession following the first oil crisis.
1975
The OKITYPER 370, a unique dual type wheel printer - the world's fastest at 60 characters per second was launched.
1976
OKI Printing Solutions successfully established product superiority in the facsimile market with the introduction of the digital OKIFAX 7100. The product had unsurpassed high growth potential due to its ease of use and low operating costs. The thermal-type soon became the essential standard facsimile, used throughout the world. This product was the world's first thermal head printer based fax, featuring a very modern and compact design with wooden side panels.
The DP100, Serial Impact Dot Matrix line printer, with 22 horizontally mounted solenoids, sold as Model 22 in the US then changed its model name to 'Slimline', the father of the legendary 'Microline'.
1977
The DP100 line printer sold well in the US and was the first export (of complete printer units) to European countries.
Realizing the potential behind the export of single products to overseas markets, OKI Printing Solutions went on to develop the Serial Impact Dot Matrix printer MT100 teleprinter, boasting microprocessor control. This was subsequently exported to countries in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
1978
Microline 80/82/83, sold as OKITYPER 5200 in Japan, established the foundation for entrance into the US and European market.
1979
OKI Printing Solutions launched the MICROLINE 80 at the National Computer Conference, New York City. The model generated a great deal of attention at the show as this impact type dot printer was half the size of its competitors while still equalling their levels of performance. This triggered an explosion in printer exports to the US.
