Survey recognizes SATO America as one of the best overall and in several categories

CHARLOTTE, NC – January 7, 2009 – SATO, a pioneer in the Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) industry and a leader in barcode printing, labeling, and EPC/RFID solutions, announced today its selection by Business Solutions magazine’s VAR subscribers as one of the Best Channel Vendors overall and in the following categories:

• Product Reliability
• Product Features
• Product Innovation and Channel Friendly

From mid-September 2008 through early October 2008, Business Solutions magazine conducted a Web-based survey of its VAR subscribers. To ensure statistical accuracy, Business Solutions partnered with Penn State University. VAR subscribers were asked to rate their vendor partners in seven categories. A total of 17,771 votes were cast with 1,604 completed and verified (as Business Solutions reseller subscribers) surveys received. The best and worst vendors, according to the survey, appear in the January 2009 issue of Business Solutions magazine

“Business Solutions magazine’s survey reinforces our commitment to the channel and our customers,” said Bob Linse, president of SATO America. “Our entire team has worked very hard to be the best we can be and develop reliable and customer-centric products. We’re honored that Business Solutions magazine’s VAR subscribers recognize our efforts.”

SATO, with its customer-centric approach to product development, delivers the same reliability, durability, and value into every SATO printer it builds.

SATO – Delivering Best-In-Class for speed, performance, and value. SATO – leading the way with fully-functional, cost-effective printing solutions.

About SATO
SATO is a pioneer in the Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) industry and the inventor of the world’s first electronic thermal transfer barcode printer. It revolutionized the barcoding industry by introducing the Data Collection System (DCS) & Labeling concept – a total barcode and labeling solution providing high quality barcode printers, scanners/hand-held terminals, label design software and consumables. SATO is one of the first in the industry to introduce a complete, multi-protocol EPC-compliant, UHF RFID solution.

SATO is publicly listed on the first section of Tokyo Stock Exchange in Japan. It has worldwide offices in the United States, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Poland, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and China. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, it reported revenues of US $767 million. More information about SATO Corporation can be found at www.sato.co.jp/english.