Definition: Okidata

(Okidata, Mount Laurel, NJ) A manufacturer of fax machines and dot matrix, laser-class and inkjet printers. Founded in 1972, Okidata's printers are known for their durability. For years, its dot matrix line was considered the workhorse of desktop impact printers. Starting in 1982, Okidata introduced the first of its LED-based, laser-quality printers.

The company is a division of Oki Data Corporation of Japan, which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Oki Electric Industry Company, Ltd. Oki Electric began making telephones in 1881 and developed the first thermal fax machine in 1976.