Hoping to duplicate the company's retail success in personal copiers, Xerox fired its first multifunction salvo with The Document WorkCenter 250, a five-in-one inkjet-based machine that is expected to sell for $699.

The company is also announcing plans to enter the fax market next year.

The WorkCenter 250 is making its debut at three office superstores, according to product manager Debbie Abbott. Initially, the unit will be sold through Office Depot, Staples and Office Max, Abbott says, and Service Merchandise is expected to pick up the product in November.