Hewlett-Packard introduced the HP JetDirect
500X print server, designed to enable printing across the Internet.
The firm said it implements the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP), making possible a new
document delivery model and allowing users to send documents from a
PC to any Internet connected printer.
HP explained that the server is intended for business people to stay in touch when they are away from the office. A hotel business centre, for example, could make a printer available on the
Internet that would allow guests to receive documents from PCs at the
office.
The server works with Hewlett-Packard’s Web JetAdmin 5.0 software, which is made to let network
administrators manage PCs, servers and peripherals via a single user
interface from which they can address printer problems before they
affect the productivity of end users. It provides alerts for paper status,
hardware failure or paper jams for each designated device on the
network.
“HP’s strategy has been to leverage the power of the
Internet to create more efficient document distribution methods for our
customers,” said Kirstine Mayall, UK product manager for HP’s Network Peripherals
Solutions. “Printing across the Internet using the HP JetDirect 500X
print server, for example, provides end users a simple alternative to
sending a facsimile, overnight mail or e-mail attachments.”
Potential users can purchase the HP JetDirect 500X print server from
1st October onwards from HP authorized distributors and resellers. It
costs about $460(exc. VAT) for 10/100Base-TX and $680 (exc. VAT) for
Token Ring.
HP Web JetAdmin 5.0 is scheduled to become available on Oct. 28, 1998.