Canon and its subsidiary NT-ware, today announce the upcoming support for Microsoft's Universal Print. This continues the companies' commitment to cloud-based solutions. Native support will be integrated into the firmware of Canon's imageRUNNER ADVANCE multifunctional printer series. Those who use these office solutions will not only benefit from Universal Print, but also from Canon's free integrated cloud software solution uniFLOW Online Express. Additional functions are made possible by the optionally bookable software uniFLOW Online.
Designed to provide businesses and educational institutions of all sizes with a state-of-the-art print service in Microsoft 365, Universal Print is moving some key Windows Server print infrastructures to Microsoft 365 to provide print management capabilities. For added convenience, a single generic driver is used regardless of printer model, eliminating the need for driver management and setup.
Native support for Universal Print with the imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX and imageRUNNER ADVANCE third generation models is expected to be included in version 3.11 of the Unified Firmware Platform, which Canon currently plans to release in September 2020. This will allow users to print to these models using Universal Print without the need to use local print servers. uniFLOW Online Express, a free SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) service that also runs on Microsoft Azure, will be able to extend Universal Print's capabilities for these models by providing device authentication, comprehensive print/copy/scan/fax and scan reports and an interface to Google Drive.
"The digital transformation has now arrived in every company in the 'Corona Summer'. The need to be agile and flexible is a hugely important aspect for entrepreneurs, more than ever before. But the desire for more cloud-based working methods is not new," says Markus Koch, Head of Document Solutions at Canon Germany. "We have been working closely with our customers for many years to support the development of their work areas and provide them with the right tools. It doesn't matter where they are on their transformation path. Partnering with Microsoft to ensure the native integration of Universal Print into our portfolio was a natural next step to make cloud functionality even more accessible to businesses of all sizes. Bringing together the strength, reliability and innovative technology of both brands will result in a secure and easy-to-use printing experience for employees. And, last but not least, a streamlined and easier to manage set-up of single user printing solutions, as well as entire multi-function fleets in large enterprises".
uniFLOW Online, an optional 100 percent cloud solution running in various Azure data centres, both in Germany and worldwide, will have the ability to connect natively to Universal Print and provide even more options for the printing environment, including
Secure printing with a single universal queue
My Print Anywhere allows users to share their jobs on any compatible device, including devices that do not natively support Universal Print
Comprehensive accounting (print, copy, fax, scan), prices, cost centres and reporting
Support for other client operating systems like MacOS and Chrome OS
Mobile printing and mobile printing for guests
imageRUNNER ADVANCE devices can be registered in large quantities with uniFLOW Online, making administration easier. Users can select supported finishing options such as duplex, hole punch and multi-position stapling from either the Windows print dialog or the Canon device control panel.
"We are pleased to work closely with Microsoft to integrate uniFLOW Online and Universal Print," said Karsten Huster, president and CEO of NT-ware. "The result will be a holistic cloud solution that combines powerful features with ease of management.
Universal Print support will be introduced with the next uniFLOW Online deployment update, currently expected in October 2020. Large organisations will have the opportunity to try uniFLOW Online and Universal Print integration before the official launch date.
www.canon.de
