PaperCut: New Printing Options for Students
Aug 17, 2009
We are phasing out the current NetPrint system and replacing it with the commercial product PaperCut. The software is currently in hand and installed on a virtual server with a team testing and modifying it for Iowa State University production. This is a joint project with team members from across campus.Upon transition, service for students and efficiencies for central and college IT units should be much improved. Watch for ISU branding on this. The excitement about this new print software centers on distributed capabilities. Lab managers across campus will be able to change printing parameters easily.
From a student’s viewpoint, this wide distribution allows viewing the same interface wherever they go. In addition, there are also printing allowances for students. In the past, accessing these allowances depended on the lab where printing occurred. With this new software, there is a merged purse for printing dollars. Our goal is that this is a simplified model for the students with a consistent interface and they can use merged allowances.
Shortly, there will be a general announcement for individuals interested in trying the software prior to implementation. There will also be a transition plan for moving from NetPrint to PaperCut, complete with scripts as to what has to be done by whom in what order. We expect to implement this by the end of the summer so it can be incorporated into labs for the fall.
Timeline
Team review and testing – Through the end of summer 2009.
In production – Beginning of fall 2009.
Contact
Dan Carlile
ITS Customer Services
515-294-7808
