Explore Print Server Alternatives to Avoid IT Headaches
In some busy workplaces, printers, scanners, and other devices often have to be connected to a print server to ensure consistent and efficient operation. However, getting those devices up and running on a Windows print server can be challenging; it requires IT personnel to configure and manage each device individually, and managing so many connections can create headaches. Fortunately, there are several print server alternatives that you can explore to try to avoid these headaches while still keeping all your devices connected.
What is a Windows Print Server?
Before delving into alternatives to Windows print servers, let’s define what a Windows print server is. A Windows print server is a computer that is connected to a network and manages one or more printers connected to it. It also handles communication between the printing devices and the computers connected to it. It is important to have a print server if your network has more than one printer, as it can make it easier to manage and monitor printers.
Why Avoid Windows Print Servers?
Windows servers provide a number of benefits, but they can also be difficult to manage. This is because each printer connected to the server needs to be individually configured to ensure the best performance, and any software updates need to be done manually. It can also be difficult to keep track of the number of users connected to the server, and to manage their access rights. All of this manual management makes Windows print servers a hassle to maintain, especially if you have a lot of devices to manage.
Exploring Alternatives to Windows Print Servers
Now that we’ve established why Windows print servers can be difficult to manage, let’s explore some alternatives that you can use to avoid IT headaches:
- Cloud-Based Print Services
One of the most popular alternatives to a Windows print server is a cloud-based print service. Cloud-based print services are hosted in the cloud and allow for easier device management. They also make it easier to control access rights, as well as to monitor the number of users connected to the server. Plus, because cloud services are often subscription-based, you only pay for what you use.
- Local Network Printer
Another option is to use a local printer on the network. A local printer is a printer that is connected directly to the network and does not require a print server. It is still managed by IT personnel, but it does not require individual configuration for each device.
- Direct IP Printer
Direct IP printers are like local printers, but they are connected directly to the internet rather than the local network. This ensures that users can access the printer from anywhere, as long as they have the printer’s IP address.
- Thin Clients
Thin clients are devices that are connected to a server, with the server doing all the work. This means that IT personnel do not have to configure each device individually, as the server will handle all the configuration. This can be an especially useful option in larger networks where there are a lot of devices to configure.
- Third-Party Software
Another option is to use third-party software to manage printers. This can be a great way to avoid headaches when dealing with multiple printers and scanners. Such software often includes features like remote management, access control, cloud storage, and more.
- Centralized Print Management
Centralized print management systems provide an easy way to manage multiple printers from a single interface. These systems allow IT personnel to monitor and manage the whole printer network from a single interface, including setting up printers and configuring them. This can make things much easier in busy networks where there are a lot of devices to manage.
- Virtual Print Queues
Virtual print queues allow users to submit print jobs to a server instead of directly to the printer. This makes it easier to manage the number of print jobs, as they are all submitted to the same queue. It also allows IT personnel to prioritize and manage the print queue more easily.
- Print Software
Finally, print management software can be used to manage the entire printer network. This software can make it much simpler to install and configure devices, as well as to keep track of user access rights. Plus, the software can be used to monitor the number of users and printers connected to the network.
Windows print servers can be difficult to manage and maintain, but there are a number of alternatives that you can explore to avoid IT headaches. These include cloud-based print services, local network printers, direct IP printers, thin clients, third-party software, centralized print management, virtual print queues, and print software. With these alternatives available, you should be able to keep your network up and running with minimal effort.
