Is Cloud Printing a Good Idea?

As more and more of our business and personal applications continue to move to the cloud, printing from these cloud-based applications is sometimes an afterthought. That is until the moment it becomes necessary to quickly print a document that is in the cloud and not on your local computer or server-based network where printers reside.

The good news is that once you’ve implemented a cloud-based printing solution, not only have you solved the need to quickly print documents, in most cases you have also completely solved your mobile device printing challenges. Cloud-ready printing devices and solutions are almost 100 percent compatible with mobile device printing.

Printer and copier manufacturers have adapted to this growing demand, and most have developed cloud-ready printers, as well as cloud-integrated multi-function devices. These printers connect directly to the Web and don’t require the traditional print driver setup. You simply connect to your cloud print account and immediately start printing.

Here is a list of some cloud-ready printer manufacturers:

• Brother
• Canon
• Dell
• Epson
• FedEx Office
• HP
• Kodak
• Samsung
• Ricoh
• Lantronix
• Oki
• Konica Minolta

What are some of the pros and cons of cloud printing?

Accessibility and smart devices

One important advantage to cloud printing is having the ability to access printers and copiers from anywhere there’s an Internet connection. Any printer or copier that is connected to your cloud server will be able to receive and print files.

Mobile devices such as iPhones, iPads and Androids can now easily print to copiers and printers located anywhere from anywhere. There is no need to carry around that laptop or PC any longer.

Costs, security and downtime

The idea of replacing your current printing fleet can be daunting. Make sure that the cloud printer you choose has all the features that your business needs. Users might not be comfortable sending data to a printer that cannot be reached quickly to pick up their documents. If an Internet connection is unavailable, so is your cloud printing.

Solutions

• There are many secure print options that can be incorporated to alleviate security concerns, both internal to the new printers and through third party applications such as PaperCut MF provided by ACDI
• You can go anywhere there’s Internet, like a hotel business center, Staples or neighbor, and complete your print job
• Cloud printing is still be possible for older print devices, however; to function they will require a local print server on the network and the drivers will need to be loaded on the virtual desktop in the cloud

The important factor to consider is how this technology will help your business. If you’re not currently taking advantage of this convenience, the chances that you will in the near future are high. We are always looking to find new ways for businesses to become more productive and cloud-ready printing offers many solutions to some of your challenges.