Bits and Dots : Capture

DSS: HP MFP Digital Sending Software 4.15 Released

Brian R. Kneebone — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 18:26:00 GMT

This is just a quick note to share that DSS 4.15 released a short time ago. If you're updating from DSS 4.14, there are no new features really as this is mainly a maintenance release. This updated software package will address customer issues identified through HP's support and escalation personnel. If you're updating from previous releases, review the release notes to see what the new software enhancements are ...

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Colour: Devices Designed for Business Continue to Challenge Perceptions

Brian R. Kneebone — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:40:00 GMT

Most enterprise customers I work with equate enterprise printing with laser printing. While Hewlett-Packard has a fantastic array of products in its LaserJet and Color LaseJet portfolio, for many needs ink-based solutions may be perceived as inappropriate. Many customers think of the low-cost devices as having higher operational costs, challenges with archivability including water fastness, and issues with tracking and monitoring over the network (especially for USB-connected devices) using tools like HP Web Jetadmin. Hewlett-Packard continues to challenge these perceptions with new advancements in it's HP OfficeJet Pro line-up refreshed in February......(read more)

Solutions: HP Global Solutions Catalogues and HP LaserJet Fonts Portals Updated ...

Brian R. Kneebone — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:30:00 GMT

I work with large enterprise customers where they look to Hewlett-Packard to solve universal problems you may be interested in, including: reducing wasted prints, facilitating document capture, improving electronic and paper security, reducing costs of specialty printing, etc. Hewlett-Packard has made strong investments in the solutions space to help customers optimize their infrastructure, manage their environment and improve workflows. For some people, this may be as simple as doing more with the printers, MFPs, scanners, etc. they purchase from HP already. For others, they may look for solutions which alter business process to improve efficiencies. If you're thinking along these lines, I strongly you to take a look at the HP Global Solution Catalog and the HP LaserJet Fonts websites which have been recently updated showing more solution partners, better descriptions, more products, etc......(read more)

Newsflash: New Linux Drivers (HPLIP 2.8.10 Release)

Brian R. Kneebone — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:16:00 GMT

New Linux print driver software (HPLIP) was released on Friday, Oct 31, 2008. The version is 2.8.10 and brings the total number of supported devices to 1,531. A significant addition to this release was the inclusion of scanning support for several all-in-one products, which until now, had no scanning support ......(read more)

Video Tutorial: Exploring Embedded Send-to-Folder

Brian R. Kneebone — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 02:15:00 GMT

This is a continuation of the earlier "Exploring Embedded Send-to-Email" video tutorial contained in another 30-minute session focused on sending documents directly to a folder. Four examples are covered from common shared folders, to folders which are personal and published in Active Directory......(read more)

Video Tutorial: Exploring Embedded Send-to-Email

Brian R. Kneebone — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:54:00 GMT

This is a relatively in-depth exploration of how the user experience at the control panel for "Send-to-Email" is enabled and controlled by administrators by using settings in the device's embedded web server. This is my first crack at exploring document capture to folks online using this blog with a 30-minute video, so let me know what you think......(read more)

News Flash: Update for HP MFP Digital Sending Software (DSS) to version 4.13

Brian R. Kneebone — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 23:28:00 GMT

A new version of the HP MFP Digital Sending Software (DSS) is available. This is a free upgrade for existing DSS 3 and DSS 4 customers. The HP MFP Digital Sending Software has been upgraded to version 4.13 (from version 4.12) and includes the following new features......(read more)

Tip for Administrators: Printing and Scanning in Windows Terminal Server and Citrix Environments

Brian R. Kneebone — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT

I wanted to share some imaging and printing resources in Windows Terminal Server (WTS) and Citrix environments. HP and its partner community have a number of helpful resources which can be useful for those new to administering these shared server computing architectures.

If you take a look at anything, bookmark the “HP printers supported in Citrix Presentation Server environments” whitepaper. This is an amazing document which is published regularly (usually 2 to 4 times a year). The document covers the types of devices supported, versions of the OS, middleware and drivers supported, etc. The title would seem to indicate support for print only (which is the primary focus), but topics also cover twain redirection for scanners and all-in-one devices as well. A URL at the end of the document invites customers to participate by providing feedback. The format is quite easily used for administrators who are new to managing printing assets in a shared server computing environment. Seasoned administrators will likely appreciate the consolidated list of open and resolved issues.

For those comfortable with WTS and Citrix environments and have an optimal infrastructure which is relatively well managed, consider moving to the next step by optimizing workflow:

Consider ThinPrint Solutions to compress and optimize print streams. This can be especially important for location with low bandwidth to remote sites (dial-up, 56K frame relay, ISDN, low-bandwidth DSL, etc.)
Sometimes prints need to be sent to users behind other firewalls outside of the corporate environment where redirecting the print stream through the RDP or ICA session is not desirable. While the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) can help, frankly customers demand more security-wise from their devices. Often we see customers choosing solutions like Capella’s SD-Express which looks and feels like normal print, but is transparently encrypted, transmitted using SMTP and decrypted in-printer and can even confirm prints through SMTP messages.
Inevitably scanning becomes a consideration where TWAIN redirection may be helpful, but a more locked-down workflow oriented solution is preferred. Technology partners like Omtool with their AccuRoute platform can help and fully support these shared server computing environments. These solutions make for ideal capture platforms when working with shared multifunction printers and Digital Senders.
For environments where job tracking becomes a consideration (whether that’s billing back departments or simply used as an audit mechanism for security practices) we have a number of solution partners which can help. This includes embedding tracking agents in print servers or the client sessions. For simplicity in these environments it is usually best to embed an agent at the device using technology such as Capella MegaTrack In Printer Agent (MIPA) or other tracking solution partners.
Take a look at the devices hosting the RDP or ICA sessions themselves. HP has a number of low-cost devices including Windows XP/Vista desktops, laptops and thin client terminals. The most recent offering is a thin client laptop called the HP Compaq 6720t Mobile Thin Client.

Newsflash: New Imaging and Printing Announcements

Brian R. Kneebone — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:48:00 GMT

There have been several new imaging and printing announcements today including new products. Visit the press-release home-page for more information. Be sure to visit the press kit as well for more key features on the products announced.

New Products:

There are new Monochrome LaserJets reaching speeds of 62ppm with new options including multi-bin mailboxes and numeric keypads for releasing private print jobs plus a greater input capacity. An important note for customers interested in protecting the environment: we’ve introduced low-melt toner which decreases the amount of heat (and by extension power) required in the fusing process. This in tandem with instant-on fusers which HP pioneered years ago, makes this the right choice for those sensitive to environmental concerns around power consumption and carbon footprints.

The 9040mfp and 9050mfp devices have been refreshed (now M9040mfp and M9050mfp) to introduce the new Easy Select Control Panel we have on the other M and CM series products.

The Color LaserJet CM6030mfp (30ppm) and CM6040mfp (40ppm) have been introduced with the same control panel now offered on our other touch screen models, excellent performance and some new features. I’ve been looking forward to this product. It has many of the same features our current MFP’s do plus some more I’ll let people discover without me spoiling the surprises. The basic models fit nicely into tight spaces. For those wishing to have more finishing capacity and options, an easy-to-attach stapler/stacker or multifunction finisher is available which makes booklets.

HP has also introduced the Color LaserJet CP6015 single-function. This product is amazing. It supports printing on HP banner media - something many schools will love and large companies can use for printing project schedules and workflow diagrams. It also has support for 3^rd party software RIPs for those wishing to use this in a MARCOM groups.

We also introduced a VERY important offering for areas that do high volume scanning and need speed, speed and more speed (did I say speed?). The ScanJet N9120 scans at 100 images per minute (50 sheets per minute), has imprinting capabilities and comes with SDSS software (like our other commercial ScanJets) and Kofax VRS Pro. I could go on-and-on (the feature set is impressive). Did I mention it supports scanning anything from checks to tabloid media? This product (along with the others discussed earlier) exemplifies just how seriously HP takes scanning with its commercial and public sector customers. If you have a service delivery, mailroom, etc. where centralized scanning is required, this might be the right solution for you.

And, last but not least, we introduced a replacement to the JetDirect wireless option for commercial customers. It’s called the JetDirect 690n which supports 802.11B and G networks including IPv4 and IPv6. IPSec was added for Layer-3 encryption (much like our JetDirect 635n has for wired gigabit networks). It has an EIO interface and will work with just about any EIO capable commercial LaserJet or Color LaserJet device. But if you remember anything from this, take note of this. There’s an Ethernet connector on this card for really-easy configuration. This is important for administrators who just don’t have a lot of time to play with wireless settings.

New Developer Program:

There is also a very interesting section around our solution developer program with formalized accreditation and certification processes for partners. This cannot be under-estimated. Normally customers expect a high degree of quality and support from products and technology that HP invents or acquires. However, we also work with (and recommend, sell and support) a number of 3^rd party solution partners as well.

Based on my experience with other customers, I think it’s fair to say that many have concerns around a manufacturer recommending product that is not theirs. Common questions include: “Who will support me if something breaks” and “will it really work reliably”. This revised partner program (which began membership last year) offers new software development kits to participating partners and includes accreditation and certification components from HP. There is often co-development as well. This means customers can have a much more reliable experience with 3^rd party solutions than any other manufacturer would be able to claim and more choices to pick from.

Ten partners, including Assentis, Capella Technologies, Captaris, Equitrac, Jetmobile, Kofax, MPI, Omtool, Pharos Systems and ReadSoft, are now accredited and have specific solutions in the certification process.

New Assets:

It’s here. Exstream Software is now part of the HP family. I recently had an opportunity to consult with one of their senior management and sufficed to say, some exciting new possibilities in the way customers interact with information, documents and paper come to mind. I’d really encourage customers to take a look at the Dialog Live multimedia presentation if you are at all interested in topics like document automation and variable data printing.

HP and Tower Software also recently announced that they have signed a pre-bid agreement for HP to acquire Tower, a document and records management software company. The deal will enable HP to expand its offerings in the fast-growing electronic discovery and compliance software market.

Newsflash: New Personal Color and ScanJet Devices

Brian R. Kneebone — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:19:00 GMT

I want to take a moment to highlight some of the very interesting offerings in the personal and small work-team space. This includes new printer, all-in-one (multifunction) and scanning devices.

Take a look at this press announcement for new personal and small work-team OfficeJet (printer and multifunction) and Color LaserJet (printer) devices. I’ll simply add the following comments:

Most corporate and public sector customers don’t think of ink as being able to save them money. With the OfficeJet Pro platform, the costs are extremely competitive with LaserJet and Color LaserJet offerings. Consult with your sales representatives to see if an OfficeJet Pro K-series (single function printer) or L-series (multifunction all-in-one) is right for your needs based on how it’s used, the type and volume of jobs, etc.
Color laser devices have traditionally been cost-prohibitive for large corporations or cheap from competitive manufacturers and unreliable or costly to maintain. With the announcements in the Color LaserJet printer series, HP brings its legendary reliability and maintenance free operation into Color LaserJet devices as low as $299 USD. These devices produce amazing output previously capable on commercial network print devices only. Many include an HP In-house Marketing Kit as well.

Before the winter holidays, HP announced a roll of its commercial ScanJet platform. Many commercial and public sector customers may see this as a minor announcement, but after having had direct experience with the hardware, software and solutions (and being wildly impressed) I have to share a few key findings:

These scanners are amazingly quick. With instant-on lamps and dual-headed CCD scanners, 2-sided documents can be scanned at an impressive 70 images-per-minute.
These models include ultra-sonic multi-feed detection catching paper-jams earlier in the process and ensuring documents are scanned in their entirety.
Kofax Virtual Re-Scan (VRS) is included in-box. If you’ve not seen a demonstration of VRS, simply-put it cleans up documents (mitigating highlighter marks, stains, gradients, etc.) to make them readable or OCR and archive purposes with highly-compressed output.
The included software footprint is quite manageable with an enterprise focus using the HP Smart Document Scan Software (SDSS) – which takes advantage of Kofax VRS optionally above as well. This SDSS software allows administrators to pre-define workflows to destinations (including the ability to push a scanned document against an application, printer or remote folder). The software includes the ability to preview documents before submission, logical document separation in batches using barcode split sheets, blank page suppression, auto orientation, etc.

While familiarizing myself with these technologies and working with another customer who had adaptive technology interests, something very interesting began to gel for me which this low-cost commercial scanning solution is able to offer.

With the touch of a physical button on these devices, a person who has a visual impairment can take a paper document (regardless of orientation or number of sides) directly into their Kurzweil application to do an automated document-to-text-to-speech translation with optional direct output to a Braille/Ink combo printer. These devices and bundled software solutions help to offer possibilities that may have been costly to implement or not easily implemented by administrators. More information on accessibility for persons with disabilities or age related limitations is available here. What’s more, because this offers simple one-touch capabilities, this provides an attractive copy and/or paperless workflow solution for other cases where the user is expected to maintain face-contact with a client or processing high-volumes of jobs.

So what’s next? There are some other very interesting technologies and products around the corner. I’ll communicate those as they’re announced publicly. For the next article, I’ll be completing Part 3 of the color access control series using the Universal Print Driver.

You tell me. Is there any interest in delving into the world of print solutions? Maybe a focus around security is of interest? Are there any examples you’d like to share about how you are using printing and/or capture technology? Maybe you have a question about how to route a document using a paper-based workflow using electronic means we can cover.

Send me your comments and topics you’d like to see covered.

Newsflash: HP MFP Digital Sending Software (DSS) 4.11.11 has released

Brian R. Kneebone — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:31:00 GMT

This is just a quick note to let people know that HP MFP Digital Sending Software (DSS) 4.11.11 has been launched. This is a free update for existing DSS 3.0 and 4.0 customers and is available from http://www.hp.com/go/dss_software. Trial versions (such as the one on the URL) are identical to the full versions. We call it a trial version since it doesn’t have license keys and by default goes into a 50-device, 60-day evaluation mode but will accept any of your existing DSS 3.0 and 4.0 license keys.

Key Enhancements:
Extract from Readme File in the ZIP you would download

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for Send To Email and Send To Folder

This revision includes the capability to have documents sent to email or folder destinations OCR processed. In previous revisions of DSS it has only been possible to use OCR processing within the Workflow application.

This new capability is disabled by default. The administrator can enable the feature in the DSS Configuration Utility by entering the Send To Email or Send To Folder configuration of the device. Multiple devices can be configured simultaneously by selecting several devices in the list. When the new feature is enabled it adds new file types to the front panel of the Digital Sending device. If the user selects a file type ending with “(OCR)” the output will be OCR processed.

IMPORTANT: This feature requires firmware support in the Digital Sending device. The below table indicates the minimum firmware revision required per supported device. Devices with older firmware revisions, or device models not listed, will NOT show the new OCR file types.

Device Model	Min. revision required
LaserJet 4345mfp	Expected April 2008
LaserJet 9040/50mfp	Expected April 2008
Color LaserJet 9500mfp	Expected April 2008
Color LaserJet 4730mfp	Expected April 2008
LaserJet M3035mfp	48.051.1
LaserJet M4345mfp	48.051.1
LaserJet M5035mfp	48.051.1
Color LaserJet M4730mfp	50.031.0
9200c Digital Sender	Expected April 2008
9250c Digital Sender	48.041.1

Better integration with the device Authentication Manager
This revision includes an improved authentication tab that integrates better with the Authentication Manager in the Embedded Web Server (EWS) of Digital Sending devices. There is a new look-and-feel that resembles the device EWS Authentication Manager and DSS is now capable of managing the authentication settings for non-DSS features (such as “Sign In At Walk Up”). Also, DSS can now assign 3^rd party authentication methods to the various device features.

Important: DSS will only read back the authentication settings from the device when it is added to DSS (read: added to the ‘Mfp Configuration’ list). Therefore, if e.g. a 3^rd party authentication solution is installed on the device after it was added to DSS the device will need to be first removed, then added back into DSS for the new authentication solution to be selectable.

Support for Edgeline devices
DSS can now manage the configuration of HP Edgeline devices (CM8050/8060 Color MFP). Note that Edgeline devices have a complete set of Digital Sending functionality embedded and cannot use any of the service-based features in DSS, such as LANFax, authentication and addressing. However, DSS will now configure all the Digital Sending features within the Edgeline device. More information.

Ability to designate DSS administrators
Previous revisions of DSS require that the operator of the Configuration Utility is an Administrator on the server where DSS is installed. This is still the default behavior in the current revision, but it is now possible to allow users without administrator privileges to operate the Configuration Utility. The below steps outline how:

Create a user group locally on the DSS server named “DSSAdmins”
Add the users that will operate DSS to the group.

The following steps apply if you want to use a different name for the group:

Locate the hpbs2e.ini file in the DSS install directory.
Locate the setting named ConfigUtilityAdminGroup and replace “DSSAdmins” with the desired group name.
Save and close the file
Follow steps 1-2 above using the name specified in ‘ii’.
Note: It is not possible to use global/domain groups for this purpose. The group must be local on the DSS server. HP is planning to allow use of global/domain groups in a future release of DSS.

Several other patches have been included contained within the readme of the ZIP download, please review it plus upgrade instructions before applying the software update. Get your latest version of HP MFP Digital Sending software now.

News Release: Definitive Agreement to Acquire Exstream Software

Brian R. Kneebone — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 01:11:00 GMT

Just a quick news release posted to HP.com I figure I’d link to here. On Jan 22^nd, HP signed a definitive agreement to acquire Exstream Software, LLC. I wouldn’t be doing the solutions justice trying to simplify them in a paragraph or two here. So take a look at the press release as well as visit the company website. There are some very interesting online demos that are worth the investment of time.