Patent ID: 7209965
Filing Date: 2007-04-24
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus for printing data requested to be printed from a client apparatus via a network, comprising: a determination unit adapted for determining whether or not a print instruction string indicating a print instruction for printing of data contained in an attached file to an e-mail sent from the client apparatus and a transfer instruction string indicating a transfer instruction for transfer of the data to another image forming apparatus are described in the body portion of the e-mail; a controlling unit adapted for, in case where said determination unit determines that the print instruction string and the transfer instruction string are described, controlling printing of the data contained in the attached file and controlling transfer of the data to the other image forming apparatus if the data is not printed, in accordance with the print instruction string and the transfer instruction string; and a notifying unit adapted for, in case where said determination unit determines whether or not a notification instruction string indicating a notification instruction for notification to the client apparatus is described and if said determination unit determines that the notification instruction string is described and if an abnormality has occurred in said image forming apparatus, notifying the client apparatus that the abnormality has occurred in said image forming apparatus.