Patent ID: 8885190
Filing Date: 2014-11-11
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for implementing a federated print services network, said method comprising: receiving, by a server, first print job requests from customers, at least one of said first print job requests being submitted by at least one of said customers to said server through a website that is associated with said network; accessing, by said server from a data storage device, equipment utilization records for printing equipment in multiple print shops participating in said network, said multiple print shops being discrete document production environments operated by independent print services enterprises that offer and directly provide print services to said customers and at least one print department of a non-print services enterprise that does not offer and directly provide said print services to said customers; and, distributing, by said server and based on said equipment utilization records, said first print job requests amongst said multiple print shops for fulfillment,