NDPS will cut installation time by easing printer hardware configuration, and ease maintenance by enhancing communication with print devices through full bi-directional communication. To further simplify management, network administrators will be able to easily supervise all network print devices from within Novell's NWAdmin or standard SNMP consoles. NDPS will also give users more control over their individual print jobs, reducing network administration desktop and printer support visits. The technology will provide network users with access to simple yet powerful printing capabilities that build on their existing NetWare printing knowledge. NDPS will enable network users to have greater control over their print jobs, even after those jobs are sent to printers.
Developers can also create software packages designed to ease printer management and support.
The first release of NetWare Distributed Print Services will be available in the first quarter of 1996 as an add-on module to NetWare 4.1 environments. The technology will also be integrated into the next major release of NetWare. At BrainShare '95, Novell will present technology and architecture overviews for ISVs. Later this year, Novell will host a developer's conference for ISVs. Concurrent with product shipment, Novell will deliver an NDPS software developer's kit to enable all interested ISVs to create robust new printing applications.