[sdw2003] A 5 minute test about local printers vs. networkedprinters

[Ryan Blakeslee]

Something that my current boss pointed out to me about local versus
network, sort of ties into cost, but:

Human nature -- people tend to print things and forget about them, or
print things they don't really need to print just because they can.
With local printers, it's easiest to do, adding cost to the equation in
supplies and operating cost.  With network printers, people do the same
thing but a lot of times just leave their printouts in the paper bin
again adding to cost.  With network printing, you can add a level of
control by adding the feature (some devices) that require the user to
physically walk up to the printer and print what they have sent to the
queue.  If the user does not, it gets removed from the queue in 24 hrs
or whatever you want it to be.  That forces an automatic break in that
bad habit of unnecessary printing, which traditional adds to cost, when
the user doesn't really need or even care to print it in the first place
but do because of habit.  They implemented this at Intel and the
reduction in cost was staggering.

Also...

Security/Control -- It could be argued that you have the ability to
control or set restrictions on printing which could add security or the
ability to bill back to different cost centers or preventing sensitive
documents from being printed.  I admit it's sort of a lame argument but
technically could be true in certain circumstances.  You also have a log
file of all jobs printed incase you need to go back to audit for
whatever reason if there ever was a security/confidential information
violation question.

-----Original Message-----
From: sdw2003-bounces at mattware.com [mailto:sdw2003-bounces at mattware.com]
On Behalf Of Thaddeus Braun
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 10:08 AM
To: San Diego Windows 2003 User Group
Subject: [sdw2003] A 5 minute test about local printers vs.
networkedprinters

These are my reasons why I don't want local printers on everyone's desk:

* sheer expense of local printers
* cheaper printers, will re-buy much more often
* sheer number of print cartridges
* higher cost per page of printing vs. networked large printer/copier
* local print drivers need attention more often
* consumer printers break more often requiring man-visits
* everyone wants a different kind of printer/non-standard

What do you think, pros and cons, of local vs. networked printing?

Thaddeus Braun 
IT Manager
Taylor Guitars
p: 619.258.1207
e: thaddeus.braun at taylorguitars.com
w: www.taylorguitars.com
"Stay active, stay healthy, stay balanced..."

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