In today’s fast-paced and digitalized world, efficient document handling is crucial for the smooth operation of any business. Printing is one of the most significant processes in document handling and Microsoft Universal Print is a cloud-based printing solution that can streamline this process and improve productivity.
In this article, we will explore in detail the benefits and how it can improve document handling for your office.
What is Microsoft Universal Print?
Microsoft Universal Print is a cloud-based printing solution that simplifies printing for both administrators and end-users. With Universal Print, you can manage printers and printer drivers from a single console in the cloud which eliminates the need for on-premises print servers. This makes it easier to deploy printers, manage printer drivers and configure printer settings across your organization.
4 Ways that Microsoft Universal Print Can Improve Document Handling for Your Office
Simplified Printing Management
Managing a printing infrastructure can be challenging when there are several printers and print drivers involved. Microsoft Universal Print simplifies printing management by enabling you to manage printers and printer drivers from a single console in the cloud. With Universal Print, you no longer need to manage on-premises print servers which reduces the complexity and cost of managing your printing infrastructure.
Improved Printing Security
Printing security is critical and Microsoft Universal Print uses Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) to authenticate users and secure print jobs. This means that only authorized users can print documents and print jobs are encrypted in transit and at rest. This improves the security of your printing infrastructure and reduces the risk of data breaches.
Greater Printing Flexibility
With Microsoft Universal Print, users can print from anywhere and on any device without the need for complex printer configurations or VPN connections. This improves productivity by allowing users to print from wherever they are and eliminates the need for IT staff to manage printer configurations on individual devices. Universal Print makes printing easy and efficient and allows users to focus on other important tasks.
Reduced Printing Costs
Managing a printing infrastructure can be expensive. However, Microsoft Universal Print can help reduce the costs associated with it. By eliminating the need for on-premises print servers, Universal Print can reduce the costs of managing your printing infrastructure.
Additionally, you can reduce printing costs by using features like print job redirection which allows you to send print jobs to the most cost-effective printer based on factors like location and paper type.
Getting Started with Microsoft Universal Print
If you are interested in implementing Microsoft Universal Print in your organization, here is how to get started:
Get an Azure Subscription
To use Microsoft Universal Print, you will need an Azure subscription (which is Microsoft’s cloud computing service). You can sign up for an Azure subscription on the Azure website.
Find a Universal Print-Enabled Printer
You will also need a Universal Print-enabled printer. Several printer manufacturers like HP, Canon and Brother offer printers that are compatible with Universal Print.
Register your Printer
Once you have an Azure subscription and a Universal Print-enabled printer, you will need to register your printer with Universal Print. You can do this using the Microsoft 365 admin center or the Universal Print API.
Manage your Printer
After registering your printer with Universal Print, you can manage it from the Universal Print dashboard in the Microsoft 365 admin center. From here you can configure printer settings, manage printer drivers and monitor printer usage.
Printing for End-Users
End-users can then print to Universal Print-enabled printers from any device by selecting the Universal Print printer and the document they want to print. The print job is sent securely to the cloud and then to the printer.
Get Started Today
Microsoft Universal Print is a powerful cloud-based printing solution that can simplify printing management, improve printing security, increase printing flexibility and reduce printing costs for businesses of any size. With its ease of use and flexibility, Universal Print can be an essential tool for any organization looking to streamline their printing infrastructure.
If you are interested in implementing Microsoft Universal Print in your organization, it is essential to ensure that you have the necessary resources and expertise to make the most of this solution. You may need to work with a Microsoft partner or a third-party printing expert to ensure that your printing infrastructure is optimized for Universal Print.
When you are ready to learn more about Microsoft Universal Print and how it can improve document handling for your office, contact Sound Computers. Our team of experts can help you understand the benefits and provide guidance on how to implement this powerful solution in your organization. Get in touch with us today to learn more!