Canon and NT-ware Announce Support for Microsoft's Universal Print

Rhea-AI Summary

Canon U.S.A. and NT-ware announce their support for Microsoft’s Universal Print, enhancing cloud-based solutions for businesses and educational institutions. This integration allows users to print without local servers, using Canon's imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX and third-generation models with firmware version 3.11 expected in September 2020. The free uniFLOW Online Express will enhance this capability, providing features like secure printing, and device authentication. The full launch of Universal Print support is anticipated in October 2020, allowing large organizations to trial the service before its official release.

Positive

• Integration with Microsoft's Universal Print enables cloud-based printing solutions.
• Free uniFLOW Online Express enhances capabilities for users.
• Native support for imageRUNNER ADVANCE models broadens market reach.

Negative

• Dependence on timely firmware updates may pose implementation risks.
• Potential competition from other cloud-based printing solutions.

MELVILLE, N.Y., July 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing their commitment to cloud-based solutions that help enable digital transformation, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, and NT-ware announce today the upcoming support for Universal Print, developed by Microsoft. Organizations that wish to utilize Universal Print within their environment can benefit from the native support that will be built into imageRUNNER ADVANCE firmware along with the additional capabilities that will be provided by either the free-of-charge uniFLOW Online Express, or optional uniFLOW Online.

Designed to provide a modern print service experience in Microsoft 365 for businesses and educational institutions of any size, Universal Print moves some key Windows Server print infrastructure to Microsoft 365 and offers print management capabilities. As an added convenience, a single generic driver is used, irrespective of printer model, so no driver management and setup are needed.

Native support for Universal Print with imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX and third-generation imageRUNNER ADVANCE models is set to be included in version 3.11 of the Unified Firmware Platform, which is currently scheduled to release in September 2020. This allows users to print to these models using Universal Print without the need for local print servers. uniFLOW Online Express, a free-of-charge SaaS service also running on Microsoft Azure, will be able to extend the capabilities of Universal Print for these models by providing device authentication, comprehensive print/copy/scan/fax reporting, scan to myself and Google Drive¹.

"The way people work is changing as cloud adoption and technology continue to expand and evolve, driving digital transformation. Canon's imageRUNNER ADVANCE multifunction printers along with uniFLOW Online can provide the flexibility and scalability to help address diverse workplace needs," said Shinichi Yoshida, executive vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "As demonstrated by this collaboration with Microsoft, Canon is committed to continuously deliver solutions that support our customers in their journey to the digital workplace."

uniFLOW Online, an optional 100 percent cloud solution running in various Azure data centers globally, will have the ability to connect natively to Universal Print and offer even more capabilities to the print environment including:

• Secure Print with a single universal queue
• My Print Anywhere allowing users to release their job to any compatible device, including those not supporting Universal Print natively
• Extensive accounting (print, copy, fax, scan), prices, cost centers and reporting
• Support for other client operating systems such as macOS and Chrome OS
• Mobile Printing and Mobile Printing for guests

imageRUNNER ADVANCE devices can be registered to uniFLOW Online in bulk, easing administration burdens. Users are able to select supported finishing options such as duplex, hole-punch and multi-position staple from the Windows print dialogue or the Canon device panel.

"We are excited to be working closely together with Microsoft on the integration of uniFLOW Online and Universal Print," said Karsten Huster, president and CEO, NT-ware. "The result will be a holistic cloud solution that combines powerful features with straightforward administration."

Support for Universal Print will be launched with the next uniFLOW Online deployment update, which is currently expected in October 2020. Large organizations have the opportunity to try uniFLOW Online and the Universal Print integration before the official launch date. To learn more, please contact marketing@nt-ware.com.

Issa Khoury, principal program manager lead, Microsoft Corporation, said, "Universal Print was developed to provide our Microsoft 365 customers with an easy-to-use solution to help them migrate and manage their print infrastructure in the cloud. We are happy to be working alongside Canon and NT-ware to expand this offering and help our joint customers meet ever-changing business needs. We are really excited that Canon will have print devices in market that will have native support for Universal Print."

About NT-ware Systemprogrammierungs-GmbH
NT-ware develops leading print and scan management products for businesses, educational and healthcare facilities. Founded in 1998 as a small start-up in Bad Iburg, Germany, NT-ware now has subsidiaries in New York, Singapore and Tokyo and counts more than 20,000 customers and around 1,500,000 users all over the world. The products and services are available globally via Canon Inc. and authorized resellers. Canon and NT-ware work in close partnership to develop software solutions, with Canon Europe holding a 70% stake in NT-ware. To keep apprised of the latest news from NT-ware, visit www.uniflowonline.com and follow us on Twitter @ntware and LinkedIn nt-ware.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $33 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents granted in 2019^† and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2020. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss and follow us on Twitter @CanonUSA.

^†Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
¹Subscription to a third-party cloud service may be required. Subject to third-party cloud service providers terms and conditions. Canon makes no representations or warranties with respect to third-party products.

Availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

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SOURCE Canon U.S.A., Inc.

FAQ

What is Canon's announcement regarding Universal Print?

Canon U.S.A. announced support for Microsoft’s Universal Print to enhance cloud-based printing solutions.

When will Canon's Universal Print support be available?

The support will be included in firmware version 3.11, scheduled for release in September 2020, with full support expected in October 2020.

What are the benefits of Canon's integration with Universal Print?

Benefits include eliminating the need for local print servers, device authentication, and enhanced print management features.

What features does uniFLOW Online Express provide?

uniFLOW Online Express offers secure printing, comprehensive reporting, and support for multiple operating systems.

How does Canon's support for Universal Print affect their devices?

Canon's imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX and third-generation models will have native support, allowing seamless integration with Universal Print.