HP extends network-printing leadership with enhancements to HP JetAdmin software solutions

Hewlett-Packard Company has strengthened its network-printing leadership position with the announcement of HP Web JetAdmin 6.0 and HP Install Network Printer Wizard 2.0 software solutions. The new offerings feature significant enhancements designed to improve the ease and speed with which network managers can install, manage and optimise network-printing assets.

The new software versions will allow IT personnel at all levels to easily install and configure printing assets, accurately diagnose network-printing issues and efficiently manage network-printing environments. These capabilities will save time and resources, and can free IT staff to address other network-management issues.

"Optimizing network printing is now one of the strategic requirements of IT managers today," said Gary Gubitz, marketing manager for HP`s Network Peripherals Solutions Division. "As the leading provider of network-printing solutions, HP is delivering these software breakthroughs that focus on installation simplicity and proactive management. We are committed to helping IT management save time and optimize efficiency."

HP Web JetAdmin 6.0: Ease, Efficiency and Control The HP Web JetAdmin software family delivers a fast and easy way to install, manage and trouble-shoot HP and non-HP network peripherals, both remotely and on-site, using Web-browser software. Now, with HP Web JetAdmin 6.0, these tasks have been made even easier and more efficient, with features that include the following:

• Real-time status alerts

  - These proactive status alerts, delivered via e-mail, pager and front-panel status bar, are fully customizable by the IT manager, and permit different levels and methods of automatic alert depending on the exact status of the peripheral. With this feature, IT managers can be assured that they - or their designated support staff - will be proactively notified of any network-peripheral issue they choose to monitor.

• Expanded asset tracking system

  - This system locates and details networked peripherals and their capabilities, and now also can generate detailed cost- and usage-analysis reports. This improvement allows IT managers to manage their budgets and assets intelligently and make strategic recommendations and decisions on future technology purchases.

• Universal printer support

  - Universal support eliminates compatibility issues, saves time and affords network managers the ability to integrate any vendor`s peripheral seamlessly and quickly, both now and in the future.

• Customized functionality and control

  - HP Web JetAdmin 6.0 allows IT managers to assign capabilities to specific workgroups; create user profiles quickly and easily; and, ultimately, control and optimize network-peripheral assets.

• Redesigned user interface

  - The software`s new interface makes performing all tasks more intuitive.

Install Network Printer Wizard 2.0: Quick and Easy

Enhancements featured in HP Install Network Printer Wizard 2.0 make detection, installation and configuration of network printers easier, and offer significant time savings to IT managers in simple, unmanaged network environments. Network environments supported include Microsoft(R) Windows(R) 2000; Windows NT(R) 4.0; Windows 95; Windows 98; and NetWare 3x, 4x and 5x.

Enhancements include the following:

1. Direct installation

   - IT managers can install a printer directly from the CD-ROM in most network environments, eliminating time-consuming software installation.

2. One-click, network-wide discovery

   - HP Install Network Printer Wizard 2.0 easily detects HP JetDirect-connected printers, automatically searching for and discovering pre-installed drivers and eliminating the need for unnecessary attendance to individual peripherals.