Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided to facilitate connections between devices, such as a printer and a cloud-based server, and to implement an adaptive application framework. In the context of an apparatus, a printer is provided comprising communications circuitry configured to facilitate communications with a network; and processing circuitry configured to transmit a connection request to the network; receive requested connection parameters from the network; transmit printer connection parameters to the network; and establish a first secure connection between the printer and the network. The printer comprising processing circuitry further configured to receive requested connection parameters comprising at least a signed security certificate and a DNS name for a server on the network and to verify the signed security certificate and the DNS name for the server.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided to facilitate connections between devices, such as a printer and a cloud-based server, and to implement an adaptive application framework. In the context of an apparatus, a printer is provided comprising communications circuitry configured to facilitate communications with a network; and processing circuitry configured to transmit a connection request to the network; receive requested connection parameters from the network; transmit printer connection parameters to the network; and establish a first secure connection between the printer and the network. The printer comprising processing circuitry further configured to receive requested connection parameters comprising at least a signed security certificate and a DNS name for a server on the network and to verify the signed security certificate and the DNS name for the server.

Abstract: A printer which is configured to automatically transmit data, such as critical and non-critical printer data, and route that data through at least one of a plurality of communication channels and services, such as via e-mail or mobile wireless equipment (e.g. an Internet-ready pager, a Personal Communications Service (PCS) phone or a wireless Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)). Preferably, the printer is configured such that it can be programmed and controlled from a remote location. Preferably, the printer is configured such that new label formats can be added from a remote location, and label formats stored in the printer can be viewed and modified from a remote location. Preferably, the printer is also configured such that barcode rendering algorithms can be downloaded to the printer from a remote location, and such that printer settings can be viewed and modified from a remote location, and thereafter can be downloaded to the printer and/or to other printers in a network to facilitate cloning.