Abstract: Methods and apparatus for printing by a client computer reduce network usage and print delay, while performing print configuration and management at a centralized print server. The print server controls enablement of a branch office printing mode. When the branch office printing mode is enabled, the client computer sends spooled print data directly to a selected printer in the branch office. When the branch office printing mode is disabled, the client computer sends the spooled print data to the centralized print server, and the print server routes the print data to the selected printer. The print server performs configuration and management functions for the client computer in both operating modes. The print server may enable and disable the branch office printing mode on a per queue basis.