Abstract: Methods are disclosed that include receiving information regarding a print order, generating a plurality of possible workflows to complete the print order, determining what materials and resources will be required to complete the print order, estimating a cost for completing the print order for each workflow including estimating costs for shipping some or all of the print job based upon the materials and resources to be used, and choosing a workflow to use to complete the print order based at least in part upon the estimated cost for each workflow. Methods also include providing the estimated cost of completing a print job to the generator of the print order, submitting a bid based upon the estimated cost, and selecting a printing organization based upon the bids received.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a document containing secured personal identification information includes a database containing personal identification information; a classifier module for collecting and classifying the personal identification information; a memory module for storing the classified personal identification information; a password generator for associating a password combination with the classified personal identification information; a controller module for receiving and sending the classified personal identification information and the password combination to a processor; an encryptor in operative communication with the processor, for encrypting the classified personal identification information using the password combination; an encoder for converting the encrypted personal identification information into machine readable code; and a data recording system for creating a document containing secured personal identification information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for updating print drivers is described. The described system includes a port monitor that monitors the configuration and status of a printer. When changes occur to the configuration of a printer, the port monitor updates a print driver registry on the print server. The port monitor also wakes the print driver on the print server and informs the print driver of the configuration changes. Depending on the client operating system used, a client device connected to the server's shared print queue may either directly read or request the configuration data from the print server. In some client operating systems, the client device may also update a local registry on the client device to reflect the changes in configuration of the printer. The described system allows print drivers to have a consistent interface to printer configuration and status data regardless of which version of the Microsoft Windows Operating System is used by the client.