Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for performing one or more printer device management functions in a network, in which affinities between printers are determined from job tracking data to indicate associations between printer devices and user devices, and the affinity data is used to perform one or more printer management functions such as determining printer connections for new or roaming user devices, print job redirection, and identification of underutilized printer device assets.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for identifying potential printer failures in a networked printing enterprise, in which job tracking data is gathered for print jobs in the network, affinity data is derived from the job tracking data indicating associations between printer devices and user devices, and potential printer failures are identified based on changes in the affinity data.

Abstract: A mail relay server decodes a received command electronic message to produce and issue a command to a service manager server which is directed to a device manager server for a target printing device. The device manager server produces and issues instructions to the target printing device. If the command includes a request for the reply, the process of executing the instruction in the target printing device includes the target printing device producing and issuing, the reply to the device manager server. The device manager server collects any multi packet reply and transmits the reply to the service manager server which directs the reply to the mail relay server. The mail relay server encodes the received reply to produce and issue a reply electronic message to the requestor.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for prioritizing service or maintenance of networked printers based on affinities between printers and users determined from job tracking data so that printers shared by large numbers of users or high volume printers used by only one or a few users can be serviced or maintained before other printers to provide overall printer support while mitigating user disruption due to unavailable printers.

Abstract: When an electronic message is received from a requester a mail relay server decodes the command electronic message to produce and issue a command to a service manager server. The command from the service manager server is directed to a device manager server responsible for managing the target printing device. The device manager server formats the command to be compatible with the target printing device to produce and issue an instruction to the target printing device. The target printing device then executes the instruction. If the command includes a request for the reply, the process of executing the instruction includes producing, by the target printing device, the reply and issuing the reply to the device manager server. The device manager server collects the reply if it is in many packets and transmits the reply to the service manager server. Once the reply is transmitted, the service manager server directs the reply to the mail relay server.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for identifying potential printer failures in a networked printing enterprise, in which job tracking data is gathered for print jobs in the network, affinity data is derived from the job tracking data indicating associations between printer devices and user devices, and potential printer failures are identified based on changes in the affinity data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for performing one or more printer device management functions in a network, in which affinities between printers are determined from job tracking data to indicate associations between printer devices and user devices, and the affinity data is used to perform one or more printer management functions such as determining printer connections for new or roaming user devices, print job redirection, and identification of underutilized printer device assets.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for prioritizing service or maintenance of networked printers based on affinities between printers and users determined from job tracking data so that printers shared by large numbers of users or high volume printers used by only one or a few users can be serviced or maintained before other printers to provide overall printer support while mitigating user disruption due to unavailable printers.