Abstract: When data of a print job are stored on another device or a file server, data transfer is required to obtain image data, and the start of a print process and a preview process take time compared to a print job whose data is stored in a local storage device. Hence, a print job is started, and it is checked if data for all pages of the print job are locally held. If data for all pages of the print job are locally held, a print process is continued; otherwise, data for remaining pages are obtained and undergo the print process parallel to the print process for a first part.

Abstract: Function information related to a plurality of kinds of functions arranged in a first image forming apparatus is acquired. The acquired function information is displayed. A desired function is designated from the displayed functions. A document containing the identification information is read on the basis of the designated function. The read document image is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus through a network. The identification information of original data corresponding to the document image is received from the first image forming apparatus through the network.