Abstract: To quickly repair a communication breakdown, a monitoring apparatus receives a notification of change of a network setting from an image forming apparatus. After receiving the notification of the change of the network setting, the monitoring apparatus determines whether a notification of completion of the change of the network setting is received within a predetermined period of time. In the case where it is determined that no notification of the completion of the change of the network setting is received within the predetermined period of time after receipt of the notification of the change of the network setting, the monitoring apparatus sends a notification of a failure in the network setting.

Abstract: Print log information representing an output sheet count in each of a plurality of image forming devices is acquired. Next, print log information of output products is acquired for each department or user capable of using the image forming device. Then, total print log information representing the output sheet count of the plurality of image forming devices is acquired. When the sum of output sheet counts specified by the print log information acquired first coincides with the sum of output sheet counts specified by the total print log information, the print log information or total print log information acquired for the department or user is decided as the sum of output sheet counts of the department or user.

Abstract: In an image formation system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses operates cooperatively as a single virtual device, an instruction is accepted that designates an application to be installed and an apparatus as the destination for installing the application. Based on the functions of the plurality of image forming apparatuses that constitute the virtual device, it is determined whether or not the application to be installed operates on the apparatus that is the installation destination. In accordance with the determined result, an apparatus as an installation destination for installing the application and an installation method are displayed to allow selection of the apparatus as the installation destination and the installation method.

Abstract: A scheme is provided for managing device identification information of an image forming apparatus used by a client. A combination of first device identification information and second device identification information which are obtained from a predetermined device is compared with another combination. In accordance with the comparison result, a notification is issued to a remote monitoring computer that is capable of receiving the notification through a predetermined communications line and that manages a plurality of information processing apparatuses, thereby allowing for prompt processing at the remote monitoring computer.

Abstract: In an image formation system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses operates cooperatively as a single virtual device, an instruction is accepted that designates an application to be installed and an apparatus as the destination for installing the application. Based on the functions of the plurality of image forming apparatuses that constitute the virtual device, it is determined whether or not the application to be installed operates on the apparatus that is the installation destination. In accordance with the determined result, an apparatus as an installation destination for installing the application and an installation method are displayed to allow selection of the apparatus as the installation destination and the installation method.

Abstract: To quickly repair a communication breakdown, a monitoring apparatus receives a notification of change of a network setting from an image forming apparatus. After receiving the notification of the change of the network setting, the monitoring apparatus determines whether a notification of completion of the change of the network setting is received within a predetermined period of time. In the case where it is determined that no notification of the completion of the change of the network setting is received within the predetermined period of time after receipt of the notification of the change of the network setting, the monitoring apparatus sends a notification of a failure in the network setting.

Abstract: Print log information representing an output sheet count in each of a plurality of image forming devices is acquired. Next, print log information of output products is acquired for each department or user capable of using the image forming device. Then, total print log information representing the output sheet count of the plurality of image forming devices is acquired. When the sum of output sheet counts specified by the print log information acquired first coincides with the sum of output sheet counts specified by the total print log information, the print log information or total print log information acquired for the department or user is decided as the sum of output sheet counts of the department or user.

Abstract: A scheme is provided for managing device identification information of an image forming apparatus used by a client. A combination of first device identification information and second device identification information which are obtained from a predetermined device is compared with another combination. In accordance with the comparison result, a notification is issued to a remote monitoring computer that is capable of receiving the notification through a predetermined communications line and that manages a plurality of information processing apparatuses, thereby allowing for prompt processing at the remote monitoring computer.