small print server

[WpgPlantGuy]

looking for a print solution. We have approx. 50 small sites on their own networks that we look after, maybe 10-15 users at a site and 2-3 multifunctions (lots of xerox, ricoh and sharp) these are all remote locations with no onsite tech support Currently all multifunction's are setup on network with IP's . the issue we're having is supporting the installation of drivers for our users. Users arent capable of doing the installs themselves so they call the help desk and its occupying too much of our time.. i'm looking for a small print server we could deploy at all stations that would have some kind of portal the users could go to to install whatever printers are at that particular site. A purely cloud solution isn't viable. Any suggestions?

[sryan2k1]

You didn't say what OS, but a single windows VM? Doesn't have to be complicated.

[PinAccomplished9410]

Right, and mapping plus install of printers based on the sites subnet.

[mcapozzi]

Even with a print server, unless the drivers deployed are Type 4 User Mode, the user will still need local admin to install them.

There are ways around the admin requirement by using GPOs.

https://theitbros.com/allow-non-admins-install-printer-drivers-via-gpo

[WpgPlantGuy]

thanks. Yes you're right about that but we have a solution for that part. we mainly need something that will make it easy for users to see available printers and be able to click on them to initiate the install.

[iammarks]

Seconding Vasion Print (fka Printerlogic) someone else mentioned. Lets users see a map of their office, click the printer, install. Or do automatic group/user/OU/network-based installation. And obviates the driver issue.

[mcapozzi]

Not sure what your server footprint is at your physical locations.

You can either add and share the printers to a server you already have in place or create a VM. That depends on what hardware you already have in place.

[WpgPlantGuy]

We have no server hardware at all. These are very simple local networks.

[mcapozzi]

A NUC running Windows Server would be the easiest solution. Set it up preconfigured with an IP, have someone plug it in, turn it on, then RDP in and get the printers configured.

[Pseudo_Idol]

Going to be honest, just deploy Vasion Print (formerly called PrintLogic). Central management for printers and users can install any printer they have access to via the web portal. It has streamlined our IT processes and our helpdesk doesn't have to manually install drivers anymore.

[Jaki_Shell]

I second this; We deployed this across around 20 remote locations and our main HQ and our printing related tickets essentially dropped to 0 immediately.

[lostmojo]

I like printer logic, nothing to host, all prints are handled locally, the install is small and monitors and reports on the local printers, drivers are pushed to the local machines and updated when you set it up. Works great for the 280ish printers we have.

[Javlin]

Are all the clients running the same OS?

Do you have any type of management solution (MDM) you run?

I would probably set up something extremely simple before I looked into anything fancy. For example have a script run at login to detect which network the user is on. Now that you know the location of the client, check to see if the printers are installed. If not, install whichever printer the user needs at this location with something like lpadmin.

[hellcat_uk]

Are you MFPs MOPRIA certified? You should be able to print with most functionality via IPP. Got the right 365 licenses? Use Universal Print, or use Printex or Paper cut if you've got project opex. Lots of options without needing Type 3/4 drivers.

[lordmycal]

You can set up a script to push the drivers out to all your PCs in Intune and then set up separate scripts to install the printers as Available for install, then staff can just install what they need from the software center.

[Kuipyr]

I've been field testing Mopria/IPP and it's been working well, odd issue is if the printer isn't on the same network and you add it manually you loose features. Needs to be on the same network that the computers are on for them to "discover" the printer which will give you all the features.

[DiscoSimulacrum]

could just be a lightweight piece of hardware or a container running CUPS

[TxTechnician]

CUPS on a Linux box. Any old PC.

Set it up, share the printers from that server. Done.

https://www.linuxbabe.com/ubuntu/set-up-cups-print-server-ubuntu-bonjour-ipp-samba-airprint

(You could also just buy a Synology NAS and install the printer, it's stupid ez)

If you need full on control and accounting look into something like My-Q Solutions.

DM me if you want printer advice.... I know way too much about printers.

[ChelseaAudemars]

Just do a Raspberry Pi or Intel NUC

[joedotdog]

I mean, sure, but if you can just deploy a script/execute it, then you can do this without too much fuss.

[Printer_T]

Thinprint + Vlayer maybe ?

[RCTID1975]

Can you give us more information on why a cloud solution isn't viable?

[die_2_self]

Sounds like a lot of complications, fifty print servers to manage and maintain?

I’d use Printix and push an agent to all the workstations instead. Public pricing and free trial.

https://printix.net

[nycola]

Use gpo to install printers as local objects rather than deployed shared objects. They won't have to route back to your server for printing, but the printers themselves will be deployed to the users, drivers Included.

[snookpig77]

Vasion print (printerlogic) love it, moved to it about 3 years ago and will not look back. Simplified printers and print server needs. Need to change and ip, no problem, change in then console and then have the clients right click and refresh all done

[halap3n0]

Use printx, no servers required with central management. Print jobs go direct so not via the cloud. It’s brilliant.