In recent times, the drive to eliminate print servers has gained traction, particularly with cloud-based solutions. One such notable innovation is Microsoft Universal Print, a cloud printing service that simplifies the printing process by offering driverless printing capabilities. While this platform offers a solid foundation, it lacks several advanced features necessary for comprehensive printer fleet management.

Understanding the Basic Capabilities of Microsoft Universal Print

Microsoft Universal Print is designed to relieve organizations from the burdens associated with on-premise print servers. It allows for seamless, driverless printing, and integrates effortlessly with Windows 10 and later versions. This functionality certainly adds value, but standalone usage may not suffice for detailed printer management and analytics.

The Limitations of Relying Solely on Microsoft Universal Print

Read more about driverless printing here.

Even though Microsoft Universal Print offers a streamlined printing experience, it fails to deliver on several fronts:

Advanced Printer Fleet Management

Managing a wide range of printers necessitates advanced tools that can monitor usage, automate tasks, and enforce printing policies efficiently. These are areas where Microsoft Universal Print falls short.

Detailed Analytics and Reporting

In-depth analytics are crucial for optimizing print operations and reducing costs. Universal Print lacks extensive reporting capabilities, making it challenging for organizations to track printing behaviors and resource utilization.

Security Features

Modern workplaces demand robust security for document printing. Simply using driverless printing does not address the need for secure print release, user authentication, or data encryption—all of which are critical features absent in Universal Print.

Enhancing Microsoft Universal Print with Celiveo 365 SaaS

If Microsoft Universal Print leaves you wanting more, then Celiveo 365 SaaS is the perfect complement. This service extends the capabilities of Universal Print, filling in its many gaps, and offers a full suite of features designed for advanced printer fleet management.

Feature-Rich Printer Management

Celiveo 365 simplifies complex printer management processes. It enables the automated deployment of printer settings, monitors usage in real-time, and provides detailed reports, thus enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Enhanced Security

Celiveo 365 incorporates multiple security features such as secure print release, user authentication, and encrypted printing. These additions ensure that sensitive documents are protected at all times.

Multi-Vendor Support

Unlike Microsoft Universal Print, which is largely optimized for Microsoft ecosystems, Celiveo 365 supports a wide range of printer brands and models, providing more flexibility in managing your printer fleet.

For a deeper understanding of how Celiveo 365 can enhance your printing infrastructure, read our detailed article on Celiveo 365 for Microsoft Universal Print.

Conclusion

While Microsoft Universal Print offers a good starting point for modernizing your printing environment, it has several limitations that can impede effective printer fleet management. By integrating Celiveo 365 SaaS, you can eliminate these gaps, ensuring a more secure, comprehensive, and efficient printing solution.