REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 19, 1998 — Microsoft Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Company today announced that they will deliver standards-based Internet printing functionality for the Microsoft® Windows NT® Workstation operating system 5.0 and for Windows NT Server 5.0, allowing a new model for customers to send print documents to anyone across the Internet.
The companies intend to provide the standards-based implementation of the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) natively in the second beta release of Windows NT Workstation and Windows NT Server 5.0, enabling users to print across the Internet by sending a document from their PCs directly to any URL-addressed printer on a Windows NT 5.0-based network.
“HP and Microsoft collaborated on the development of IPP to redefine the current network printing model and to deliver industry-leading hardcopy solutions for our customers,”
said Rich Raimondi, general manager of HP’s hardcopy solutions and services organization.
“The two companies are committed to driving industry standards and to breaking new ground that will enable business users to take full advantage of the Internet for printing.”
Using IPP, a user with an Internet connection will be able to send a document to any Internet-connected printer. For example, hotel business centers that make their printers available on the Internet would enable business travelers to receive business materials, such as color presentations, at the hotel. Businesses could also connect their printers to the Internet so employees traveling or working remotely could communicate with headquarters easily. The ability to send documents directly to any printer provides a simple and attractive alternative to sending a facsimile, overnight mail or e-mail attachments.
“By combining the Internet Printing Protocol and the security of Windows NT Workstation and Windows NT Server 5.0, Microsoft, together with HP, will deliver advanced printing solutions for business users,”
said Frank Artale, general manager of Windows NT enterprise and systems management at Microsoft.
“This technology will provide businesses of all sizes with a seamless, simple way to print from anywhere, to anywhere.”
Internet Printing Protocol
Microsoft and HP drove the development of IPP, which is designed to extend print-use models by leveraging the Internet. The Printer Working Group (PWG), a consortium of all major companies involved in printing, developed the printing standard. The protocol now has been given to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) for ratification as a formal standard.
“HP and Microsoft provide solid industry knowledge and resources integral to developing an Internet printing protocol that can be universally implemented,”
said Tim Bajarin, president of Campbell, Calif.-based Creative Strategies Inc., a market research firm.
“By working together to deliver products that allow printing across the Internet to a URL-addressed printer, HP and Microsoft provide a simple and inexpensive alternative to a facsimile that will appeal to businesses.”
Windows NT Workstation 5.0 and Windows NT Server 5.0
Windows NT Workstation 5.0 is the premier desktop operating system for businesses of all sizes, designed to replace Windows 95 as the standard business desktop. Windows NT Server 5.0 is the multipurpose server operating system that enables a wide range of business solutions for organizations that expect more from their information technology investments. More information about Windows NT Workstation and Windows NT Server is available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ and http://www.microsoft.com/ntserver/ , respectively. Windows NT Workstation and Windows NT Server 5.0 beta 2 are now available for testing deployments and evaluations by customers and developers.
HP’s Network Printing Solutions
According to HP, the company expects to deliver IPP-enabled network printing solutions by the end of 1998. Since 1991, HP has sold more than 8 million HP JetDirect print servers. HP provides cost-effective, reliable, simple network connectivity and management for users of peripheral devices and is the world’s leading supplier of network peripheral solutions.
About HP
Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global provider of computing, Internet and intranet solutions, services, communications products and measurement solutions, all of which are recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 127,200 employees and had revenue of $42.9 billion in its 1997 fiscal year.
Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com/ .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and
personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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