LBNL Printing Modernization Project - Distributed Printing Services (NDPS)

The Laboratory is beginning an extensive project to update and streamline the use of networked printers on site. Once completed, the effort will make printing faster and easier, as well as improve system monitoring for maintenance and repairs.

The LBNL Printing Modernization Project by the Computing Infrastructure Support Department will combine the Lab’s three separate and distinct printing systems — one each for PC, Macintosh and UNIX computers — into a single system. Instead of going through Novell, IPX or AppleTalk to find a printer on the network, employees will choose any printer by its IP (Internet Protocol) address.

To accomplish this, each of the more than 500 network-connected printers in the distributed printing system will be “visited” by a member of the Lab’s Mac/PC Support Group. Each printer will be checked to make sure that its internal code is up to date and will also have a permanent IP address assigned to the machine.

There will be no charge to users for the upgrade.

The project came about as a result of Y2K preparations. While the distributed printing system was found to be Y2K compliant, the audit did find that some printers were using “ancient” internal codes which could no longer be maintained by the Lab. The modernization project will ensure that all printers are using the latest codes and can be accessed through a single system.

The project will provide two main benefits to users:

• Improved overall speed and reliability of printing; and

• Better support and diagnostic tools. In addition to making it easier for users to check the status of specific jobs, the tools will allow users and support staff to monitor (and correct) problems such as low toner, open covers, jammed paper and no paper.

Here are some questions and answers about the project.

Who is involved?

The Computing Infrastructure Support (CIS) Department is primarily involved. CIS currently maintains the Lab’s distributed printing infrastructure. In addition, Network Services will be involved because of the conversion to the use of TCP/IP. Finally, users will be involved and CIS will be providing more details as the project progresses.

What must be done?

Basically, two jobs must be done.

The first job is a preparatory step: all printers now accessible by users of Lab’s distributed printing service will be configured with a static IP address and the firmware (internal codes) that connect the printer to the network will be upgraded, if necessary, to accommodate the change.

The second job involves the configuration of each user’s desktop so that the new method of printing can be used. This step will only be taken after extensive testing has been done, and only when the user approves the change.

What is the test plan?

Besides the effort in locating, configuring, testing and documenting each printer on the Hill and at other supported locations, CIS intends to do several carefully planned pilot projects before converting users desktop to the new system. Until five different test groups (including CIS itself) are converted and report success, CIS will not proceed with the rest of the lab.

As the conversion is under way, CIS will continue running the old system in parallel, just in case any unexpected difficulties arise.

How can I get more information?

Articles reporting on the project’s progress will appear in the Berkeley Lab Computing News and Currents. In addition, feel free to contact the Help Desk at x4357 and someone familiar with the project will call you and answer any questions. You can also check out http://www.lbl.gov/cs/help/printing.html for further details concerning distributed printing.

Responsible Official: Charles E. Verboom