Print servers have been around for decades, and they play an important role in many businesses. They allow multiple workstations to share printers, which can save time and money. However, print servers can also be burdensome to manage and maintain.

Output Management Servers (OMS)

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards moving away from print servers and towards output management servers. OMS systems like OM Plus from Plus Technologies are more sophisticated than print servers, and they offer a number of advantages, including:

  • Improved print security: OMS systems can help to improve print security by restricting access to printers and print jobs. They can also help to prevent unauthorized users from printing sensitive documents.
  • Reduced print costs: OMS systems can help to reduce print costs by tracking print usage and identifying areas where printing can be optimized. For example, OMS systems can automatically route print jobs to the most efficient printer or print jobs can be held for release by an authorized user.
  • Increased print efficiency: OMS systems can help to improve print efficiency by automating print tasks such as printer spooling, load balancing, and failover. This can help to reduce the amount of time it takes for print jobs to complete and improve the overall reliability of the print environment.

When to Replace Your Print Server with an OMS

While print servers can be a good option for small businesses with simple printing needs, OMS systems are a better choice for most businesses. OMS systems are more scalable and offer a wider range of features, making them ideal for businesses of all sizes and industries.

Here are some specific signs that it may be time to replace your print server with an OMS:

  • You are having difficulty managing your print environment.
  • You are experiencing frequent print failures or performance problems.
  • You are looking for ways to reduce your print costs.
  • You need to improve the security of your print environment.
  • You need to automate your print workflow.

How to Choose an OMS

If you are considering replacing your print server with an OMS, there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing a solution:

  • Scalability: Make sure the OMS you choose is scalable enough to meet the needs of your business. If you have a large number of printers or users, you will need an OMS that can handle the load.
  • Features: Consider the features that are important to you. Some OMS systems offer a wider range of features than others. For example, you may need an OMS with features such as print release, automated failover, or load balancing.
  • Integrations: If you use any other business systems, such as ERP or CRM systems, make sure the OMS you choose integrates with those systems. This will help to streamline your workflow and improve efficiency.
  • Support: Make sure the OMS vendor offers good customer support. You want to be able to get help quickly if you have any problems with your OMS system.

Conclusion

Print servers can be a good option for small businesses with simple printing needs. However, output management systems (OMSs) offer a number of advantages, including improved print security, reduced print costs, and increased print efficiency.

If you are considering replacing your print server with an OMS, then check out OM Plus. OM Plus is a scalable and feature-rich solution that can help you to improve your print environment and reduce your printing costs.

Schedule a Free Consultation to Learn More About Output Management Server Solutions

Contact Plus Technologies today to learn more about OM Plus and Output Management Server Solutions.