I wanted to share some imaging and printing resources in Windows Terminal Server (WTS) and Citrix environments. HP and its partner community have a number of helpful resources which can be useful for those new to administering these shared server computing architectures.

If you take a look at anything, bookmark the “HP printers supported in Citrix Presentation Server environments” whitepaper. This is an amazing document which is published regularly (usually 2 to 4 times a year). The document covers the types of devices supported, versions of the OS, middleware and drivers supported, etc. The title would seem to indicate support for print only (which is the primary focus), but topics also cover twain redirection for scanners and all-in-one devices as well. A URL at the end of the document invites customers to participate by providing feedback. The format is quite easily used for administrators who are new to managing printing assets in a shared server computing environment. Seasoned administrators will likely appreciate the consolidated list of open and resolved issues.

For those comfortable with WTS and Citrix environments and have an optimal infrastructure which is relatively well managed, consider moving to the next step by optimizing workflow:

• Consider ThinPrint Solutions to compress and optimize print streams. This can be especially important for location with low bandwidth to remote sites (dial-up, 56K frame relay, ISDN, low-bandwidth DSL, etc.)
• Sometimes prints need to be sent to users behind other firewalls outside of the corporate environment where redirecting the print stream through the RDP or ICA session is not desirable. While the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) can help, frankly customers demand more security-wise from their devices. Often we see customers choosing solutions like Capella’s SD-Express which looks and feels like normal print, but is transparently encrypted, transmitted using SMTP and decrypted in-printer and can even confirm prints through SMTP messages.
• Inevitably scanning becomes a consideration where TWAIN redirection may be helpful, but a more locked-down workflow oriented solution is preferred. Technology partners like Omtool with their AccuRoute platform can help and fully support these shared server computing environments. These solutions make for ideal capture platforms when working with shared multifunction printers and Digital Senders.
• For environments where job tracking becomes a consideration (whether that’s billing back departments or simply used as an audit mechanism for security practices) we have a number of solution partners which can help. This includes embedding tracking agents in print servers or the client sessions. For simplicity in these environments it is usually best to embed an agent at the device using technology such as Capella MegaTrack In Printer Agent (MIPA) or other tracking solution partners.
• Take a look at the devices hosting the RDP or ICA sessions themselves. HP has a number of low-cost devices including Windows XP/Vista desktops, laptops and thin client terminals. The most recent offering is a thin client laptop called the HP Compaq 6720t Mobile Thin Client.