KlickSuperfly
asked on
How do I automatically convert a network print job to PDF and store to a location?
Hello experts,
INPUT
I have a proprietary application running on a Sun system which is connected to our network. I have no knowledge of the system other than it serves as a database imaging system which can output images to network plotters (or printers). The proprietary system has been created to dispense network print jobs to port 9100 (I believe that's HP's JetDirect default port) and is extremely inflexible however it works very well. I do not have access to this system other than to add printers.
OUTPUT
My goal is to dispense PDF files from this system (rather than paper print jobs).
PROCESS GUIDELINES
I'm looking for a way (product, method, etc) to put a PDF creator on my network that will accept incoming print jobs from the proprietary system and store them in predetermined location(s). No options required. Just take the print job and change it into a PDF that is stored on the network.
OTHER INFORMATION
I have a virtualized Windows 2003 Server and several Windows XP clients on this network. If need be I can add a different platform on the VM server to process jobs.
Constructive advice or suggestions appreciated. Thank you.
INPUT
I have a proprietary application running on a Sun system which is connected to our network. I have no knowledge of the system other than it serves as a database imaging system which can output images to network plotters (or printers). The proprietary system has been created to dispense network print jobs to port 9100 (I believe that's HP's JetDirect default port) and is extremely inflexible however it works very well. I do not have access to this system other than to add printers.
OUTPUT
My goal is to dispense PDF files from this system (rather than paper print jobs).
PROCESS GUIDELINES
I'm looking for a way (product, method, etc) to put a PDF creator on my network that will accept incoming print jobs from the proprietary system and store them in predetermined location(s). No options required. Just take the print job and change it into a PDF that is stored on the network.
OTHER INFORMATION
I have a virtualized Windows 2003 Server and several Windows XP clients on this network. If need be I can add a different platform on the VM server to process jobs.
Constructive advice or suggestions appreciated. Thank you.
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SOLUTION
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SOLUTION
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ASKER
I've been told that the output is "PCL5 compatible" (no word on PCL5c or PCL5e). We're still testing and trying to see if we can simply map a network printer (IE suggestions from lanboyo and noycesauce).
I'll post when we know more. Thanks to all for the suggestions up until this point!
I'll post when we know more. Thanks to all for the suggestions up until this point!
As long as you can direct the print job to a specific printer, CutePDF should do the trick. www.cutepdf.com I've used it for a few years and it does a very good job of converting documents to .pdf. In order to bypass the "Save As" dialogue box, you'll have to purchase their Cute PDF Writer (the freeware version will not bypass that dialogue box). http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp
But (as far as I can see) you can't install CutePDF on the Sun (to interface with the proprietary application & document), because it's a Windows application.
You are most certainly right - I just went right past the Sun server in the question.
Could install CutePDF on a Windows machine and share it out as a network printer - their Writer version will allow that also.
Could install CutePDF on a Windows machine and share it out as a network printer - their Writer version will allow that also.
ASKER
Right now we're testing a mix of noycesauce and lanboyo's suggestions by installing the Universal Document Converter 'virtual printer' as a shared printer on the Windows server box.
Unfortunately we're experiencing a huge delay in the creation of the printer path on the Sun box because some critical people are on holidays.
I've tested by mapping the printer to a Ubuntu box that we have on the system and the print job worked perfectly: one PDF file in the output folder on the Windows server.
Now we just need to see how the Sun box handles shipping the job to this printer. I've used CutePDF in the past and am a fan of it but decided to live dangerously and try something new. Impressive software so far but whether or not it suits our needs remains to be seen.
Thanks to everyone who has replied thus far.
Unfortunately we're experiencing a huge delay in the creation of the printer path on the Sun box because some critical people are on holidays.
I've tested by mapping the printer to a Ubuntu box that we have on the system and the print job worked perfectly: one PDF file in the output folder on the Windows server.
Now we just need to see how the Sun box handles shipping the job to this printer. I've used CutePDF in the past and am a fan of it but decided to live dangerously and try something new. Impressive software so far but whether or not it suits our needs remains to be seen.
Thanks to everyone who has replied thus far.
ASKER
Thank you for your contribution to solving my printing issue. I appreciate your time and attention.
Cheers
Cheers
ASKER
Thank you to everyone who posted their ideas here about this problem. We have yet to be able to test any of these solutions due to internal issues with personnel scheduling however the points go to the submitters with the ideas that seem to hold the most promise (rationally speaking).
ASKER