THE GROWTH OF CLOUD-BASED PRINTING

We’ve been working in the industry since 1998; over the last 27 years, technology has changed many different industries, and we’ve seen firsthand how the printing industry has evolved.

One of the most transformative developments has been the development and growth of cloud-based printing. This has mainly been down to the demands of remote work, where mobile access and greater flexibility are required.  

Today, we’re taking a deeper dive into the growth of cloud-based printing and exploring the benefits and challenges that come along with it.

WHAT IS CLOUD-BASED PRINTING?

Cloud-based printing is the ability to send print jobs from any device via the internet to the printer. Rather than being tethered to specific printers or on-premises servers, users can access printers through cloud-based servers. These servers handle the data processing and job routing which eliminating the need for traditional print servers.

Cloud-based printing is especially useful in multi-site organisations, for organisations that use a hybrid working model, or for companies looking to streamline IT infrastructure.

At iNREACH, we can provide everything you need to get started with your cloud-based printing. Contact us today, and we will build a custom package that suits your organisation.

HOW CLOUD-BASED PRINTING HAS GROWN AND ADAPTED OVER THE YEARS

Cloud-based printing is still a relatively new concept when you think about how long printing has been a normality in businesses and homes. Initially, cloud printing was seen as a novelty or niche solution – often tied to specific platforms. However, as time has passed the concept hasn’t faded. Instead, it’s evolving.

With the rise of enterprise-grade solutions such as Microsoft Universal Print, PaperCut Hive, and PrinterLogic, cloud-based printing has become a central component of IT and print strategies for businesses of all sizes. It has adapted to modern security demands, compliance regulations, and the growing importance of mobile and remote access.

THE BENEFITS OF CLOUD-BASED PRINTING

So, what are the benefits of cloud-based printing? If you’re considering moving to a cloud-based printing solution, you may want to consider the following benefits.

For more information or to discuss how cloud-based printing can benefit your business, contact our team today.

ISSUES TO BE AWARE OF

While the advantages of cloud-based printing are compelling, there are some issues and considerations that you need to be aware of. Enlisting a print support specialised like iNREACH can reduce the risks and ensure your cloud-based print set-up is issue free.

When it comes to anything cloud-based, the primary concern for most businesses is security.

Since cloud printing involves transmitting data over the internet, there are inherent risks such as:

• Data interception during transmission.
• Unauthorised access to print queues or sensitive documents.
• Weak authentication mechanisms, especially in bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environments.
• Compliance concerns, particularly in regulated industries handling sensitive information.

When you partner with iNREACH, we not only comply with ISO, GDPR, and other relevant data protection standards, but we also implement security measures to mitigate these risks.

We ensure our client’s data stays protected by using the following best practices:

• Use end-to-end encryption for all print data.
• Enforce user authentication through single sign-on (SSO) or multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Restrict access controls and implement secure print release, where documents are only printed once the user is physically present at the device.
• Monitor activity using audit logs and real-time alerts to detect unusual behaviour.

PARTNER WITH INREACH FOR YOUR CLOUD-BASED PRINTING

As cloud-based printing continues to mature, it’s vital that businesses understand both its potential and the responsibilities that come with it. By partnering with iNREACH and adopting a proactive approach to implementation and security, we can work together to fully embrace the future of print – secure, efficient, and cloud-powered.

Contact our team today for more information and to discuss the requirements for your organisation.

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