HP Advances Web-based Printer-Management Software; Web JetAdmin Version 2.0 Leads Industry with Broadest Server Support and Enhanced User Interface

Business Wire, April 14, 1997

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 14, 1997-- Hewlett-Packard Company today announced HP Web JetAdmin Version 2.0 printer-management software for corporate Intranets. This latest version offers a number of significant advances, including support for additional Web-server platforms, a new administrator help tool and an improved graphical user interface (GUI). These enhancements make it easier than ever for local area network (LAN) administrators to manage enterprise network-connected printers within their Intranets.

Web JetAdmin Version 2.0 supports more server platforms than any other Web-based printer-management software on the market today. It supports HP-UX(1), Sun Solaris, OS/2 Warp and Microsoft(R) Windows NT(R) server platforms.

A new help tool allows LAN administrators to navigate easily through Web JetAdmin's advanced features. The help pages guide new users through printer-management activities, including device discovery, device grouping and printer diagnostics.

This latest version of Web JetAdmin also uses JavaScript to provide a sophisticated and responsive interface. With interactive displays and animated graphics, the intuitive interface helps information system (IS) managers and LAN administrators locate, diagnose and manage their printer environments quickly and more intuitively than before.

"The increased server support and enhancements found in Version 2.0 continue to make Web JetAdmin a leading network-printer management tool for corporate Intranets," said Marc Gunning, product marketing manager for HP's Internet Solutions Operations. "By tapping the power inherent in the Web, we can provide the tools administrators need to manage printers on their networks, any time, anywhere."

ADVANCED PRINTER MANAGEMENT

Web JetAdmin Version 2.0, like the original release, is browser-based and platform-independent, and comes equipped with sophisticated features for managing network-connected hardcopy devices within a corporate Intranet. These features include the following:

-- Printer-environment Mapping -- Administrators can easily set up a map or layout of their facilities to create a virtual office, complete with cubicles, offices and other recognizable landmarks. Administrators place printer icons at appropriate spots on the map. The status and location of any printer can then be checked quickly by viewing the map. Detailed information on a specific printer is then provided by clicking on the corresponding printer icon.

-- Broad Printer Support -- Web JetAdmin supports more than 70 HP printer models, HP JetDirect print servers and virtually any printer connected to an HP JetDirect EX Plus print server.

-- Browser-based Interface -- The browser-based GUI features task buttons and access to device groups. When used with a standard Web browser, such as Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer, Web JetAdmin places printer management right at the user's desktop -- with no client software to install.

-- Remote Printer Management -- Administrators can manage devices via an Intranet rather than having to use a PC connected to the same local network. This allows off-site access to Web JetAdmin for easy printer management anytime, anywhere.

-- Three-tiered Security -- Administrators can define passwords for Web JetAdmin access, device groups and individual devices according to their specific management strategies.

-- Easy Technical Support -- Direct links to HP's technical-support Web site are provided within Web JetAdmin for easy and fast technical support. Administrators also can set up links to their local support Web pages from Web JetAdmin.

AVAILABILITY

Versions of Web JetAdmin 2.0 for HP-UX, Sun Solaris, OS/2 Warp and Microsoft Windows NT currently are available for free from the following locations:

-- HP's World Wide Web site: www.hp.com/go/webjetadmin

-- CompuServe: Go HPLASER, JetDirect and Network Library

-- HP FTP Site: ftp.hp.com, /pub/networking/software

-- HP BBS: (208) 344-1691 (28,800,n,8,1) Network Printer Software

-- Library (1J)

-- America OnLine: HP FORUM

HP is the world's leading supplier of network printing solutions that set the standard for technology, functionality and reliability. JetAdmin and Web JetAdmin, combined with HP's broad range of printers, HP scanners and HP JetDirect print servers, provide the industry's most productive network printing solution.

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing, communications and measurement products and services recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 112,800 employees and had revenue of $38.4 billion in its 1996 fiscal year. -0-

Note to Editors: Microsoft is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.

Windows NT is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.

Netscape Navigator is a U.S. trademark of Netscape Communications Corporation.

HP-UX 9.X and 10.0 for HP 9000 Series 700 and 800 computers are X/Open(R) Company UNIX(R) 95 branded products. HP-UX 10.20 is an X/Open UNIX 95 branded product.