Unique Features of LPT:One

This is quite simply, the best public institution print management system available because:

• Virtually unlimited scaleability
• Cross platform - Windows and Macintosh. Compatible with Novell networks
• Mobile (i.e. wireless) support with web-click transient
• No single point of failure
• Multiple payment options including over-the-counter, coin-op, magnetic cards, smart cards, on-line accounts, credit cards, Blackboard campus cards
• Printer driver independent - works with virtually any printer
• Unicode: multiple user-selectable languages
• Automatic on-line account creation option - links via SIP2, Innovative API, LDAP, and LDAPS
• Multiple pricing methods: per printer, per document type or url, per user or group
• Easy to install and upgrade - download the software or an update
• Auto-update Clients and Print Release Terminals seamlessly
• Centrally manage
• Requires no special hardware (can operate as a software-only over-the-counter system)
• No user database required except for on-line account and free page per day/month/semester support
• Seamless integration with PC Reservation® - automatically picks up user ID and language preference
• The same software components work for small public libraries with a handful of computers to campuses with tens of thousands of student-owned laptops

New in LPT:One v4.2

LPT:One Version 4.2 completes the development of the Next Generation design by delivering a new Client in conjunction with updates to the other modules that make up the LPT:One system. Every component has been updated and architectural changes in the communication layer have been implemented to speed performance, improve reliability, and enhance security.

Driver Independence
The new Client system is free from concern over driver compatiblity. A new EnvisionWare Virtual Printer (EVP) is automatically created by the Client for each Printer Family. This new driver completely eliminates use of drivers from printer manufacturers and ensures consistent and accurate page counting and rendering. Print jobs are composed and calculated by a new Print Service. Since the EVP is created by the Client, there is no need to install any printer drivers on each public computer. As printers change, there is no required change on any Client - never revisit a Client to update or change a printer again.

Cross Platform Design
The new 4.2 Client runs on Java. That means it's designed to work on a variety of operating systems. If your PC doesn't have Java, the installer will automatically download and install it for you.

The new Client is written for full compliance with Vista. Vista is now part of the QA test process for LPT:One Clients. LPT:one 4.2 works seamlessly with Terminal Services and Citrix systems.

EnvisionWare's LPT:One 4.2 supports Macintosh OS 10 on Intel and PowerPC platforms. The appearance and workflow are IDENTICAL to that of the Windows Client, providing a consistent look and feel across different operating systems.

Centralized Configuration
All settings including default printers and supported Families are configured using the LPT:One Administrator. There are no Registry entries on Clients and nothing to configure locally making this a truly centralized product - ideal for any size network, and mandatory for rollout campus wide.

Auto-Release Modes
LPT:One has always supported release from either a print station or a Client. In the 3.x series, this was called pass-through printing. LPT:One 4.2 supports AAM Auto-Release. Mode 0 disables Client release, forcing all print release to occur at a Print Release Terminal. Mode 1 emulates the 3.x model in which users with sufficient funds can submit and release jobs at each Client. The 4.2 Mode 2 supports a mixed model. Users with sufficient funds in allocation, credit, or deposit (any allowed combination in administrator-defined order) can release jobs directly from the Client. Users with insufficient funds or guests will have jobs held until released and paid at a Print Release Terminal.

Easier Installation
A completely new installation system has been created to make installing easier and faster. Installers provide intuitive choices that are easy to understand. Installers navigate to the EnvisionWare license database to make it fast and easy for you to get your license file.

Clients can auto-discover a Job Queue Engine (the central host for the LPT:One print system) or use an admin-entered IP address in the installer. The standard Client installation requires no management of Windows firewall ports. (Wireless installations require opening a port which is an automatic prompt provided by Windows.)

Language Support
The Next Generation language technology in 4.2 provides seamless switching from English to Spanish to French and is completely integrated with PC Reservation® language control. Because the system is Unicode-based, Chinese and other character based languages are easily adopted. Every word on every screen can be customized and even HTML-tagged for emphasis, color, and other appearance attributes. Languages including customized screen messages are controlled centrally with the new Language Manager that installs on the Job Queue Engine PC.

Updated Portable/Wireless System
The wireless support components have been completely redesigned. An embedded web server delivers the transient Client for user-owned laptops, eliminating the need to configure a library web server for this option. The Job Queue Engine installs this new process automatically. Automatic Client registration permits easy IP routing and eliminates dependence on NetBIOS names. If a portable user keeps a copy of the remote Client on his or her computer, the system will automatically update the Client when it connects.

New Auto-Update Architecture
The Auto-update system has been designed from the ground up. A new web-based protocol delivers updates securely and quickly. Updates occur regardless of logged in user privileges whenever new versions are installed on the Job Queue Engine computer. PRTs update in a flash without user intervention. It's even possible to post an update while your users are using your computers because the updater advises of an unobtrusive update process and then progresses in the background.

The new updater moves you painlessly from a 3.13 system or a 4.x earlier release to the Version 4.2 system. (Customers migrating from 3.x should consult Professional Services about system design changes to take full advantage of the 4.x architecture.)

Greater Control
The LPT:One Administrator permits control of PRT visibility. If you want to hide the pickup location of staff-managed PRT's, one click of a mouse hides any or all staff PRTs. Screen prompts and customized messages are easily changed in each supported language. You can control which Printer Families are supported on each Client by an easy to use include/exclude configuration window.

Duplex printing and pricing is configured centrally on the Administrator and context sensitive help explains the settings.

Improved Diagnostics
A new logging system, designed with our customers in mind, provides separate user and developer logs. Logging can be easily reconfigured by the system administrator to control log size and other attributes. The Client connection log provides a quick glimpse of Client update status so that you can quickly see which Clients have connected and the version of Client software installed per computer.

Much More
These are just the highlights. There's a much bigger story to tell. The 4.2 release was tested using EnvisionWare's new pre-release testing program, the most extensive field testing program in our history. Customers provided valuable feedback each step of the way to ensure optimal interoperability and to change a variety of preferences and features to match customer expectations. The result is an intuitive and very stable design that represents quite simply the best print management system for libraries and campuses around the globe.

 

Payment Methods

LPT:One is a versatile, modular solution that can be uniquely configured to meet the needs of every library. For multi-branch systems, each branch might have a different configuration particularly for payment systems. Please consult with your reseller or an EnvisionWare Salesperson for assistance in determining the complement of payment systems that are right for your needs.

Free Printing
It may surprise you to learn that many of our customers do not charge for printing yet they have recovered the cost of their software in a year to eighteen months. Most institutions report at least a 25% savings because of waste reduction regardless of charging. Undoubtedly a charge will improve your recovery but you can still save money if policies prevent charging students or patrons for the cost of printing.

Over the Counter
In this mode, the public hands payment to staff over the counter and then staff releases the print job and hands the printout to the user. In this mode, nothing hits paper until you have the cash in your hands. Over the counter payment is the least expensive payment option but it also takes the most staff time.

Self-service Coin/Bill Acceptors
You can integrate a self-service coin/bill acceptor directly to a print Print Release Terminal and the public can pay cash as they release print jobs. EnvisionWare supports international currencies and provides the most reliable vending hardware available.

Debit/Stored-value Card Systems
Whether you sell a card with value or use a wall-mounted revalue station, debit cards have been around a long time and they are time-test payment methods for print and copy systems. EnvisionWare can provide customized cards and we can even print barcodes directly on the debit cards if that's your chosen payment method.

Smart Cards
Some institutions like smart cards which offer the same kind of capabilities as debit cards but in a non-magnetic, more reliable card type. Smart cards are more expensive than magnetic cards but they can offer more flexibility by integrating with vending machines and other devices.

Credit Cards
If you want a solution to use credit cards to add value to a debit card, or a web-based credit card transaction system that not only pays for print but will also clear fines later this year, EnvisionWare has the perfect solution. You host the entire solution and have full control.

On-line Accounting
The Authentication and Accounting Module permits allocations for "free" printing on a daily, weekly, or semester basis. You can establish deposit accounts so that patrons or students can place funds on deposit for later use for printing. Many academic institutions permit use of the credit account which allows students to run into debt up to an established limit. Charges can occur at the Client or at a Release Station.

Blackboard Transaction System
College campuses that use the BBTS can plug their LPT:One Release Stations directly into the Blackboard system for payment. An intermediary database is not required, making this the easiest campus-wide payment system available.

Mix Payment Methods
EnvisionWare's LPT:One system is VERSATILE. You can enable the mix of payment methods you need and only those methods will appear. The methods and operations can be different and unique across a campus. A library may want a self-service cash payment device added to the on-line accounting, whereas labs may be well served with just the on-line accounting features.

LPT:One Payment and Control Options

Count pages at Client, show cost/pages and allow user to cancel or print...

...sending jobs ‘directly to the printer’

...sending jobs to be released by staff

...sending jobs to be released by multiple staff

...setting a maximum per day per user of x pages and sending jobs ‘directly to the printer’

...send jobs to a Print Release Terminal for subsequent release to printer by user with a limit of x “pages” per user per day

...send jobs to a Print Release Terminal for subsequent release to printer by 1 staff with a limit of x “pages” per user per day

...send jobs to a Print Release Terminal for subsequent release to printer by multiple staff with a limit of x “pages” per user per day

...then charge to a user’s on-line deposit or credit account, and send jobs ‘directly to the printer’

...send jobs to a Print Release Terminal for subsequent release to printer by staff, charging to a user’s on-line deposit or credit account.

...send jobs to a Print Release Terminal for subsequent release to printer by multiple staff, charging to a user’s on-line deposit or credit account.

...setting an allocation of x pages per day per user and then charging to a user’s on-line deposit or credit account, sending jobs ‘directly to the printer’

...send jobs to a Release interface for subsequent release to printer by staff to charge first to an allocation of x pages per day per user and then charge to a user’s on-line deposit or credit account

...send jobs to a Print Release Terminal for subsequent release to printer by multiple staff to charge first to an allocation of x pages per day per user and then charge to a user’s on-line deposit or credit account

...sending jobs to a Print Release Terminal for subsequent self-service payment using cash or debit/smart card

...sending jobs to a Print Release Terminal for subsequent self-service payment using cash or debit/smart card plus on-line accounts

...charge to a Blackboard account, then send jobs ‘directly to the printer’

...sending jobs to a Print Release Terminal for subsequent self-service payment using Blackboard

...sending jobs to a Print Release Terminal for subsequent self-service payment using Blackboard, cash or debit/smart card plus on-line accounts

...sending jobs to a Print Release Terminal for subsequent self-service payment using Blackboard, cash or debit/smart card plus on-line accounts

...sending jobs to a Print Release Terminal for subsequent self-service payment using cash or debit/smart card plus credit card

...sending jobs to a Print Release Terminal for subsequent self-service payment using a credit card

...sending jobs to a Print Release Terminal for subsequent self-service payment using cash or debit/smart card, credit card, or on-line accounts

LPT:One with AAM

LPT:One works without a central database for customers that want one or more of the following payment methods:

• Free printing (cost control)
• Over-the-counter payment
• Cash using coin-op (CBA) or a card-based solution
• BlackBoard Transaction System

When you want to use on-line accounts such as deposit and/or credit accounts or allocation (free pages) accounts, you can add EnvisionWare's powerful Authentication and Accounting Module - AAM. In addition to hosting accounts (which can be auto-populated from an ILS or LDAP authority), the AAM also serves as a central data repository of reporting history.

Click here for detailed information about the Authentication and Accounting Module - AAM.

LPT:One with PC Reservation

LPT:One and PC Reservation Integration 

While LPT:One or PC Reservation can work separately and are licensed that way for the convenience of our customers, the real power of the EnvisionWare Suite comes into play when the products are installed together. The EnvisionWare suite offers a bundled discount for product and maintenance and capitalizes on a simultaneous installation program.

EnvisionWare purposely designed the applications to operate independently for those sites that had existing implementations and could not afford to replace their current print system. Also, some customers provide print services as part of an FM or Facilities Management program wherein a 3rd party supplier provides printers and software as a service to a library or college.

When LPT:One is integrated seamlessly with PC Reservation, the user experience is significantly enhanced:

1. User ID Integration
Without integration, a user must enter his or her ID each time a print job is submitted. If a user submits several jobs per hour, each submission requires entry of identification. When LPT:One is integrated with PC Reservation, the user ID is passed automatically to LPT:One. Once the user is logged into a PC Reservation session, no further identification to the print system is required. For libraries using a barcode, this is a real convenience for patrons who no longer need to enter a 14-digit barcode every time they print.

2. Computer Description Integration
PC Reservation allows the administrator to assign a "friendly" name to each computer. Instead of a counterintuitive NetBIOS name like AU-ADL07, a computer can display and be referred to as "Internet PC #7." This friendly name shows on the PC Reservation idle screen. When integrated with LPT:One, this same friendly description is passed to the Print Release Station or Terminal so that a user can pick up his or her print jobs based upon the friendly name shown on screen, not the AU-ADL07 hidden NetBIOS or computer name.

3. Reservation Station Integration
Many libraries, particularly those with less than 20 public computers, may find it very helpful to combine the functionality of a self-service Print Release Station with a self-service PC Reservation Station. This combines two self-service applications seamlessly on a single PC. This is important not only from a PC cost perspective but also a space consideration. Libraries that use the AAM for on-line accounting will find that multiple self-service applications can be combined on a single self-service PC.

4. Dynamic Language
When a library enables the user choice for language in PC Reservation, the language choice is automatically passed to LPT:One. In this model, a user that chooses to view PC Reservation dialogs in Spanish, for example, will also see LPT:One dialogs in Spanish.

5. LPT:One Page Limit by Session
When used together, LPT:One provides the ability to set a maximum number of pages that can be printed per PC Reservation session.

6. Central Management
Since all PC Reservation Management Consoles and all LPT:One Print Release Stations come with EnvisionWare Central Management, sites can be easily and seamlessly managed from a central point in the library system or from EnvisionWare's support center using the same tool.

These are just a few of the benefits of the combined solution that comes from implementing LPT:One and PC Reservation as a suite. There are also potential cost savings which may be discussed with your reseller or EnvisionWare.

Module Overview

LPT:One is a modular, highly scalable product designed to adapt to a variety of needs and applications. It fits equally well in a library with two PC's and in an enterprise campus environment with thousands of computers.

Because the same product fits in multiple applications at various price levels, there are different modules that adapt the system to fit each institution's needs.

This section is designed to provide an overview of the purpose of each module and its dependence on other modules. The solution is licensed by public computer and building for public libraries, and by FTE for academic institutions.

LPT:One Client Module
Installed on each public computer / Permanent local install or transient install for mobile computers
Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Citrix, Terminal Services
Macintosh OS X
Java

Counts pages
Calculates costs
Discards unwanted print jobs locally at the Client (saves network bandwidth)
Displays graphical pages and cost / confirmation dialog
Can operate stand alone or with a Release Station (licensed separately)
Requires one time installation and auto updates from Job Queue Engine thereafter (transient install from embedded web server)
Supports multiple printer families
Provides multiple user-selected languages

Per installed seat plus simultaneous user-owned portables

LPT:One Job Queue Engine
Install (1) JQE Windows service per building typically unless number of Clients or available bandwidth supports different configurations.
Windows 2000, 2003, XP Workstation or Server: 1GB RAM or more depending upon workload
Printed and Unprinted Job Repository
Connection broker for Clients, AAM Accounting Database, ILS/LDAP validating Authority, Print Release Terminals

Centrally managed by LPT:One Administrator
Unlimited per building - 1 typical

LPT:One Print Release Terminal
Installed on public self-service stations/kiosks/OneStop kiosks and on staff computers
Windows 2000, 2003, XP

Manages queue of unprinted and previously printed jobs
Provides multiple payment options
Provides connection for payment device such as EnvisionWare CBA
Licenses included in building license

LPT:One Admninistrator
Graphical utility to centrally manage Printers and Print Release Terminals
Windows 2000, 2003, XP
Site license

LPT:One Quick Reporter
Provides instant reporting on job statistics
Site license

LPT:One Blackboard Interface Module
Added to Job Queue Engine License

Permits added payment method on Print Release Terminals for charge to BBTS
Does not require separate database
May require gateway license from Blackboard
This solution is certified by Blackboard
Mandatory annual maintenance

Authentication and Accounting Module (AAM)
Optional accounting database
Deposit accounts
Credit accounts
Allocation accounts (free pages)
Other functions

Web Query for AAM
On-line web reporting tool
Requires Web server with PHP
Used by patrons/students to query account balances in real time
Staff can access real time account balances, cash reconciliation reports, and other management reports in a convenient web interface.

Included with AAM

BarcodePlus Terminal Engine
Optional eCommerce Solution

Software to control Barcode-enabled payment terminals
Use funds on deposit with the library to pay for copies, printing, fines, and other eCommerce items in the library or on campus. Also interoperable with Blackboard Interface Module.

 

Product History

This page provides a brief summary of the LPT:One development history. Detailed information is published in the printed and electronic manuals provided with licensed products.

First Installation [1998]
Oconee Regional Library. (12) Clients, (1) Release Station, (1) Reporting Module, (1) EnvisionWare Software Vending Interface using a debit card system.

Authentication and Accounting Module [2001]
First version of the AAM was installed for several customers, providing on-line accounting capabilities in a SQL-based print accounting system.

Enterprise Manager [2001]
The Enterprise Manager and the Remote Release Station were introduced to permit staff management of the Release Stations from any staff location. The Enterprise Management functions add the ability to managed and copy settings from one Release Station to another from a central location.

Copier Interface Module [2001]
The introduction of the Copier Interface Module permitted multi-function devices to be managed from a single Release Station for both print and copy functions.

Pass-through Mode [2002]
The pass-through mode was released at the request of a customer to permit charging for print at the Client instead of at the Release Station.

Macintosh Printing [2002]
The ability to integrate Macintosh systems into an LPT:One enterprise solution was added in 2002. In keeping with core principles, the Macintosh solution has the same look, feel, and features as the Windows Client experience.

TCP/IP Architecture [2002]
EnvisionWare redesigned the communications architecture of the entire system by replacing key components in favor of pure TCP/IP sockets in the Version 3.3 release.

First Agile Release [2003]
Late in 2002, EnvisionWare adopted the Agile programming method which permits frequent releases of small sets of features. This allows customers to have quick access to new developments and reduces the impact of new releases.

.Net Release [2003]
EnvisionWare was the first time and print management developer to release systems that supported the .Net framework.

Consortia Accounting Mode [2003]
At the request of a large multi-type consortium, EnvisionWare added the ability to segment funds in the AAM database so that each library could manage funds independently while sharing a common central database. Funds deposited at a library can only be used at that library.

Multiple Validating Authorities [2003]
To support large consortia that may connect to multiple ILS servers from the same or different vendors, EnvisionWare added multiple validating authority capabilities to LPT:One so that Release Stations can validate patrons against more than one ILS server on a prioritized basis.

Third Party Interoperability [2004]
A special 3rd Party Interoperability Mode was added to LPT:One that allows it to automatically pick up the user ID from sources other than PC Reservation and allows customers to adopt LPT:One and then later migrate to PC Reservation as budget permits.

LDAP [2004]
In September 2004 EnvisionWare released the LDAP interface for Release Stations. The system requires no special gateway service. Each Release Station connects to the network and uses LDAP server information to access student accounts which populates the AAM database for print accounting.

Localization [2004]
September 2004 also brought localization features throughout the product in support of international date and currency formats.

Privacy Modes [2004]
Responding to U.S. concerns over the PATRIOT Act, a new Privacy Mode was added that allows administrators to control what data is logged in the reporting system's files.

New Vending Devices [September 2004 and February 2005]
The latest of over 50 models of industry-standard vending devices was incorporated into the EnvisionWare Software Vending Interface. This brings the number of supported manufacturers to over a dozen.

LPT:One Next Generation Early Release [August 2005]
The first public installation of LPT:One Next Generation was installed at a public library system in Georgia. The upgrade from 3.x to 4.x was a seamless experience occurring in a couple of hours. There were no major incidents reported during the 90 days of operation. The Company continues to roll out minor updates to this and other early release sites.

Pessimistic Connection Method [November 2005]
EnvisionWare's new PCM was retrofitted to LPT:One 3.x series. This supports the widespread migration to Next Generation as well as providing a more robust operation of the currently released system. PCM eliminates dependence on assumed connections and works similar to the method used in web browsers, proven to be robust and unaffected by poor networking conditions.

LPT:One Next Generation Version 4.0 Release [6/2006]
Next Generation provides a new level of scalability, a new architecture, and a robust database to store print job information.

LPT:One 4.1 [2/2007]
New installer technology supports silent install and more intuitive installation; support for patron-owned portable computers/laptops; seamless Citrix and Terminal Services support; new Quick Reporter; and other features.

LPT:One Version 4.2 [1/2008]
Version 4.2 provides complete parity with all features of the 3.x generation and includes all of the new features of a Next Generation design.  Version 4.2 features a new Virtual Printer/Universal driver model that frees a user from the nuances of individual computer drivers.  Other remarkable features include: new auto-update architecture; two auto-release modes; updated wireless support; cross-platform design; Dynamic Language Manager and improved text customization; new diagnostic technology; enhanced security.

This list is not intended to represent all updates and releases or all features added to the product.  Detailed information about product releases is contained in the EnvisionWare On-Line Knowledge Base and in Release Notes. 

Would you like to learn more?

There are lots of options available to you to learn more about LPT:One and our other products.   Click Here to contact our sales group.

Download a Demo
Download the fully functional software package and try it for yourself.  One of our representatives or a representative from one of our strategic partners will help you with the installation of a download package so that you can try the system and see for yourself how easy it is to install and to experience the world's most intuitive and powerful print management system for libraries and campuses.

Expanded Evaluation
Our Expanded Evaluation Program is a program in which one of our Systems Engineers will guide you step-by-step through a complete evaluation of our system.

No Risk Purchase
All EnvisionWare software comes with an unconditional 30-day money back guarantee.  Thus you can use the standard installation process, engaging our Professional Services Group in the complete installation process.  This way you can see the product live in your library or your campus and experience unparalleled ease of use in a print cost management system.  If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied, you pay nothing.

Visit A Nearby User
With over 5,000 sites using EnvisionWare's LPT:One, there's probably an LPT:One user nearby.  A complete, unedited list of all customers is available on our web site.  Contact our sales group to obtain the Private Customer Access password which gives you access to a wealth of additional information about our products and gives access to our customer list.

Join Our List Serve
We host one of the most active user-to-user list serves in our industry.  Customers and prospective customers exchange ideas relating to EnvisionWare products and to public computer management.  The list is open to anyone (except competitors) so join and find out directly from our users what it's like to own LPT:One and learn all about the EnvisionWare support experience.

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