Press Releases

While the benefits of Citrix sever-based computing environments to businesses are clear in terms of centrally managing applications, printing can be the source of major issues in the successful implementation of a Citrix solution. The high bandwidth and network traffic associated with printing can result in delays to both the network and server resulting in serious efficiency losses for businesses using Citrix. Lexmark provides the printing solutions necessary for resellers to overcome these problems when selling printers into a Citrix environment.

Compatibility with Citrix® MetaFrame® software is designed into every Lexmark laser printer and multifunction printer, whether connected on a network or locally to a terminal server, print server or a local client.  This ensures simple and complete printer driver installation for Citrix clients - allowing the full use of functions such as stapling, duplex, hole punching and multiple input and output drawers.

Complete compatibility with Citrix is a key differentiator for Lexmark, and ensures less maintenance for centralised IT support teams.

Reduce impact on network bandwidth by moving processing to the printer
Lexmark's Optra Forms solution can be used to reduce network traffic by sending raw, unformatted data to intelligent printers where electronic forms are stored and automatically merged with the data to create finished documents.

This technology extends the Citrix concept one stage further.  Whereas Citrix removes the processing burden from the desktop client and centralises it on the server, Optra Forms moves the processing to the printer.  This eliminates the need for transmitting large formatted print jobs across the network, as well as pre-printed forms and stationery.  Commonly used forms from a range of enterprise management systems, including SAP, can be easily incorporated.

Enterprise support
The Citrix server-based computing architecture is frequently used to deploy and manage enterprise applications such as ERP, CRM and SCM. 

Both Lexmark and Citrix are SAP Global Technology Partners, and Lexmark printers have passed rigorous testing for SAP compatibility. Optra Forms can be easily configured to use SAP forms.

"Resellers must be aware that printing can be a major issue for businesses using Citrix," said Jane Cronin, SMB Director. "As part of Lexmark's commitment to enabling resellers to further add value to their sales, we offer the solutions necessary to overcome these printing issues. The use of Lexmark Optra Forms, for instance, can reduce the impact on bandwidth of printing by 60%."

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