The significance of Windows Server 2012 R2 reaching the end of support is not to be underestimated. “Neglecting/ Ignoring” this transition can expose organisations to various risks and drawbacks that can hinder their efficiency, security, and overall productivity.
One of the crucial reasons to get ahead of the October deadline, is the potential security vulnerabilities that arise. As Microsoft discontinues security patches and updates for this version, any newly discovered vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, leaving the infrastructure susceptible to cyber threats. By upgrading to a supported and up-to-date printing solution like serverless printing, businesses can ensure that they benefit from the latest security features and patches, minimizing the risk of breaches and data compromises.
As technology continues to advance, businesses are constantly seeking more efficient and cost-effective solutions for their infrastructure. With the impending end of support for Windows Server 2012 R2, organisations have an opportunity to reassess their print infrastructure and explore new alternatives. Enter serverless printing, an innovative approach that eliminates the need for traditional print servers.
Before we dive into the world of serverless printing, it’s important to understand the challenges posed by traditional print servers. Setting up a new print server can be resource-intensive, requiring the allocation of time, effort, and potentially additional hardware investments. Furthermore, the deployment of new print queues and ensuring driver compatibility can be a daunting task, potentially leading to workflow disruptions.
Traditional print servers often come with licensing costs, adding to the overall expense of maintaining the infrastructure. Regular maintenance, including software updates and security patching, is essential for these servers, which diverts IT resources from other critical projects. Lastly, traditional print servers primarily enable printing within the organisation’s network, often requiring users to establish VPN connections for remote printing.
Embracing the Advantages of Serverless Printing
Serverless printing offers a modern and streamlined alternative to traditional print servers, presenting a range of advantages and possibilities:
1. Seamless Updates
Serverless printing solutions provide regular updates and feature enhancements, ensuring that the printing infrastructure remains up to date with the latest security measures and improvements. This eliminates the need for manual intervention and guarantees a more efficient and secure printing environment.
2. Enhanced Security
Security is a paramount concern for any organisation. With serverless printing, robust access control measures can be implemented to prevent unauthorised printing and ensure the confidentiality of sensitive documents. Users can securely release their print jobs at their desired printer, reducing the risk of unauthorised access.
3. Print Anywhere
One of the key advantages of serverless printing is the ability to print from anywhere, irrespective of the user’s physical location. Whether working from home, travelling, or in a remote branch office, users can effortlessly print to any supported printer within the organisation’s network. This flexibility boosts productivity and facilitates seamless collaboration.
4. Comprehensive Reporting
Serverless printing solutions often offer comprehensive reporting capabilities, providing valuable insights into print usage, costs, and trends. These reports enable organisations to optimize their printing infrastructure, identify areas for cost reduction, and enhance overall efficiency in print management.
5. Streamlined Scanning
Some serverless printing solutions incorporate built-in scanning capabilities, allowing users to scan documents directly from multifunction printers to their desired destinations. This integration simplifies document management workflows, reduces reliance on separate scanning devices, and enhances collaboration among team members.
6. Microsoft Azure Hosting
Serverless printing leverages the power of cloud computing and is commonly hosted in Microsoft Azure, a secure and scalable cloud platform. This ensures high availability, disaster recovery options, and the ability to choose from various data centre regions for optimal performance.
7. Intuitive Configuration
Serverless printing solutions typically provide an intuitive web interface for configuration, eliminating the need for complex server setups. Administrators can easily manage and customize the printing environment with minimal effort, reducing the burden on IT teams.
As Windows Server 2012 R2 reaches end of support, organisations have a unique opportunity to reimagine their print infrastructure. Serverless printing offers a modern and efficient alternative to traditional print servers.
If you had any questions or concerns regarding your current print service and whether your business will be affected, please get in touch with our team of specialists.
