Cloud Printing Alliance Targets Smartphones
The newly formed Cloud Printing Alliance was created to further the movement toward anytime, anywhere computing by creating an industry standard for IP-based wireless printing, especially for the exponentially growing number of smartphones. The CPA has already begun working with multiple cloud service providers toward the goal of creating cloud compatibility.
The alliance, which is targeted at both printer and network solution providers, was announced by ThinPrint’s Cortado mobile division, which is contributing its Cortado Workplace technology. This technology is available gratis from app stores. Founding members include Brother, Dell, Funkwerk, Konica Minolta, Kyocera Mita and OKI. Conspicuously absent are the likes of HP, Canon, IKON and Toshiba. Cortado has drivers for around 10,000 printer models from 90 different manufacturers stored in its cloud-based printing technology.
According to Cortado, “Cortado Workplace enables documents to be printed directly from smartphones and tablets to any Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled printer. It is the only cloud printing solution that works regardless of the device, printer or file type and is not PC-dependent.”
The company said that "Cortado supports Apple AirPrint where users would like to use it."
[Editor's note: This blog was updated April 4 with corrected information from Cortado.]
Posted by Bruce Hoard on 03/29/2011 at 12:48 PM