Loftware Print Server Technology

The Loftware Print Server (LPS) is a "server-centric"-based technology solution. Rather than supporting multiple PC's throughout your enterprise, the LPS runs on a single server or high-powered PC work station. Essentially, the LPS is the central gateway keeper for managing bar code print requests between application(s) and network connected printers. It is the application bridge or "middleware" that allows disparate host applications to talk to proprietary hardware platforms.

The LPS integrates real-time thread system management with synchronous, high-speed TCP/IP host and printer sockets making it the fastest printing system in the world today. This robust architecture has the capacity to run the largest of enterprises and is capable of simultaneously processing and sending thousands of print requests to 100's of network printers connected to LANs/WANs and the Internet.

Due to high demands and ever changing needs of the global supply chain, it isn't cost effective to write and implement custom bar code printing applications. New and emerging business applications require that bar code printing systems remain open, flexible and capable of growing as system environments change. With increased complexities in label compliance, many companies and software developers are re-thinking how they implement bar code labeling systems. The LPS integrates with your entire network, allowing you to have better control over your labeling system.

Making an investment in Loftware's Print Server technology eliminates the expenses of developing and maintaining custom printing programs; and makes it possible for business applications, old and new, to quickly comply and keep up with latest bar code standards and specifications.

Key Features of the Loftware Print Server:

• Host and/or client applications always remain printer independent.
• No waiting for labels! The LPS connects and sends 1000's of label requests to 100's of printers (sending variable data from label to label) from your business applications and prints them simultaneously.
• Supports label printing across the Internet.
• Generate new labels "on-the-fly" and make label changes without changing Host application source code.
• The LPS manages variable check digits, formulas, serial numbers and all other data. Sources are calculated automatically - no custom code required.
• Loftware uses its own internal robust printer drivers for high-speed printing and also integrates with third party Windows drivers (such as laser jets).
• Integrated WYSIWYG Label Designer lets LPS users create, format and maintain label and forms libraries.
• Thin On-demand Print Client (On-demand Printing) and ActiveX Client Control (designed for integration within a Windows application) allow 95/98/NT/2000 client workstations to make label requests to the LPS server.

Loftware Label Manager

Loftware Label Manager gives you the ability to design and print labels right out-of-the-box! Whether you’re using bar code label printers in a stand-alone or enterprise environment, the Loftware Label Manager Wizard makes designing labels simple. Whenyou open a new label, the Label Wizard prompts you to create a new label, open a compliance label template for custom editing, or open a pre-existing label. Once your label template is open, you can place and size bar codes, text, line, box and graphic fields easily.

The Loftware Label Manager allows an unlimited number of users to design label formats. Once you’ve designed your label, you can then print locally, across your LAN/WAN, via the Internet or to networks operating in NT 4.0 Terminal Server or Windows 2000 Server (in Terminal Server or Citrix Metaframe environments). One concurrent user license comes standard with each edition, permitting the sharing of up to four (4) bar code or Windows printers on your network.

The Loftware Label Wizard has built-in label templates that give you a head start on meeting compliance standards. The Label Wizard is equipped with frequently requested label templates including label formats for shipping/logistics (UPS’s) Compressed MaxiCode Smart Label, FedEx), automotive (Honda, GM's 1724 label), retail (JCPenney, Wal-Mart, K-Mart and More), healthcare (HiBC, UCC), and the telecommunications (TCIF labeling specification). If you need to meet a specific compliance requirement, your industry is probably on Loftware Label Manager's list of supported symbologies. If you are not sure, call a Loftware Systems Analyst to get clarification at 207-363-3195. Loftware is continuously adding new symbologies to meet requirements for automotive, retail, shipping/logistics, healthcare, pharmaceutical and other industries so check back often.

In addition to label design capability, advanced features like ActiveX™ system control, on-demand printing, extended support for International languages, and a direct TCP/IP link, make the Loftware Label Manager a great value at an entry level price. Each Loftware Label Manager is sold with an Annual Support Contract (renewable), which features a full year of software upgrades and unlimited technical support from Loftware's Technical Support Call Center.