Hello all...
Some time ago there were a few messages requesting help and/or ideas
relating to printing management on OSF, mainly by users migrating
from a VMS environment. At the time the various summaries looked
rather inconclusive...
We have the same problem! We currently run a VAX/VMS cluster with
30+ print queues, pointing to printers at some 12+ locations
dotted around the UK. At each location the users can manage their
own print queues, determining form type, job status (hold/release),
number of copies, print range, printing lineups, etc. etc. etc.
We're now migrating our main applications to OSF and will require
the same ability. Now I know that one possible solution is to have
a different queue for different form types, but for *each* printer
given the number of form types we have that would mean approximately
300+ print queues!!!!! What we really need is a proper printing
system that replicates the [*contentious-plug-on* EXCELLENT
*contentious-plug-off* ;-) ] VMS environment.
In addition we have another VMS machine at a different location
(not part of the cluster, but linked via Decnet) which has a duplicate
set of print queues, all pointing to the same LAT devices as their
equivalents on the cluster. To avoid the problem of having a different
form type on the cluster to the one on the other machine we've written
DCL routines which use Decnet objects to communicate between the
machines and keep parallel print queues in step. Guess what! We need
to do the same on OSF! (In fact we also have two HP boxes running
HP/UX, so we're really looking for a platform independent solution).
Appologies for raising this one again (last time it was raised by
Bob Berrigan <berrigan_at_kent.wednet.edu>), but it really is going
to give us quite a problem soon. :-(
Since we are trying really hard to get away from VAX/VMS (i.e.
reliance on proprietary operating systems) it would seem rather
a shame to have to retain one machine *just* for printing!!
Thanks in advance (will summarise)....
Peter Greinig <pjg_at_butlins.co.uk>
Butlins Holidays Ltd, Bognor Regis, England.
Received on Tue Jun 06 1995 - 13:54:55 NZST