First Cloud Printing Solution For Android SmartPhones Expands

Managed Print Services Connect (Jun 8 2010) Cloud/Mobile Printing , Consumables

1. Marlton, New Jersey – June 8, 2010 – GlobalPrint Systems, Inc. makes “anywhere” printing available to more mobile phone users with the first true cloud printing application for Androidâ-based SmartPhones. With the new application, GlobalPrint Systems expands its vision of convenient, flexible cloud printing via the PrintPOD mobile print network. Through the PrintPOD mobile print network, GlobalPrint enables cloud printing in public spaces. Now users can send any document on their Android SmartPhone to the PrintPOD network, and print the output from any PrintPOD-enabled printer or kiosk.

   Android Selected to Reach More Customers

   “We chose Android because of the opportunity to serve more customers,” said Joe Mislinski, CEO of GlobalPrint Systems.  “Android recently eclipsed the iPhone in units sold, and corporate users are moving to Android in droves.” GlobalPrint has plans to expand the application to other SmartPhone platforms during 2010.  

   Further extending its reach in the emerging mobile printing market, GlobalPrint Systems will also soon announce a major strategic partnership. “This partnership will dramatically expand the number of PrintPOD-enabled printers and nodes throughout the US and internationally, making cloud printing a reality for millions of consumers. Our vision of ubiquitous printing is becoming a reality,” Mislinski said.

   Difference Is Printing Convenience and Flexibility

   “What’s different about our offering is that it is not destination-specific,” Mislinski said. “Users print to the cloud, not to a specific print device, which makes mobile printing more flexible and less frustrating.” Unlike other products, which require the advance selection of a specific printer, entering “release codes” or finding an open wi-fi or Bluetooth printer, the PrintPOD approach is very convenient to use. Users can find enabled locations using Google Maps (either on a web browser or with the Android application), approach a device, login, and choose their document, print and go.  

   GlobalPrint created the first cloud printing network in 2007, and has units installed in convention centers, hotels, resorts and airport lounges and other public spaces. PrintPOD-enabled printers, nodes and kiosks allow consumers to walk up, log in and print.

   Now, Android SmartPhone owners can select and print any document on the phone’s storage, email folders, SMS text messages or photo gallery with the ease and security of the PrintPOD network.  

   Benefits for Printer Providers, Too

   The simplicity of the implementation relieves the owner of the printer from having to interact with the user, but it encourages “stickiness” – the consumer will stay at the coffee shop, bookstore, or other public location and use more services since printing is available.  

   Owners of print devices also enjoy revenue from these consumer interactions, underwriting the total cost of ownership of a device they most likely already own to print emails, invoices, customer orders and other general business documents.  The site owner can move the printer from the back office to the public space, encouraging consumer use and capturing more consumer transactions.

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