Future-oriented
"It's been several years since we switched to what we call 'pull-print,' where you have to swipe your card to retrieve your printouts," says Are Garn?sjordet, the section manager for Windows application management at the IT department. "We wanted the environmental benefits that such a system provides, and we were early adopters. Now, the system is old and no longer receives updates from the manufacturer, and since the printers are connected to the Internet, security is crucial. This fall, we are transitioning to a new printing solution across the entire UiO. The technology we've chosen is future-oriented and secure, and most people at UiO won't even notice the change."
Not exciting
Garn?sjordet and the IT department have been preparing the transition for some time, but it had been happening behind the scenes. "Printing shouldn't be exciting. You select 'Print,' and then you retrieve your printout. We'll take care of the rest," he says. The transition to the new printing system is happening in close collaboration with the IT sections that operate at the faculties and institutes. Halvard Brennum is the section manager for IT ?vre Blindern, where the SV faculty is the first to adopt the new system. He wants to remind all that employees will receive assistance where needed. "Each printer will be unavailable for a couple of hours on the day we implement the new system, but there will always be a nearby printer you can use," he assures.
What will you notice when you print?
Brennum explains that the printer's name and print queue will change. If you have a UiO owned computer (PC or Mac), you will need to select a new printer in the print dialouge. If you use your own computer, you can print from a web page or install the new printer yourself. "There will be a poster by all printers which have been transferred to the new system, with a QR code and a link you can use to see a guide for selecting the new printer. The guide also contains information about how to print from non-UiO computers."
However, for some, it's possible that the printer will be located in a different place than before. "Some printers have to be 'retired' because they are too old for the new system," Brennum says. "Since we print much less than before, and for environmental and financial reasons, we don't want to fill up with printers that are rarely used, not all old printers will be replaced. But if you go to retrieve your printout and the old printer isn't there, the next one isn't far, and there are signs indicating where to go," Brennum concludes.
When printers are taken out of service, it will happen in close collaboration with faculty and staff working in the respective building. Local needs will be closely considered, and for example, if there are users with reduced mobility or other specific needs, printers will be placed in a way that allows them to continue accessing them.
On the day of the printer transfer, extra IT personnel will be present in the building. IT support is also available as usual and can assist with any questions. See the IT support contact information.
Problems?
On the Why is my document not printing page, you'll find information about which printer to select, how to print from non-UiO computers and whether the printers in your building have been transferred to the new system.
When will the transition occur?
The new system has been tested in the IT department since before summer, and now printers across UiO are being transferred, building by building. Eilert Sundts hus at the SV faculty is the first to transition on September 6th. Subsequently, more buildings will be transferred, and it's expected to be completed before the end of the year. You can keep track of which buildings have transitioned to the new system and which are next, on the webpage with status for the transition to the new printing system.