IPDS Emulator from Brooks Now Generates Searchable PDFs

Published: June 8, 2010

by Alex Woodie

Brooks Internet Software recently launched ExcelliPrint version 4.0, a new release of the Windows-based printer utility that supports intelligent printer data stream (IPDS)-formatted print jobs from i/OS and other systems. With version 4, Brooks has bolstered the product with the capability to generate searchable PDF documents, among other new features.

ExcelliPrint is a Windows-based print server that allows any Windows desktop or server computers to be used for IPDS printing. The software works by receiving and processing IPDS print requests from i/OS-based Power Systems and System z servers, which connect to ExcelliPrint over standard IP networks, and executing those IPDS print jobs as PDF or PCL print jobs on less costly printers.

With version 4.0, ExcelliPrint gains the capability to generate PDF documents that can be searched, as opposed to image-based PDF documents that cannot be searched. This is a big deal, says David Brooks, president of the Idaho Falls, Idaho-based business.

"Searchable PDFs is the feature most requested by our enterprise customers," Brooks says in a press release. "ExcelliPrint Premium 4.0 enables this by embedding original document text under the graphic images of text provided by AS/400s. The result is documents that print and display with true fidelity, can be indexed by document management and ERP systems, and enable text search in any PDF viewer application. ExcelliPrint can also automatically email PDF documents, allowing users to easily share print jobs."

The new release also gets a plain text driver that is useful for turning variable data input into batch print jobs. This feature, which was added at the request of a printer manufacturer, provides "a bridge between legacy systems and today's printing platforms," according to Brooks.

Other features include support for PCL printer-tray mapping, which makes it easier for customers to select printer trays and paper types; greater control over file names of print jobs archived to disk; and new backup features designed to simplify disaster recovery and migrations.

Brooks sells a standard and a premium edition of ExcelliPrint. The standard edition, which costs $495 per printer, provides basic conversion of IPDS print jobs and the capability to print on standard PCL-based Windows printers. The premium edition, which costs $795 per printer, adds features such as conversion to PDF, TIFF, PNG, and JPEG; support for advanced function presentation (AFP) data from i/OS and z/OS servers; and the capability to archive print jobs.

For more information, see the company's Web site at www.brooksnet.com.

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