Ultimate Guide to Cloud Printing: Cloud-Ready Printers 2024

Trisha Olivar | Apr 11, 2024

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Welcome to the era of cloud printing, a revolutionary technology that brings the power of the cloud to your printing needs. Imagine printing documents wirelessly from anywhere, using any internet-connected device. That’s the convenience and flexibility cloud printing offers.

In this age of digital connectivity, WiFi printers have become essential for seamless cloud integration, ensuring you can print without being tethered to cables or a specific location. When it comes to selecting the perfect printer, it’s crucial to find one that aligns with your cloud printing needs. Discover what is the best printer to buy to enhance your cloud-based printing experience.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the fascinating world of cloud printing, covering:

Cloud Printing Fundamentals & Benefits
Demystifying Cloud-Based Printing Operations & Security
2024’s Leading WiFi Printers & Selection Criteria
The A to Z of Cloud-Managed Printing Solutions

Google Cloud Printing: A Foundational Overview

Cloud printing has revolutionized how we handle printing tasks, offering unparalleled convenience and flexibility. This innovative technology lets you print documents from anywhere, anytime, without directly connecting your device and the printer. Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, cloud printing enables you to send print jobs over the internet easily. One of the trailblazers in this field was Google Cloud Print. Although discontinued in 2021, it set the stage for developing more advanced cloud printing solutions that continue to benefit users today.

Components of Cloud-Based Printing

Cloud printing offers a flexible printing solution for all users. Here’s a breakdown of the key components that make cloud-based printing possible:

Print Server: A computer or device that handles the printing process. It receives print jobs from client devices and sends them to the right printer.
Print Queue: A system that holds print jobs waiting to be printed. Managed by the print server, it ensures jobs are printed in the order received.
Print Driver: Software that converts print jobs into a format the printer can understand. It communicates with the printer to send the job and get status updates.
Printer: The physical device that prints the document. It gets the print job from the print server and turns it into a printed document.
Cloud Print Service: A web service lets users send print jobs to the print server from any internet-connected device. It handles user authentication and forwards the print job to the print server.
Cloud Print Proxy: Software on the client device that sends print jobs to the cloud print service. It acts as a go-between for the client device and the cloud print service, handling user authentication and job forwarding.

The Inner Workings of Cloud-Based Printing

Cloud-based printing services enable printing from any device connected to the Internet. They route print jobs from your computer, smartphone, or tablet to an internet-connected printer.

Users can easily find cloud print-ready printers and print without installing drivers. In a typical cloud printing setup, when someone submits a print job, the cloud service sends it to the chosen printer and formats it correctly.

Cloud printing is compatible with both legacy and cloud-ready printers. Legacy printers usually need a cloud print connector installed.

(Image via Printer Server – Shenzhen IT Outsourcing)

Many businesses are exploring cloud-managed printing, even though it’s a developing market without standard industry norms. Not only do businesses see the value in cloud printing, but the consumer market is also adopting mobile cloud printing through public printing services.

Stores like FedEx and UPS have embraced the Internet of Things by offering cloud printing services in-store from kiosks. These services allow you to print directly from platforms like Google Docs, Dropbox, and ePRINTit apps.

Safeguarding Your Data: Cloud Printing Security Measures

Security is crucial when using cloud printing, as it involves sending sensitive documents and print jobs over the internet. Here are some steps to secure your printing setup:

Encryption: Ensure the connection between your device and the printer is encrypted. Use secure protocols like HTTPS or SSL to protect data in transit.
Authentication: Ensure only authorized users can access and print from the printer. Employ robust authentication methods such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance security.
Monitoring: Regularly monitor your cloud print environment, including printer and network logs, to detect suspicious activity.
Access Control: Limit access to your printer and its data by creating a list of users and devices allowed to print to it.
Software Updates: Keep your printer software and cloud printing services up to date to quickly address any security vulnerabilities.

Implementing these security measures can help protect your sensitive information and reduce the risk of unauthorized access and other security threats associated with cloud printing.

6 Amazing Benefits of Cloud Printing for Your Business

The advantages of cloud-based printing are vast, particularly for businesses and individuals seeking efficiency and flexibility. Here are some key benefits:

Cost Savings: Cloud printing helps businesses save money by eliminating the need for expensive hardware and software. It meets print-on-demand needs efficiently, reducing overall print costs.
Environmental Impact: By choosing cloud-ready printers, organizations can lower their carbon footprint. This method reduces emissions from transportation and minimizes waste production.
Device Flexibility: Cloud printing supports the Bring Your Device (BYOD) trend, allowing employees to print from any device without compatibility issues or driver installation, reducing the need for IT support.
Automatic Updates: With cloud printing, software updates occur automatically in real-time, ensuring access to the latest features and fixes without manual intervention.
Reduced IT Costs: The investment required for cloud-managed printing is significantly lower than the costs associated with maintaining a traditional IT infrastructure for printing.
Simplicity: Setting up cloud printing is straightforward and quick, offering a user-friendly solution that eliminates concerns about software, drivers, or cables.

Cloud-print-ready printers are designed to seamlessly connect to cloud services, enabling you to print from anywhere with an internet connection. These printers have built-in cloud connectivity features, making them an essential component of a cloud-based printing setup.

Best WiFi Printers for Cloud Printing in 2024

When choosing a WiFi printer for cloud printing, consider models that offer reliable connectivity, high-quality output, and compatibility with popular cloud services. Look for printers that support cloud print-ready features and offer easy setup and management.

1. HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e All-in-One Printer

A top choice for home offices or small businesses, this all-in-one printer boasts fast printing speeds, high-quality output, and a variety of cloud printing options, including HP+, Mopria, and Apple AirPrint. It’s ideal for those needing a reliable and versatile printing solution.

2. Epson EcoTank ET-4760 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer

This all-in-one printer stands out with its print quality and efficiency. Thanks to Epson’s EcoTank technology, it offers ultra-low-cost printing with refillable ink tanks. It’s compatible with wireless printing and cloud services such as AirPrint and Epson Connect.

3. Canon PIXMA TR8620 All-in-One Printer

This compact all-in-one printer is excellent for both home and office use. It offers versatile connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC and supports cloud printing services, including the Canon Print App and AirPrint.

4. Brother HL-L3290CDW Compact Digital Color Printer

This compact digital color printer is known for its vibrant, high-quality prints. It has built-in wireless connectivity and is compatible with cloud printing services like AirPrint and Brother iPrint&Scan. With its fast print speeds and duplex printing capabilities, it’s ideal for small offices and home users.

5. Samsung Xpress C1860FW Wireless Color Laser Printer

This high-performance wireless color laser printer is designed for demanding printing environments. It features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology for easy printing from various devices. It’s compatible with cloud services like Samsung Mobile Print and AirPrint.

5 Crucial Factors to Consider When Choosing a WiFi Printer

When selecting a WiFi printer for cloud printing, there are several factors to keep in mind:

Print Volume: Consider how much you’ll be printing. Choose a printer that can handle a high volume of prints without frequent maintenance for heavy printing needs.
Print Quality: Look for printers with automatic document feeders, duplex printing, and high-resolution printing capabilities.
Compatibility: Ensure the printer supports the printing services you use frequently. Compatibility with popular services like Cloud Print or Apple AirPrint is essential.
Ease of Use: Choose printers with intuitive interfaces, easy setup processes, and user-friendly mobile apps for seamless printing experiences.
Price: Determine your budget. WiFi printers suitable for cloud printing can vary in price, from affordable options around $100 to more advanced models costing $500 or more.

By considering these factors, you can find a WiFi printer that meets your printing needs and fits within your budget.

Cloud Managed Printing Solutions: What You Need to Know

Cloud-managed printing takes cloud printing a step further, providing a centralized and feature-rich way to manage your printing infrastructure, especially for businesses.

What is Cloud Managed Printing?

Cloud-managed printing is a system that allows you to control all your printers, user permissions, and printing jobs from a central web interface. The software resides in the cloud, eliminating the need for on-site servers and simplifying IT management. It offers numerous benefits, including:

Cost Savings: Reduce printing costs by optimizing printer usage and minimizing waste.
Enhanced Security: Control who can print what and where with features like follow-me printing for added security.
Scalability: Easily scale your printing infrastructure up or down based on your needs.
Simplified Management: Easily monitor and manage all printers from a central dashboard.
Remote Management: Manage your printing system from anywhere with an internet connection.

Popular Cloud-Managed Printing Solutions:

When selecting a cloud-managed printing solution, consider factors like your business size, printing volume, budget, and desired features to find the best fit for your needs.

Dive Deeper Into Printing Solutions

Want to explore maximizing your printing experience more? Check out these informative articles from our site:

How to Connect Printer to WiFi: Learn the simple steps to connect your printer and start printing with ease wirelessly.
How to Connect iPhone to Wireless Printer: Discover how to seamlessly print from your iPhone to a wireless printer, making your printing tasks more convenient.
How to Print from iPhone and iPad: Learn how to print documents and photos directly from your iPhone or iPad.
How to Print from an Android Phone: Find out how to easily print from your Android phone, whether at home or on the go.

Each guide is designed to help you navigate the world of cloud and wireless printing and ensure you get the most out of your devices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, WiFi printers are integral to the world of cloud printing, offering the convenience and flexibility needed in today’s digital landscape. When choosing the right printer for cloud-based printing, consider factors such as cloud service compatibility, wireless connectivity, print quality, and security features.

For those looking to enhance their printing experience, exploring cloud-managed printing solutions can provide additional benefits such as cost savings, simplified management, and improved security. By embracing these technologies, you can unlock the full potential of cloud printing and streamline your printing processes.

Ready to elevate your printing game? Discover the perfect printer and printing solutions for your needs at CompAndSave.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the cloud-ready printers?

The cloud-ready printers are devices that connect directly to the internet, enabling you to print from any web-connected device. It routes print jobs from your computer, smartphone, or tablet to the printer without a physical connection.

2. What are the benefits of Cloud print-ready printers?

Cloud print-ready printers offer the convenience of printing from any web-connected device. They simplify the printing process by eliminating the need for driver installations and making it easy to discover and print from available printers.

3. What does it mean by cloud-managed printing?

Cloud-managed printing refers to a system where printing tasks are managed through the cloud. It allows users to print from their own devices, whether at home or in the office, and centralizes the management of office printers, even with a diverse fleet of multifunction devices (MFDs).