Dell Brings OpenManage to Printers

Dell is bringing the OpenManage systems management features found in other hardware components into its printer line.

Dell, which already offers OpenManage management software for its servers, client devices and networking gear, unveiled on May 22 several new printers that will come with its new OpenManage Printer Manager software.

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The new Web-based tool aims to enable easier configuration and deployment as well as creating customized reports and ordering supplies.

Customers who already use Dell desktops and notebooks are taking a look at Dell printers, said Lisa Howe, director of imaging and printing at the Round Rock, Texas, company.

"Customers that wanted to standardize on Dell wanted a management tool for their printers," Howe said.

Printer Manager, which will available in June, offers a series of alerts to tell administrators whenever anything is going wrong with a printer, from a failure to a paper jam, Howe said.

It also lets users get a view into each printer on the network, makes it easier to manage and order consumables, discover and configure printers and create reports for such tasks as forecasting ink and toner use and inventory management.

Dell announced the software along with a host of new laser printers that the company is rolling out, including the Multifunction 1815dn, and the 5310n, 5210n, 5110cn and 3010cn laser printers.

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