An SPP is a printer that is plugged directly into an office computer instead of a campus network port; other people share it by connecting to the employee’s computer instead of going through the campus print server. This approach has significant drawbacks and support will be phased out through attrition beginning FY2015. We are providing advance notice so the offices that use SPPs can plan and budget accordingly and to allow time to review the alternatives. The campus impact will be relatively small since almost all offices use OTS-provided network printing sharing services instead of SPPs. If you’re not sure what you have, check with OTS or your college/department technology staff, if applicable. Further details follow.
Other methods of sharing offer improved security, faster printer setup, better ongoing service and higher reliability. SPPs currently in use or set up before June 30, 2014 will be grandfathered in. Offices can continue to use them and receive support from OTS until either the computer or printer reaches the end of its lifecycle, regardless of fiscal year.
Beginning July 1, 2014, if you buy a new printer and plan to share it or you replace a computer that hosts an existing SPP, you must choose one of these solutions instead:
1. Choose a printer with a built-in network card so you can plug it into a campus network port and share it using OTS-provided print services.
2. Buy an inexpensive printer sharing box and connect nearby computers to one printer (these are often called A/B switches).
3. Buy a separate printer for each computer.
4. Let other people who need to print log in to the computer connected to the printer (“share the chair” instead).
For more information, see the FAQs. If you have further questions, please call the Faculty/Staff Help Center at 410-704-5151 and press 2+2+2 on the voice menu.
