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My experience with Google Cloud Print dates back to 2010, when it was first introduced to the public. This was around the same time that Chromebooks and Chrome OS were being introduced to the public. The idea piqued my interest, particularly having in mind that Chrome OS is a browser-based operating system. It made perfect sense for Google to be the pioneer in developing a solution that would facilitate printing over the internet.
In the beginning, Google Cloud Print was only available on Chromebooks, which made sense given that Chromebooks are dependent on the Chrome operating system. However, as its popularity increased, particularly with the widespread adoption of Google Chrome as a leading web browser, its limitations became apparent in environments that contained a mixed fleet of vehicles. For the purpose of expanding the utility of the product, it was obvious that integration with printer manufacturers was necessary.
As Chrome became more widely used across a variety of devices and operating systems, the demand for Google Cloud Print expanded beyond Chromebooks to include the Windows and Mac platforms as well. Users encountered a significant obstacle when they attempted to print from native applications, despite the fact that accessing documents through the web did not present any problems. From my own personal experience, I have seen Google Cloud Print transform from a Chromebook feature that was considered to be a niche feature to a printing solution that is sought after across a variety of computing environments.
Best Google Cloud Print Alternatives Comparison Table
Even though that isn’t exactly new information, we have some suggestions for you if you haven’t already. You can use them instead of Google Cloud Print. Cloud Print can be used to connect printers in different offices, manage and keep track of print jobs and budgets, and more. This page has options that can help you with all of your cloud printing needs.
Feature | PrinterLogic | Ezeep | directprint.io | ThinPrint | Printix |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cloud Printing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
On-Premise Printing | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Print Rules/ Policies | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Reporting and Analytics | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Integrations | AD, LDAP, SSO | AD, Azure AD, SSO | AD, LDAP, SSO, API | AD, LDAP, SSO | AD, Azure AD, SSO |
Platform Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Mac, iOS | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Deployment Options | On-Premise, Cloud | Cloud | Cloud | On-Premise, Cloud | Cloud |
Print Queue Management | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cost Model | Per-device licensing | Subscription-based | Subscription-based | Per-user licensing | Subscription-based |
Best Google Cloud Print Alternatives
The reach of Google Cloud Print grew too large, and Google had to decide whether to make printing their main business or shut down the service. They picked the second one. But they had to think again about how to make printing work on Chromebooks. So they made it possible for Chromebooks to print directly. Then, to fill in the gaps in Google Cloud Print, they started working with print software companies.
PrinterLogic
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Centralized Print Management | Manage printers from a single interface |
Driver Management | Simplify driver deployment and updates |
Mobile Printing | Print from mobile devices securely |
Reporting Tools | Monitor printing activity and costs |
Visit Website |
PrinterLogic’s powerful enterprise print management software will change the way you handle printing at work. It’s no longer necessary to write boring scripts and find your way around complicated Group Policy Objects (GPOs).
I’ve seen firsthand how easy it is to streamline printing tasks with PrinterLogic’s easy-to-use console and self-service portal. Their unwavering dedication to security is impressive, as shown by features like managing print jobs locally and printing without any problems when you’re not connected to the network.
The Good
- Centralized management
- Simplified driver deployment
- Secure mobile printing
The Bad
- Potential learning curve for new users
- May require additional integration for some environments
Ezeep
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Cloud Printing | Print from anywhere with cloud integration |
User Authentication | Secure printing with user authentication |
Print Analytics | Track printing usage and costs |
Printer Pooling | Dynamically assign printers based on availability |
I’ve found Ezeep to be a game-changer in my career because it makes sharing and printing documents so much easier. I’ve shared files safely, watched how people are using it, and tweaked print settings all from one central hub using their cloud-based platform. Their flexible plans and smooth integrations have met all of our organization’s different needs, making sure that everything runs smoothly and quickly.
The Good
- Cloud-based printing solution
- Secure user authentication
- Detailed print analytics
The Bad
- Dependency on internet connection
- Subscription-based model may not suit all budgets
directprint.io
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Virtual Printers | Eliminate print servers with virtual printers |
Print Queue Management | Easily manage print queues |
Secure Printing | Secure documents with encryption |
Active Directory Integration | Seamless integration with AD for user management |
With directprint.io’s new cloud-based printing service, you can get rid of your bulky print servers. Directprint.io has given me freedom—no matter where I am, I can now print directly to any network printer from any device. Their focus on security shows in features like pull printing, which gives you peace of mind in the digital world we live in today.
The Good
- Virtual printer infrastructure
- Simplified print queue management
- Robust security features
The Bad
- Initial setup complexity
- Limited support for non-Windows environments
ThinPrint
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Print Compression | Reduce bandwidth usage with compression |
Print Job Routing | Route print jobs based on location or printer |
Session Printing | Print from virtual sessions securely |
Endpoint Management | Manage printers and endpoints efficiently |
ThinPrint has been a big part of changing our printing infrastructure because they are passionate about making things better. Their virtual printing solution does more than just cut costs; it also improves efficiency by making print jobs more efficient, data smaller, and printer workloads more evenly distributed.
With a variety of deployment options and smooth integrations, ThinPrint has improved our productivity to a whole new level by working with our existing business systems.
The Good
- Bandwidth-saving print compression
- Flexible print job routing
- Secure session printing
The Bad
- Cost may be prohibitive for smaller businesses
- Advanced features may require additional configuration
Printix
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Cloud Print Management | Manage printers from a cloud-based platform |
User Self-service | Empower users to manage their print jobs |
Print Analytics | Gain insights into printing usage and costs |
Multi-platform Support | Works across various operating systems |
The cloud-based print management solution from Printix has made it easier than ever to take charge of our printing needs. Their set of features, such as secure pull printing, mobile printing support, and full cost tracking, has helped us keep an eye on printing costs and enforce our own printing policies.
My experience with Printix has been nothing short of life-changing. They have made our organization’s printing processes more efficient and saved us money.
The Good
- Cloud-based print management
- User-friendly self-service options
- Comprehensive print analytics
The Bad
- Reliance on internet connectivity
- Potential subscription costs over time
Criteria for Choosing Google Cloud Print Alternatives
When looking for alternatives to Google Cloud Print, make sure you choose the best one for your printing needs by keeping these things in mind:
- Compatible: Pick a printing solution that works with the printers and electronics you already have, like computers, smartphones, and tablets. Make sure it works with a number of different operating systems, like Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
- Printing Methods: Look at the printing methods that the alternative solution supports. To make things easier for people who work in a variety of settings and workflows, look for options that let you print using a number of different methods, such as direct printing, network printing, mobile printing, and cloud printing.
- Ease of Setup and Use: Think about how easy the printing solution is to set up and use. To make printing easier for both administrators and end users, look for options with easy installation, clear user interfaces, and features that are simple to use.
- Feature Set: Look at the list of features that the other printing option offers. To get more done and be more productive, look for features like print management, job scheduling, monitoring of printer status, printer discovery, print queue management, and advanced print settings.
- Compliance and Security: Make sure that the printing solution has security and compliance features that are high on the list. To protect sensitive print data and make sure you’re following the rules, look for options that come with strong security features like encryption, authentication, access controls, and the ability to do audits.
- Scalability and Performance: Pick a printing solution that can grow with your business and effortlessly handle a lot of prints. To support printing tasks that are important to the business, look for options that offer fast printing, reliable connectivity, and little downtime.
- Integration with Existing Systems: Check to see if the alternative printing solution can work with the business and IT systems you already have. To make workflows and data sharing easier, look for options that work well with directory services, document management systems, collaboration platforms, and other software.
- Cost and Pricing Model: Think about how much the printing solution costs and how it is priced, including any one-time fees, monthly fees, and costs for repairs and upkeep. Pick an option whose prices are clear, whose licencing options are flexible, and which gives you good value for your money.
Questions and Answers
a uniFLOW. UniFLOW is a free cloud-native alternative to Google Cloud Print that includes features and capabilities for print management. It is a free wireless cloud printing solution that does not require the installation of any software, integrates with Google platforms, and is recommended by Google Chrome Enterprise.
It was announced in January that Google Cloud Print would no longer be supported after it was deprecated. There will be no ability to print using Google Cloud Print on any device, regardless of the operating system it is running. Discovering an alternative print solution and migrating your print services is something that we strongly suggest you do.