Simplifying Printing while Reducing Costs and Increasing Security

Jul 16, 2024 | IT Blog

Today, I’m happy to communicate improvements to the future of printing (and printers) at Mines.

The changes below will occur building by building over the next year as our new network is rolled out. They are part of our commitment to providing seamless printing access for the Mines community and are designed to make printing more user-friendly and efficient.

The changes described below will also:

  1. Simplify usage with one new print queue (BlasterPrint) that will print to any Mines-managed printer. You then use your badge to get your secure printout.
  2. Reduce costs by bulk purchasing paper and toner and streamlining maintenance/troubleshooting.
  3. Enhance security with automated patching and regular updates to protect our network and your data.

What’s Changing?

  1. Simplified Printer Queues: The many versions of OrePrint and OreCopy will be replaced with one: BlasterPrint. This change will make it easier to use the print function, reduce confusion, and ensure you can quickly print your documents without hassle. We plan to launch BlasterPrint on August 1st, 2024.
  2. Cloud Print for Mobility Service: This tool will allow you to print from any computer in your office, classroom, or home. IT is currently piloting cloud print, and we plan to roll this service out to Mines on August 1st, 2024.
  3. Printer Removal: When our new network is installed in your building, networked printers not utilizing BlasterPrint will no longer connect/work and will be removed. (USB Printers will not change.) You will need a BlasterPrint printer once the new network is installed. Please let us know if you don’t have a BlasterPrint (OrePrint/OreCopy) printer on the floor of your building, and we’ll ensure that one is installed.

We’re Here to Help

If you need assistance or have any questions about printing at Mines, don’t hesitate to reach out to the IT Service Desk. We’re here to troubleshoot any problems so you can continue to connect, work, and innovate without interruption.

 

Paper and Toner

Do you need more toner or paper for your IT-managed printer? Do you want to avoid the hassle of regular printer maintenance, such as installing driver and firmware updates? Are you looking for a new IT-managed printer for your area or department?

Contact the IT Service Desk by visiting https://helpcenter.mines.edu or calling 303-278-HELP (4357).

Your feedback is always valued, so please feel free to share your thoughts with me at andrewjmoore@mines.edu.

Thanks,

Andrew Moore CIO (Chief Information Officer)